apple news/media reports
09/07/2006, 11:00am, EDT
Thursday, September 7th
Apple's multifunction handheld patent
The U.S. Patent & Trademark Office today published Apple's patent application titled "Multi-functional hand-held device," depicting a cell phone capable of functioning in multiple modes. The front of the multifunciton handhel in Apple's new patent is described entirely as a touchscreen, with ports for power and data communications likely residing on the bottom of the device. The sides are to remain button free to prevent accidental activation, while the top might well house power and hold switches. The document was originally filed in March of 2006, and likely holds clues to Apple's upcoming special event scheduled for September 12th, according to MacNN Patent Blogger Neo. Industry watchers believe the company is set to unveil a new full-length movie service via its iTunes Music Store, and that the widely rumored "iPhone" will make its debut along with a revamped widescreen video iPod. The patent describes an electronic device that can function as a cell phone, music player, video player, game player, camera, GPS receiver, "hand top," and a remote control as well as describes the device functioning in multiple modes with the potential of a changing user interface.
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I don't think Apple will do a cellular 3G phone because that would really limit there audience to one carrier. Apple is all about not leaving anyone out (just leaving catches and functions out).
So here's to a wireless, iTunes/iPhoto/iChat/Skype phone with USB 2.0 all built-in, ready to go on any computer Mac or Windows. Listen to music, show pictures (or presentations), and make VIOP calls.
Sweet.
It may be coming, but not yet.
;)
3G is actually a bunch of competing technologies, just like the current US cell environment is a patchwork of incompatible networks. Apple can't support all of the 3G systems, and picking any one would limit them to only a few carriers in the US.
OTOH, Apple really isn't about being all-inclusive. They've gone their own way more times than not.
just go to phonescoop.com and see how that works. samsung, lg, whomever--they all like to release their electronics in a big splash wihtout talking to the carriers first--they just don't get the anticipation that apple does.
for my own desires, i have a walkman phone from sony ericsson that i love--for a phone (i don't even have one mp3 on it). i use my nano for music. i personally am not sure i want to combine the two.
but maybe that's because i cannot find a device that looks cool enough to carry around as both.
i imagine though, that with the right functionality and simplicity without turning into the freakin swiss army knife all the techno goobs cry about every time (resulting in the zzzz-ZUNE), this could be a cool device one that only apple could do.
as long as the newton people aren't back in charge :)
Back on topic - make a small(5G-60GB size, PDA-Music-video-phone that actually works and I'll get one or two...
I sure hope that Apple changes the playing field from cell phones that do everything to devices that integrate communication and computing services. In the end form based on function is what Apple does best and the cell phone is not the best.