Apple research exec on recon tour of Israel, says newspaper
updated 10:10 am EST, Wed December 14, 2011
Company could build development center
A senior research and development executive with Apple, Dr. Edward H. Frank, is currently on a reconnaissance tour of Israel, says local business newspaper the Calcalist. Frank is claimed to be investigating the potential of starting an Apple development center in the country, following in the steps of other high-tech corporations like Google, Huawei, Intel, Microsoft, and Yahoo. The executive is in fact said to have already met with Intel Israel executives; he is also allegedly holding meetings with Israeli startups looking to impress Apple.
Calcalist comments that if Apple follows through on rumored interest in semiconductor firm Anobit, it may be interested in Israeli startups that likewise specialize in flash memory technology. Examples include firms like XtremIO, which works on server storage systems, and DensBit, which uses controller-based signal processing to enhance the function of flash memory processors. DensBit in particular may be attractive, since its technology can improve the reliability of flash memory to twice even Anobit's levels.
Anobit controllers are already used in iPhones, iPads, and the MacBook Air, which helps to explain at least some Apple attention. Anobit also promises that it can make 3-bit multi-level cell NAND flash last as long as 2-bit MLC, or 2-bit MLC function as long as single-level cell flash. Apple is likely eager to improve the reliability of flash while reducing the space it consumes in products.
