HTC buys into console graphics manufacturer S3
Secures 235 patents and S3 Texture Compression algorithm
Smartphone manufacturer HTC has snapped up S3 Graphics, which produces graphics chipsets for Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo.
HTC acquired all outstanding shares for the American company for $300 million, securing 235 S3 Graphics patents and pending applications.
"S3 Graphics has a long history of designing graphics processor chips and technologies," said CEO Dr. Ken Weng. "S3 Graphics' technology has been implemented in more than one billion computers, game consoles and mobile devices worldwide."
S3's chipsets support HD Blu-ray and 3D acceleration, and its S3 Texture Compression algorithms are licensed to Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo. It reduces bandwith use and increases storage and processing of texture imagry. It's also used in smartphones and tablets.
"As a leading mobile innovator, HTC is committed to continually enhancing its IP portfolio," added HTC CEO Peter Chou. "S3 Graphics’ patents are highly complementary to HTC’s existing innovations and multimedia capabilities."