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The C1 chip is designed to enhance connectivity—enabling the smartphone to connect to cellular networks when Wi-Fi is unavailable, effectively facilitating phone calls and internet access. Underlying this major technological leap is a substantial investment; the company has been developing this chip for approximately 7-8 years and has reportedly invested multiple billions of dollars into the process.
To bolster its efforts, the company has acquired Intel's modem division and onboarded thousands of new personnel to advance this critical project. The risk associated with this move is notable; Qualcomm may pursue royalties for patents that they believe the company is infringing upon, likening it to a potential clash of titans in the technological realm.