Apple files for "iPhone" trademark
updated 03:15 pm EDT, Mon October 16, 2006
"iPhone" trademark
Apple has officially filed for the "iPhone" trademark, which all but confirms rumors that the Cupertino-based company will launch its own mobile handset in the near future. Discovered in a Southeast Asian trademark filing dated September 15th, the trademark uses the name in direct reference to a device which is listed both under the category of "MP3 and other digital audio players" as well as handsets capable of "sending and receiving telephone calls," according to AppleInsider. The filing also covers the role of a "stand-alone video game machine," suggesting that the new phone will allow users to play games -- such as those recently released via the iTunes Music Store for $4.99 each -- which currently work with Apple's video iPod models. Apple has previously filed for related patents in the U.S. but hasn't committed itself to specific descriptions or names until now. [updated]
Two different iPhone models are likely to appear, according to AppleInsider. Prudential Equity Group analyst Jesse Tortora refers to anonymous sources claiming that the new phone will be available in two distinct versions: a slim, basic version that will play only music, and a deluxe variant which will offer Wi-Fi, video support, and a dedicated keyboard for messaging. No specific timeframe was given for when the phone will appear, though analysts such as Piper Jaffray's Gene Munster have speculated that MacWorld 2007 is a likely venue for the introduction.
A Taiwanese phone maker in late March claimed that Apple executives were talking to various phone makers in an effort to ink a manufacturing deal for an iPod-like phone. Reports followed in mid-May that the iPod-maker had in fact partnered with Softbank -- a Japanese firm -- and that the companies would release the phone in Japan some time this year. A later report claimed that Apple CEO Steve Jobs was discussing the iPhone aloud at Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, and that the executive had approved the release of prototype cell phones to at least two potential OEM manufacturing partners.
A patent soon surfaced depicting a "Multi-functional hand-held device" which described a cellular phone capable of functioning in multiple modes. Shortly after the patent came into view, industry analyst Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray predicted up to 12 million iPhone sales for Apple if it debuts at Macworld 2007 in January of 2007, and that the device could raise the company's earnings-per-share in its calendar year 2007 by 6-10 percent.
A recent survey revealed that European customers are also interested in Apple's cellular handset, with 74 percent of respondents saying they would likely purchase a music phone if the price were $285. In a separate report, the analyst points to expanding music phone sales in the U.S. as a sign that Apple will likely debut its new phone within 3-6 months, for fear of missing early adopters.
WooHoo
10/16, 03:53pm reply
Exciting!!
e2Sync
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Joined: Feb 2005
iPhone = Video iPod?
10/16, 04:06pm reply
What if hte iPhone and the rumored video iPod were the same product. Not necessarily combining ALL of the rumored features, but all the best ones....phone, touch-sensitive screen, wi-fi, etc. Just a thought.
Berko
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Joined: Oct 2006
Surprised!!
10/16, 04:25pm reply
Hmmm . . I'm a little surprised that no one else took the trademark first or is it understood not to get a iAnything cause Apple will want it? Probably would have to prove you could come out with your own device? Who knows? Well that may be the one more thing in January.
kirktalon
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Joined: Jun 2002
time to short Motorola
10/16, 05:36pm reply
by the time the iPhone comes out, my contract with T-Mobile will be up! Everyone has a RAZR now, but I can tell you that no one thinks it's that great of a phone other than the thinness of it. And the keypad sucks a**, and navigating it is a drag.
I predict that five years from now, Microsoft will come out with a ZunePhone...
climacs
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Joined: Sep 2001
My hopes...
10/16, 05:46pm reply
Well,
I hope that we will see 2 distinct types of cellphone devices from Apple...
1. Something like the shuffle, very small, with the clip, Shuffle button controls. Fully voice activated, built-in bluetooth for hands free use. 1GB memory for music.
Voice training/setting up the voice dialing would be in AddressBook for MacOS X 10.5 users, in a custom app for XP/Vista.
2. iCrackberry phone from Apple. This is the one I want... s**** Music playback, give me an iCrackberry (PDA?Mobil email)that would also work with Salling Clicker and Front Row/Keynote as a Buetooth Remote. Scroll-wheel input/navigation would be ideal, IMHO. Perhaps partner w/ RIM on the device/service.
Both of these should be unlocked GSM quad-band devices God willing. Would love to see RF as good as or better than my Moto V635.. I want to walk into an Apple Sore, buy my iCrackberry, pop my SIM card in, and GO. Maybe make a RED sprint or version version 6mo later ;-).
Just my $0.02US.
jwd
jwdsail
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Joined: Jun 2000
at last
10/16, 06:08pm reply
I must be the only person in the civilized world under 50 that does not have a cell phone. one reason everyone I have borrowed or used from a friend has been a nightmare of menu's and tiny buttons and screens. Just maybe Apple will make the cell a simple device that is elegant and powerful enough for all those obsessed with endless functions.
kerryb
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Joined: Aug 2001
iPhone.org
10/16, 07:58pm reply
www.iphone.org
iMarcel
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Joined: Jul 2003
smaller is better
10/16, 08:50pm reply
Forget a shuffle-sized iPhone. The way to go would be a Tic Tac sized iPhone. I mean while we're dreaming up impossibly small schtuff, why not go for broke?
malax
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Joined: Aug 2006
Okay, now I'm excited....
10/16, 09:48pm reply
I wasn't excited before, but if Apple makes two versions, then I could see buying one. I just don't want a candybar phone. Flip-phone and as much pda-ness as possible.
I sure hope a kind of clickwheel is used, but I also hope they break the mold on the form factor, like someone else said, and use a more elegant set of buttons.
MacnnGregor
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Joined: Apr 2004
malax...
10/17, 12:08am reply
Sigh.. I've Spotlighted my hard drives on 3 Macs so far, and can't find the pdf of the article, sigh.. I'd swear I saved it.. sigh...
However, from what I remember... at a recent trade show, they already have phones like I described as tech demos, (not intending to ship) and the people showing them were calling them their Star Trek communicators (not TOS, TNG).. So, perhaps a few cm larger in each direction than the Shuffle, but doable? I mean, a year ago, would you believe the Shuffle was possible?
I'll keep looking.. this is going to drive me crazy..
jwd
jwdsail
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Joined: Jun 2000