Apple has been taking more of the design of the chips inhouse over recent generations of them, leaving Samsung just as a fab rather than designer.

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Just one year old now, Fab has grown quickly as a site focused on quirky design products at a variety of price points.

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Fab competitor One Kings Lane also just launched a nationwide TV ad blitz.

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These are just a few of the factors in play behind the scenes at the Fab 50 selection.

FORBES: Why 2 Warhorses Made the Latest Fab 50

Changing business conditions, upstart competition, bad luck and just plain dumb decisions can knock the highest-flying companies off the Fab 50.

FORBES: Magazine Article