Samsung replaces SigmaTel

Apple's second-generation iPod shuffle is likely the bearer of a Samsung processor, rather than the expected SigmaTel chip which has adorned Apple's Shuffle since its inception in January of 2005. Analyst Craig Berger reviewed a teardown of Apple's smallest iPod, according to AppleInsider, concluding that the device processor resembles a Samsung chip recently identified as the primary component in Apple's second-generation iPod nano. "The processor is an Apple logo-stamped ARM chip (#337S3300 844A), similarly named to the Apple logo-stamped ARM chip found in the new iPod nano (#337S3291) that is known to be a Samsung chip," Berger said. A Samsung executive in late May revealed details about a forthcoming iPod before Apple authorized such discussions, which was said to have cost the semiconductor company a contract with Apple to produce chips in its iPod portable media players. Conversely, SigmaTel announced in mid-February that it hoped to win bigger contracts from Apple in the second half of 2007, despite at least one analyst's doubt that the company could even hold its existing business.

by MacNN Staff