Apple Registers iPhone Trademark

[MacRumors]

Apple Computer seems to have registered for a trademark (#930990) in Australia for the name of "iPhone":

Class: 9 Computer hardware and software

Class: 38 Communication by computer; communication between computers; rental and rental of communication apparatus and electronic post fans for personal use; electronic news services; electronic sending of data and stands on Internet or other data bank; supply of data and news by electronic sending; obtaining of access for electronic news services relating to here by shop of information and data on the Internet

Class: 42 Computer services; development and sale of media for use in computer networks, cable in bulk networks and worldwide communication networks; web site hosting; woven -site- hosting; software leasing; advisory services relating to computers, software electronics, telecommunication, security and -authentisierung-; enable of information, computer networks, cable in bulk networks and worldwide communication networks; advisory services and computer technical support services, computer networks, software and computer operated stands management and -workgroup-assembly on computer networks and worldwide communication networks; enable of software updating by computer networks and worldwide - komunikationsnetzwerke-; enable of on line magazine in area of computers and computer software


iPhone.org (http://www.iphone.org) has been registed by Apple for years... spawning much speculation. But other domains - such as iKids.com (http://www.ikids.com), Mammals.org (http://www.mammals.org) and MacMate.com (http://www.macmate.com) have also pointed to Apple sites for years.

Owner details are limited to simply "Apple Computer, Inc" from Australia's Trademark search -- no names/addresses to verify the identity.

[Dj Kioto]

I still think it would be too early to expect an iPhone in january

[Dj Kioto]

it might mean that its software, for fax phone (video) conferncing, by using that 56k modem on the back that i havn[t use in four years

in fact, I havn't used the modem on my 667G4 at all, and havn't used a modem since we had a 300G3

it would be neat to make phone calls on the comp, I know one has been able to do it for years, but with integration with addressbook iCal, etc... it may get interesting

[insidedanshead]

mmm an Apple iPhone.. so should I hold out on the Sonyericsson? The rumor of an iPhone or communication device from apple I think is pretty underated. I can seriously see it happening. The cell phone market is fast growing.. and much like the portable MP3 market I think Apple could jump right in with a phone and reset a new standard for cell phones.. but this poses a whole new set of questions.. under what services is apple going to allow the phone? T-Mobile, Verizon, Cingular? And if they do.. hope its a service thats in my area, :-)

[Dj Kioto]

...

[DreaminDirector]

...and I just bought a motorola T720. I love the T720, but damn I would love to have an Apple branded phone. Time will tell I guess. Any more details other than the trademark?

[saint]

If I was in charge of Apple, I would have registered the name "iPhone" also, even if they weren't planning to release anything by that name, but to stop anyone else from using the name, because of all of the recent hype and rumours about an apple iPhone.

If some other company brought out a new phone with the name iPhone, some people could mistakenly think it was the Apple product they had been waiting for. And Apple would be pretty pissed off.

Don't kick yourself if you've just bought a new phone, I don't think there will be an iPhone soon.

[springscansing]

Originally posted by saint
If I was in charge of Apple, I would have registered the name "iPhone" also, even if they weren't planning to release anything by that name, but to stop anyone else from using the name, because of all of the recent hype and rumours about an apple iPhone.

If some other company brought out a new phone with the name iPhone, some people could mistakenly think it was the Apple product they had been waiting for. And Apple would be pretty pissed off.

Don't kick yourself if you've just bought a new phone, I don't think there will be an iPhone soon.

I agree. It's standard for big companies to use the "shotgun" method when registering names. Anything they might use, someone else might use, or someone else might use to pose as the first using is what they go for. :-)

[mangoman]

I'm not holding my breath, but I AM using my old azz Palm III in hopes of a near-future Apple device... Oh Crap: Here we go again. Ladies and Germs, let the fanatical speculation begin!:D

[ELYXR]

The reason why cellphones are the next big thing is this:

A year ago... only a small percentage of people used their cellphones as their main phone. In just one year that number has skyrocketed and now everyone I talk to says that they are getting rid of their home phone. It makes sense... you give someone your phone number, but which one... the cell or the home phone? Good riddance. USWest is a horribly corrupt company with a monopoly on the local phone service in the northwest. Everyone I know hates them too... they dug their own grave and now they have to lie in it.

The cellphone is what the PDA could never be... the new portable computer that isn't geeky. It's actually the opposite... a COOL computer. Kinda like an iPod... hehe :)

ELYXR

[freedom]

I think Apple might come out with IP-telephony software
named: iPhone. Or something like that.
It might be a cordless phone that connects to your
computer and uses IP. Instead of the copper cables
in your wall. Remove your phones at home and use
your computer instead, it´s a lot cheaper!
You´ll need quite a fast connection though...
With the collaboration SonyEricsson/Apple,
I really don´t think Apple will try to compete.

Any thoughts?

I know I´d go for one if the user interface was
as easy to handle as all other Apple software.

Time to use your broadband for something else!
(And save a thick wad o´cash whilst doing it...)

[yosoyjay]

Originally posted by ELYXR
The reason why cellphones are the next big thing is this:

USWest is a horribly corrupt company with a monopoly on the local phone service in the northwest. Everyone I know hates them too... they dug their own grave and now they have to lie in it.

ELYXR

Let me introduce you to the year 2000 where USWest has just been bought by Qwest.

Actually, I've been without a land line for the past three years. Part of the reason was because my USWest/Qwest bill was higher than my cell fone bill. But, now I'm switching back to a land line because I dislike cell fones and the call quality has been steadily declining across the two different systems I use regularly.

Plus, I'm hoping that Apple doesn't build/design an iPhone and instead dedicates their resources to making OS X faster.

[NJANJA]

Trademarks in Australia can be registered in a 'telecommunications' class, which Apple has not done. This seems to be the trademark class reserved for things like telephones and associated hardware. Once Apple has registered in other classes, they wouldnt have a hope in hell of enforcing the trademark in respect of cellphones, since they have obviously deliberately left it out. The logical conclusion is that 'iPhone' is probably not a phone, but as many have suggested, is IP telephony software, perhaps integrated with future versions of iChat and Quicktime. I'd forget about a Apple branded cell-phone/PDA variant for the moment.

NJANJA

[aafuss1]

Well, thatr's fair dinkum trsadfemarking. And how would it workwith gsm network-plus probab;y they'd need to get Telestra making it wlkrk with Mobilenet,Optus and Vodafine.

[gotohamish]

Originally posted by aafuss1
Well, thatr's fair dinkum trsadfemarking. And how would it workwith gsm network-plus probab;y they'd need to get Telestra making it wlkrk with Mobilenet,Optus and Vodafine.

Is that how you write Australian?

[engpjp]

The iPhone - which might get a very different name when introduced - isn't a mobile phone; it's a phone connectivity service. As with so many recent Apple introductions, it is mostly relevant for the US, since that is where the cross-over points between Internet and local phonelines will be introduced. The widespread practice in the States of letting local phone calls be free is to a large extent what makes the idea interesting.

The network will have three major components: Mac-to-other computers, Mac-to-fixed phones (the call is sent via a locally stationed computer), and Mac-to-SMS. The latter is more relevant in Europe, but only the countries that already have such a (non-Mac) service will be eligible.

These services will be tied in with the .mac package. Needless to say, using relevant software (faxSTF, etc), one can send faxes.

The Mac-to-Mac part will include voicemail, VoIP, and videophoning; however, all these things will probably introduced in several packages.

And Apple just MIGHT introduce a VERY elegant headset module (ear-/microphones), using the upcoming standard Bluetooth integration in new Macs - as an extra, of course. Long-term, Apple is working on renewing voice-command/dictation services in the OS (still discussing whether to invest a MAJOR pile of cash on such a risky software development project, or go out and acquire the rights from someone like, say, Philips), and that also demands such a device, of course.

But the stagnation looms large....

engpjp

[freedom]

I guess a lot of speculation about PDAs and/or cellphones
goes down the drain.

Videoconferencing, telephony etc via iPhone is what
we will see in upcoming presentations from Steve.
Maybe through his new Powerbook G5(!?) from
a cosy island in the pacific...
Steve in the sand presenting various digital devices!
That would be a blazing keynote.
What a way to show all that it works!
:)

[macdop]

I think&hope that this a cell phone, and I think that it has many of the right suggestions to be, Apple announced that they would be partnering with Sony Ericsson and Cingular at MWNY, Steve also said that 2003 was going to be the biggest year in Apple's history, including their Digital Lifestyle Devices department, we are in desperate need of a PDA that works well with the Mac (Palm is a #$%!ing joke) and if its a Phone with PDA functionality, then that's spot on with what I am looking for, I was considering picking up one of these new Sony Ericsson P800's or Kyocera 7135's, but if Apple can come out with something, I think it will be way better, also I have heard more inside rumors that suggest something EXTREMLY exciting in Apple's very near future, and I would definitely consider this to fall into that category

[adamcoop]

Originally posted by gotohamish


Is that how you write Australian?

It's a Queensland thing.;)

[sweetaction]

http://australianit.news.com.au/articles/0,7204,5586853%5e15330%5e%5enbv%5e15306-15319,00.html

I think they are laying groundwork in the land down under to protect their brand name.

but lets get an iPhone. my t68i wont let me turn off the blinking service light ACCORDING TO SONY/ERICSSON. bummer.

iSync rocks

[748s]

Originally posted by adamcoop


It's a Queensland thing.;)

in queensland you have to cut the arse out of your pants to keep the flies off your face.

there is a company here that calls itself apple communications or apple phone cards or something like that. it has no relation to apple computer. could be a way of restricting them from using any more telephone stuff. seen an advert in a newspaper for apple ADSL. have asked apple computer au. what they are doing about it. so far no reply.

[iwantanewmac]

Originally posted by DreaminDirector
...and I just bought a motorola T720. I love the T720, but damn I would love to have an Apple branded phone. Time will tell I guess. Any more details other than the trademark?

Maybe a bit sarcastic...but.......also with a 4 month warranty and with the battery crapping out after 5 months? hehe

[lelereb]

A single button phone! :cool:

[richie]

Originally posted by 748s

there is a company here that calls itself apple communications or apple phone cards or something like that. it has no relation to apple computer. could be a way of restricting them from using any more telephone stuff. seen an advert in a newspaper for apple ADSL. have asked apple computer au. what they are doing about it. so far no reply.

O/T, but...
Yeah, Apple did take issue with them - it was settled by Apple Communications paying Apple Computer $100,000 and Apple Comm. having to change their name (now they're 'iGreen'). There was an article in The Australian with the head of iGreen whinging about having to change his company's name :)

[DaveGee]

Mac Jeopardy:

'Alex, I'll take iDevices for $100'

A: An Australia Trademark Search In The Fall 2001.
Q: Where was the iPods details first leaked?

:eek:

Dave

[DaveGee]

Here are the FULL TEXT versions of both the iPod and iPhone trademarks.


iPod (From Aust. TM DB)
======================
Word: IPOD
Image:
Lodgement Date: 02-OCT-2001
Convention Details: 31-AUG-2001
08612/2001
SWITZERLAND
Registered From: 02-OCT-2001
Acceptance Advertised: 11-APR-2002
Registration Advertised: 01-AUG-2002
Sealing Date: 22-JUL-2002
Renewal Due: 02-OCT-2011
Class/es: 9, 28, 38, 42
Status: Registered/Protected
Kind: n/a
Type: Word

Owner/s: Apple Computer, Inc
1 Infinite Loop,
MS : 3TM, Cupertino,
California 95014
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Address for Service: CLAYTON UTZ
PO Box H3
AUSTRALIA SQUARE
1215,NSW

Goods & Services

Class: 9 Computers, computer hardware, computer peripherals, hand held computers, personal digital assistants, electronic organisers, electronic notepads, apparatus for recording, transmission and reproduction of sounds, images, or other data; magnetic data carriers; mobile digital electronic devices, telephones, computer gaming machines, microprocessors, memories boards, monitors, displays, keyboards, cables, modems, printers, videophones, disk drives, cameras; computer software, prerecorded computer programs for personal information management, database management software, character recognition software, telephony management software, electronic mail and messaging software, paging software, database synchronization software, computer programs for accessing, browsing and searching online databases, computer software and firmware, namely operating system programs, data synchronization programs, and application development tool programs for personal and handheld computers; electronic handheld devices for the wireless receipt and/or transmission of data, particularly messages, and devices that enable the user to keep track of or manage personal information; software for the redirection of messages, Internet e-mail, and/or other data to one or more electronic handheld devices from a data store on or associated with a personal computer or a server; and software for the synchronization of data between a remote station or device and a fixed or remote station or device; computer hardware and peripherals

Class: 28 Games and playthings, namely, electronic games, hand-held electronic games and apparatus

Class: 38 Communication and telecommunication services, providing telecommunications access to web sites on the Internet; delivery of digital music by telecommunications, providing wireless telecommunications via electronic communications networks, wireless digital messaging, paging services, and electronic mail services, including services that enable a user to send and/or receive messages through a wireless data network; one-way and two-way paging services

Class: 42 Provision of access to websites containing digital content and information on a wide range of topics, including provision of online access

History
Opposition


Indexing Details - Word Constituents
IPOD

Indexing Details - Image Constituents
======================


And Now The iPhone


iPhone (From Aust. TM DB)
======================
Word: IPHONE
Image:
Lodgement Date: 17-OCT-2002
Convention Details: 19-APR-2002
2002 3555
SWITZERLAND
Acceptance Due: 25-JAN-2004
First Report: 25-OCT-2002
Class/es: 9, 38, 42
Status: Under Examination - Extension Fees Not Required
Kind: n/a
Type: Word
Examiner: Halina STAWSKI

Owner/s: Apple Computer, Inc
1 Infinite Loop MS 3TM, Cupertino,
California 95014
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Address for Service: CLAYTON UTZ
PO Box H3
AUSTRALIA SQUARE
1215,NSW

Goods & Services

Class: 9 Computer hardware and software

Class: 38 Communication by computer; communication between computers; rental and rental of communication apparatus and electronic post fans for personal use; electronic news services; electronic sending of data and stands on Internet or other data bank; supply of data and news by electronic sending; obtaining of access for electronic news services relating to here by shop of information and data on the Internet

Class: 42 Computer services; development and sale of media for use in computer networks, cable in bulk networks and worldwide communication networks; web site hosting; woven -site- hosting; software leasing; advisory services relating to computers, software electronics, telecommunication, security and -authentisierung-; enable of information, computer networks, cable in bulk networks and worldwide communication networks; advisory services and computer technical support services, computer networks, software and computer operated stands management and -workgroup-assembly on computer networks and worldwide communication networks; enable of software updating by computer networks and worldwide - komunikationsnetzwerke-; enable of on line magazine in area of computers and computer software

History
Opposition


Indexing Details - Word Constituents
I IPHONE
LTR

Indexing Details - Image Constituents
======================


Dave

[DeusOmnis]

Screw the iPhone, i want a Newton.

In any case, would it be profitable for Apple to make the iPhone? No one really expects to pay much for a cell phone when they buy one, they are concerned with the price of the server. Apple wont get any money from the service because the cell phone companies are all selling it as cheap as possible as it is. Unless the iPhone was a full PDA as well, there would be no use in making it. In that case, I want a Newton.

I might buy an old one off of ebay ;)

[.a]

orange has just released a cell phone with microsofts smartphone os
check out http://www.orange.co.uk/orangespv/
i have seen it, held it, played with it, it's awesome and the only sad thing is: ms... well, and some pleople say, it's ugly... i think the design is okay.

well, to beat this phone, apple should create something a little bit smaller, more elegant and an os that is apple like.

as much as i know, sales of cell phones were still growing this year. especially december seams to be wicked in switzerland, probaly most other countries, too... why not an apple phone?

anyway, my target is a sony ericsson t68i and i will buy in early jan03. gives me some time to check apple stuff...

.a

[JtheLemur]

I've got a T68i, and while the hardware side of it is almost perfect, the software is completely shoddy. It's incredubly sluggish, slows to a crawl when typing a "long" sms (like, after 20 words!), freezes for a few seconds when you try to do something quickly... Plus the phonebook is the worst I've seen in a LONG time. On the other hand, it's GPRS and Bluetooth connectivity is great.

Ive been thinking about a Panasonic GD55... smaller than the T68i, no Bluetooth, but on the other hand I've foind myself really NOT using Bluetooth much since I carry around a Sidekick, which serves all my web, e-mail, and Chat purposes... =) *justin

[giovanni]

JtheLemur, how do you realize that the poor performance of the T68i is software driven ? I though it was hardware as well. I really don't know, however, the point remains that the phone is slow, too slow. The only reason I, for now, can leave with that is the beauty of its integration with the Mac, which is the reason why I bot a cell phone after 10 years doing without one !

And here is my questions: if you did switch to a non bluetooth phone how are you going to communicate with the Mac, to sync adrs book and calendars, primarily, but also to connect to the net when traveling with your iBook/Tbook ?

gio

[.a]

right now, i own a siemens sl 45 and this one is really slow. have you ever compered slowlyness with these two cell phones, sl45 and t86i?

i just want my next cell phone to sync with my mac. the t68i looked okay for me, though i never tried it out...

looks like apple has to release the iphone to get all of us satified!

.a

[wrylachlan]

Maybe a wild shot but...

How many people would think this was useful?:

A .Mac integrated voicemail and fax inbox solution? Here's how it works.

1 - Voice) When you sign up for .Mac you register your home phone number. If someone calls you from a phone line, it works just like normal. If someone with .Mac or an associated companies product wants to call you they can use voice over IP. If you're not at home the Mac takes a message which is stored locally. When you're on the road you can call in for messages just like a phone machine, or go to .Mac which will pull the messages off your computer for you.

2 - FAX) When you sign up for .Mac you are provided with a free FAX number. This is an IP FAX number, so you must be connected to the net to recieve faxes which print out on your printer. The fax itself is stored on your .Mac address for a certain amount of time which you can set in your options. When you are away from home, all you need to do is connect to .Mac to get your faxes.

I think this is much more likely than another device. It is all software based. It can use open VoIP standards and open FAX over IP standards. It provides ease of use, further incentive for .Mac adoption, and with the FAX inbox, it offers something that business customers would love, a market that Apple wouldn't mind chipping the surface of.

[ajkandy]

Unless Apple could bring something significant to the cellphone market that major players such as Nokia, Ericsson, Siemens, Motorola, SAGEM (Europe), NTT etc could not - and I seriously doubt that is the case - my bet is that iPhone is most likely an IP softphone and/or videoconferencing application tied into iChat.

I can certainly see a next-generation AirPort supporting a wireless digital handset, or even 'shirt-pocket-pack + Bluetooth headset' combo for telephony in the office (your wireless extension that follows you around), or via a softphone at your Mac - this of course presuming your company already has Voice-over-IP hardware like Cisco AVVID gateways. But I wouldn't count on a traditional cellphone.

Dot-Mac services might be extended to support iPhone for home users in some areas - like what Dialpad Communications does now - essentially acting as a long-distance carrier, maybe through the Akamai network or Earthlink?

Apple would then become a competitive long-distance carrier....

[ajkandy]

Originally posted by wrylachlan
Maybe a wild shot but...

How many people would think this was useful?:

A .Mac integrated voicemail and fax inbox solution?

Such solutions already exist, but by integrating 3rd-party hardware and software. Fax service bureaus exist, and many large organizations use fax servers in-house to handle inbound and outbound faxing.

A network fax server is a bit like a print queue, rasterizing pages and then transmitting them. Usually this involves special, expensive telephony boards, although new solutions like XMediusFAX are 'boardless', using existing Cisco Voice-over-IP hardware. The other option is fax-email integration, where inbound faxes are delivered to users as messages with attachments, either in multipage TIFF or PDF format.

If Apple wanted to do something like what you suggest, they would have to go beyond basic .Mac email and web hosting and become a small telephone company.

To handle inbound calls and/or faxing for .Mac users, each user would get an extension like 1-(555)-555-5555 extension 5555. Apple would then have to get a boatload of Direct Inward Dial (DID) lines installed - each one of these can be mapped to 30 different extensions, so to support, say, 150,000 users, they'd need 5,000 lines. And to support outbound faxing, they'd need a boatload of T1 lines (which can each carry 24 voice channels), so another 6,250 of those, or about 225 T3 lines...

...or the equivalent amount of lines in Voice-over-IP connectivity, which would mean building a national IP voice network or piggybacking on a larger carrier like Qwest or Sprint....

Not that it's impossible, i'm just saying that it would involve a *lot* of infrastructure and cost.

So I'm guessing a basic IP softphone/videophone might be the real plan.

[encro]

but lets get an iPhone. my t68i wont let me turn off the blinking service light ACCORDING TO SONY/ERICSSON. bummer.

Neither does my T28 or T29.

To access the hidden service menu press:
>*<<*<*

Hopefully they haven't changed the sequence on the T68 :-)

[bbyrdhouse]

I have been saying for a while now that Apple will in the near future introduce a PDA type cell phone.

In my opinion that is what the iCal is all about.

I mean really, while a calendar organizer program may be good for companies, its really not very beneficial to typical computer users.

For years I have used the DAYTIMER organizer, but a couple of years ago I bought the computer software and ended up getting rid of it and going back to the trusty wallet.

Recently I bought a PDA to replace the DAYTIMER and am glad I did, but to just have a calendar on your desktop is almost useless unless you can take it with you.

I smell an APPLE PDA/Cellphone on the way!!!

[DeusOmnis]

the IP phone software that keeps getting described on here is worthless. Apple, like every other corporation in this world, is trying to make a profit. The IP Phone software would only be used in very specific locations, otherwise it would just be inconvenient.

Also, Apple needs to build up market share. Releasing another popular consumer item would strengthen that market share. Apple is also trying to go for the complete tech device image. iPhoto for digital cameras, iMovie for camcorders, SuperDrive to burn them, iPod for your music, iCal to take care of your organization stuff with iPhone/Newton to sync with it.

Now that i think about it, isnt iPod getting a color screen? Touch senstive? It seems to already have a large harddrive... where might that be going? My roomates's PDA, a Sony Clie, plays MP3s now that i think about it.

[Timothy]

for Apple to seriously enter that market. The potential market for buyers of a phone-specific device from Apple is miniscule...

Only Apple devotees would even consider buying such a device (with a minimal number of Windows users giving it a nod). But even then, Apple would have to produce multiple devices to used on the various differing mobile platforms; else, their potential market would be even smaller...

Finally, Apple would have to negotiate license deals with the various cell companies...something that is probably a lot tougher than one might think given the competitive nature and dire business outlooks for the various mobile companies.

In the end, a pure Apple produced cell phone would be a nightmare for them.

Rather, I believe, Apple will release a PDA device that will incorporate bluetooth, and then, using iSync, they will connect to your cell phone with full integration between the two devices. Additionally, I believe they will encourage another phone-manufacturer to produce a very small headset, utilizing bluetooth, that will act as the "phone" and yet be fully controlled by the Apple PDA.

This seems a much cleaner solution to me, allowing Apple to focus on their strength, produce a device that will be universally applicable to all of their customers, maintain and develop strong relationships with the mobile phone companies, and provide an elegant solution...

[tYNS]

A lot people seem to be missing the boat.

Apple's marketing strategy is focussed on the Digital Hub. Remember this. They make products and software to allow the average user to get more out of their computer.

Also remember Apple has not focussed on Hardware as much as software for the last few years. With the exception on iPod, apple doesn't have much else to offer outside their computer production. Besides in a struggling hardware market, apple is REALLY trying to focus on getting more average PC user to switch to MAC. Now is a PDA / Cell phone going to do this??? perhaps, but not right now..

More feasibly a software package that will be ground breaking would be approaching around the corner. Apple's OS X is lacking a Videoconferencing package that is easy to use. Sure there is Ispq and netfone... But something that the average user will be able to use. Something to put Apple at the forefront of the digital hub lifestlye.

Believe me the demand is out there. Iphone more than likely will be a software videoconferencing package like none other. Apple pushed hard to get Mpeg4 set as a standard in their Quicktime product. They are obviosuly working on a broadcasting solution as evident in the free Quicktime Broadcasting solution.

Imagine being able to conference with friends and family through high quality mpeg4 compression? The application will obviously be similar to a computerized telephone and answering system.

I remember reading a few months back regarding a project apple had through there .mac service to create a mimicing static ip?? can anyone verify if this is actually true?

It would make more sense for apple to lease out the iphone software to erikson and allow erikson to design hardware than it would be to take a giant risk investing millions into a phone/pda market that they really have no business being in. Apple is a computer company. iPod is a completely computer related device... A cell phone? well...

[Aeolius]

I bought a T68i with Cingular service. The following day, I returned it. While the phone was great, more bells and whistles than I could eat, the coverage was too spotty. I could not get a signal at my home or place of work.

I'll give them a year to get more towers, then I'll try again. Until then, my Motorola phone using Verizon will do the job.

[s10]

iPhone....
Apple gives us all those nice free iApps...
The iPod wouldn't function without iTunes.

iCal, iSync, iPhoto, iChat, AddressBook & Inkwell are all perfect for a pda/phone device.
.Mac is a perfect base for related services.

Apple is not making money on those free iApps, so these iApps are an investment for Apple, for something bigger.

GPRS /UMTS (in the near future) gives you non stop connectivity to the net and therefore also to to your .Mac account. So when you need info you can download it from there when you need it, so without having to prepare your pda/phone beforehand.
With this system you also don't need a huge memory in this pda/phone, so the device can be kept small or other hardware, like a build in camera can be added.

They have close links with Sony-Ericcson....


And now they own the iPhone name...

I cannot wait to buy one!

[AWG]

I don't think iPhone is cellular. I's probably VIOP based. And will include hardware and software. The hardware is an analog telephone router, like a Cisco 186 ATA. With this, and Apple software, it will be possible to call anyone anywhere in the world who has iPhone for free with a regular telephone, or from a Mac. The software will probably include answering machine capability. Apple will also partner with an existing VIOP company so that the same phone can call any standard phone for 2 or 3 cents a minute. International calls will vary in price, 5 to 25 cents a minute.

[DeusOmnis]

Originally posted by tYNS
A lot people seem to be missing the boat.

Apple's marketing strategy is focussed on the Digital Hub. Remember this. They make products and software to allow the average user to get more out of their computer.

Also remember Apple has not focussed on Hardware as much as software for the last few years.


I talked about Apple being the digital hub. But Apple doesnt make money with free programs like itunes, Apple makes money with selling the computers that run itunes and the iPods that play the music.

And i must note that Apple has been making huge sales in Asia with the iPod. Some ppl even bought macs so they could use them.

Apple cannot and will not make money making new software, especially not communications software.

[JtheLemur]

JtheLemur, how do you realize that the poor performance of the T68i is software driven ? I though it was hardware as well. I really don't know, however, the point remains that the phone is slow, too slow. The only reason I, for now, can leave with that is the beauty of its integration with the Mac, which is the reason why I bot a cell phone after 10 years doing without one !

Okay, true that it could be the HARDware making it slow... guess someone'll have to pick up a T300 and compare the two phones, since it's essentially the same software. But the lag when typing a long SMS is a serious issue nontheless for those who rely on SMS! It's sooo aggravating! But it's Mac integration is FLAWLESS.

And here is my questions: if you did switch to a non bluetooth phone how are you going to communicate with the Mac, to sync adrs book and calendars, primarily, but also to connect to the net when traveling with your iBook/Tbook ?

Well that's the thing actually - right now I'm really only using Bluetooth to connect while on the road for web, e-mail, and chatting with friends and co-workers... but I also have a T-Mobile Sidekick (Danger Hiptop), on which I can do ALL that without even having a laptop, so even though I "NEEDED" BT before, now I really DON'T... (plus, all the data on the SK is viewable using any web browser anywhere in the US!) So trading in the T68i for an even smaller phone woud be a convenience for those times that I ONLY want to carry the cell and NOT my iBook or Sidekick...

For those waiting for an Apple PDA/phone, the closest you'll get now is the Sidekick! On Danger's team is Rubin formerly of Apple and General Magic, and assorted other people from Apple and other places. It's the best device I've ever had, and that's a LOT of devices. It's very Apple-esque as far as usability and interface, and is just a FUN device to use. =D

[JtheLemur]

probably VIOP based

Voice Internet Over Protocol? Hmm, the future is heeeeere! =D

[tYNS]

Originally posted by DeusOmnis


Apple cannot and will not make money making new software, especially not communications software.

Again... Apple WANTS people using their computer.. In order for this to happen you NEED the applications. I have friends that I managed to convince switch over fo rthe sole purpose of making there own home movies with iMovie and iDVD. This is what the digital hub is about.

Apple's apparent "SWITCH" campaign will mean squat if they don't have the applications.

Application regardless of whether they are free or not make the computer.. which leads to computer sales.


My speculation is that iPhone software will be dependant on .Mac Services... If this is the case.. consider how many more .Mac accounts they will be able to sell. Perhaps there is a Pro version of iphone that is to be launched at the same time? Perhaps apple will charge for iPhone software to begin... iMovie is not a free application unless you buy a new mac or upgrade your OS.

It all works out to be profit in the end. How did microsoft get rich? selling software

I am not ruling out a possible PDA and cellular phone in the end, I do not think Apple will be producing it, They will be supplying the software and functionality on their computer for it, and possibly server software for them.

[DaveGee]

VoIP?

Been using it for about 5 months now and it rocks...

http://www.vonage.com/

$39.00 per month gives you:

- A *real* phone number
- Dial anywhere in the US (local/in state and out of state)
- Voice mail with email notification
- Caller ID
- Call Forwarding
- Call Waiting
- 3 Way Calling
- No computer needed (just DSL or CableModem)

Works with any (good quality) phone... Only thing that does cost is international calls. (but they have pretty good rates)

If anyone is interested in signing up let me know and I'll do a referal for you and you'll save $40.

Dave

[DeusOmnis]

Originally posted by tYNS


Again... Apple WANTS people using their computer.. In order for this to happen you NEED the applications. I have friends that I managed to convince switch over fo rthe sole purpose of making there own home movies with iMovie and iDVD. This is what the digital hub is about.

Apple's apparent "SWITCH" campaign will mean squat if they don't have the applications.

Application regardless of whether they are free or not make the computer.. which leads to computer sales.


My speculation is that iPhone software will be dependant on .Mac Services... If this is the case.. consider how many more .Mac accounts they will be able to sell. Perhaps there is a Pro version of iphone that is to be launched at the same time? Perhaps apple will charge for iPhone software to begin... iMovie is not a free application unless you buy a new mac or upgrade your OS.

It all works out to be profit in the end. How did microsoft get rich? selling software

I am not ruling out a possible PDA and cellular phone in the end, I do not think Apple will be producing it, They will be supplying the software and functionality on their computer for it, and possibly server software for them.


Apple isnt selling iPhone, so the Microsoft analogy is worthless.

The number of people that would want the proposed software version of iPhone would be too small to help appeal to the PC world.

All in all, if Apple wants to add more software they should work on creating a C++ compiler that would be very close to the ones used for PC software as to make it inexpensive to make software.

[JtheLemur]

Hey DaveGee,

Been using it for about 5 months now and it rocks...
http://www.vonage.com/

I was looking at their service and am still on the fence. How is the sound quality? Better than or equal to POTS? Any problems yet? I'd love to hear some feedback... Thanks in advance!!

[AndrewMT]

I believe there is a large market for cell phones that can go on the internet and can perform pda-like functions. The T-Mobile Sidekick (HipTop) is an excellent example of this. I recently purchased the sidekick but had to return it do to poor servie. T-Mobile GSM network is pathetically slow with constant disconnects (at least in Northern Virginia).

Anyway, I used the sidekick enough to know what I liked about the device and what I didn't.

Pros:
Keyboard (you NEED a keyboard for web browsinf and aim)
Web Browser that can surf most html pages.
AIM (puts sms messaging to shame)
Simple and easy to use os that syncs all the programs on the device.
Good design
!!!!!!!UNLIMITED DATA + 1300 minutes FOR $39.95!!!!!!!

Cons:
Low resolution monocrhome screen.
Poor Service on the GSM network.

Unlimited data on a phone with a keyboard and programs like a web browser and aim is lots of fun and targets the teenage cell phone buying group. Unfortunately, the low resolution monochome makes web browsing painfully complicated and almost useless.

If Apple can make a cell phone like the sidekick with the cons I mentioned removed, they can make as much money or more as they did on the ipod. Lets face it, almost everyone is looking for a good cell phone with a good plan today. In addition, a lot of people are looking for innovative features to broaden their wireless horizon. So, I will be saving the money which was meant for my sidekick for the iPhone.

[uberman42]

Homeskillets...get Qualcomm on the ball regarding bluetooth...they are working on chipsets that utilize b-tooth, but we need to get more mac fanatics to chime up and tell them of it as a value proposition to push it along...as you noticed, sprint and verizon are really the only two providers that do not have bluetooth enabled handsets because Qualcomm chipsets (whic are on 99.999% of their phones) do not have them integrated in the design...send them a letter...<http://www.cdmatech.com/cgi-bin/contact.pl>...and Qualcomm excels correctly when it comes to robust phone and network design...unlike GSM which are slow, shoddy, bad in coverage and has a propensity to drop calls...but alas always stretching by being the pioneers of adopting new tech.

as for iphone- i think that apple is actually trying get iPhone as a platform into cellphones (like symbian,java,palm, et al)...i mean what if you put the ease of use, connectivity, and adherence to open standards on a phone...Howz about syncing your cellphone that contains a firewire port (firewire over IP) to transfer data quickly? Or having a phone sans a keypad but just a wheel to do everything (like bringing back the rotary dialer- talk about a blast from the past.

[ChicagoMac]

The iphone will be something similar to the Handspring Treo. As some have already said, it would utilize Ical and I believe a revived version of the Newton. Apple was simply ahead of their time with the original. It would be more than just a phone but also a wireless web browser (Have you ever tried checking your email on a cell phone? It's like looking through a keyhole.). It would also have a color screen. I also believe we'll see it in January at MWSF. Just my opinion.

Then again, maybe the Ipod will be transformed into this creation, expanding it's capabilities. The ipod with wireless internet and hand writing recognition? There is already a rumor of the color screen. In that case, Iphone would be the software installed in the ipod giving you the ability to use your Ipod as a phone. I don't think this scenario is as likely, however, since the ipod seems to be doing so well already. I still think we'll find out in January.

[mangoman]

I'm predicting an improved iPod: color screen, with some cool SOFTware enhancements, too. Not much more, if anything.

Now, as for what I'd LIKE to see...(Ahh, I can hear the groans already...)

:D

[sprescott1974]

making phones just doesn't look like a profitable move for apple. the iPod made sense because it was a market they could easily jump into with a great product (usability, form factor, et al.)

i also don't think apple is going to be getting into the VoIP territory. It is just too complicated. I consider myself almost a power user and i would have no use for something of this sort. Apple seems to be all about simplifying the home computer so that any old joe can do everything old sci-fi movies showed them they would be able to. that is what the digital hub is all about. you can connect your cameras, your stereo, your cell phone.

now you'll be able to connect your home phone too.

so first, most households still have landlines in them. it is neccessary to have a working landline in your home to use dsl broadband. but it also has made it much easier to implent dsl as the number 1 source of broadband access over cable.

currently with a bluetooth adaptor and my t68i a call comes in on my cell and the contact pops out of the address book on my iBook and tells me that i am getting a call on my cell phone and who it is. i can then use a voice command or touch a button on my wireless bluetooth headset and answer the call.

what i see apple doing with the iPhone app is applying the functionality i have with my cell to my landline. of course adding more to it like auto-answer, voice mail, away messages, video conferencing i would imagine would eventually be a part as well. all of the technology is already there (answering machines, cell phones, caller id) Apple just needs to roll it into one neat package (like they do so well). i'd love to be sitting at my computer have a call popup and answer it in just a few strokes of the mouse.

this would put the mac only a few steps away from truely being the center of your digital world.

[Thanatoast]

wild and crazy thought: what if the ipod was upgraded, and instead of being a combo cell phone, was just a wireless enabled pda with VoIP?:eek: wouldn't have much coverage though...:( sigh...maybe some day (like when we all go to work in flying cars)