Qualcomm, the leading manufacturer of CDMA radio chips (like those used in Verizon's Android offerings), is curiously now looking for an iPhone developer.
With rumors about an iPhone on Verizon's network coming in January, there is an assumption that Apple is already working closely with Qualcomm. The real question here is why a hardware maker would now need an iPhone software engineer.
According to a report on AppleInsider.com, Qualcomm makes a practice of hiring developers familiar with their customers' devices. Those developers are hired to focus on making the best customer experience. Given the history of AT&T problems, and the recent "Antennagate" debacle, it is no surprise that Apple and its suppliers would put plenty of effort into improving the customer experience on future devices.
While there are no details about what exactly this developer is supposed to work on, it is very likely that the developer will be tasked with working on baseband (radio) software for a CDMA or dual CDMA/GSM version of the iPhone. It is also possible that this has nothing to do with a CDMA iPhone, but rather Apple looking to source GSM chips from Qualcomm in the future. Either way, given the historical issues with iPhones and reception, it is good to see a radio manufacturer focusing on trying to make their hardware work well with the iPhone.
What do you think? Is this just another thing that proves a Verizon iPhone is coming in January or are we all just getting excited over nothing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments box below.
