Apple developing 2nd iChat-based phone
updated 12:05 pm EST, Mon November 20, 2006
Second Apple iPhone
Apple is developing a second cellular handset that features 'messaging' capabilities, according to American Technology Research senior analyst Shaw Wu. "We believe it will focus initially on mobile IM as opposed to e-mail," Wu wrote in a research note obtained by MacNN. "From our understanding, [the new phone] will leverage off existing iChat software that runs on Macs." Time to market is uncertain because the new handset -- which Apple may brand as 'iChat mobile' -- is in the development phase, according to the analyst. The exact timing for Apple's original iPhone is still unknown, but Wu expects that a 'go-to-market' strategy continues to be the gating factor and that the phone will launch in 2007, with a potential release in the first half of next year. Additionally, Apple's new (PRODUCT) RED iPod nanos are selling well, according to Wu, who reiterated a 'Buy' rating on Apple shares with a price target of $92.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2002
wt heck is an ichat phone
this concept escapes me... a phone so you can type a messsage to your friend? why not just *call* them and actually talk and interact? Perhaps if Apple builds in an iSight so we can video conference on the go, that would be cool. [Thinking about earth:final conflict communicators]