Apple's Next Generation Device?

[MacRumors]

The International Herald Tribune reports on upcoming computer-cellphone hybrids that offer more functionality than traditional cell phones.

The article discusses what Apple may finally release on Tuesday at Macworld San Francisco. They reference unspecified "industry executives and competitors" and makes some interesting claims about Apple's rumored phone:

Apple has developed the first of the next generation of devices that are closer to personal computers in pocket form, meaning that they will easily handle music, entertainment, productivity tasks and communications on cellular and other wireless networks.

Certainly, many have hoped that Apple would enter the "smart" phone marketplace, perhaps finally reentering the PDA market after the demise of the Newton in 1998.

Without specific sources cited, however, this may simply be a rehash of existing Apple Phone rumors.

Macworld Expo kicks off on Tuesday, Jan 9th at 9am Pacific and MacRumors will provide live coverage.

[Ryan5505]

I hope I can use it on the Verizon network.

[lvnmacs]

Can't wait to see if this is true

[BlueRevolution]

I'm guessing this is just speculation, but it does sound promising.

[LastZion]

I feel like this is the 14th time I've posted this on different threads... but man I hope this happens on Tuesday. I am ready with CC in hand.

[theROZ]

just finished watching the most boring MS keynote ever...they presented not one new idea or fresh approach....i certainly hope that if apple does release an iphone it blows ms into the toilet....

[EricNau]

While I am keeping my fingers crossed, I have my doubts.

I guess we'll find out on Tuesday.

[chuckles:)]

what if apple isn't planning a phone, and all the hype is just speculation turned rumor?

[know-it-all5]

Originally Posted by chuckles:)

what if apple isn't planning a phone, and all the hype is just speculation turned rumor?

i would laugh for 24 hours straight!

[motulist]

Settle down people! Settle...

Remember the iPod speaker media event debacle. Obviously bigger things will happen at a Macworld expo, but try not to get your expectations so high that no real product could possibly meet. No doubt some super cool things are about to come out, but let's try and keep at least 1 foot on the ground at all times.

Aww heck, forget all that, just go nuts!

[Lunja]

It's interface will have to be as good as Nokia's Symbian system to sway me...

Are we thinking about this the wrong way though? Why would Apple try to compete with Motorola in making a normal phone? Would it not be better off heading into the BlackBerry market? That would offer incredible integration possibilities...

[rt_brained]

Might just hang at local Apple Store and view Keynote feedback from MacRumors just in case rumored iPhone is available.

[Peace]

Whatever the darn thing is other discussions imply they come in pink and other colors.

[tvguru]

I hope this is true. I'm thinking about buying a Blackberry when I return home in just over a week. Come on Apple throw a wrench into my plans.

[slffl]

People say they want this and that feature in the iPhone (ie slide out keyboard, wi-fi, 'smartphone', etc). I don't think Apple is going after the business market, just like with their computers and software. If/when they do come out with an iPhone, it will have new features that cater to the regular house hold consumer who likes music, photos, movies, IM, web (kind of like the sidekick). But it's not going to be a business executives dream (nor do I want it to be).

[Texas04]

Computer plus cell phone. I hope all carriers can use it.. I also am hoping that it is WiFi enabled for easy iChat usage... man.. mano man.. i am exited.. I cant decide weather to boycott the internet on Tuesday and wait till Wednesday to watch the keynote or just look at it on MacRumors Live...

[Digital Skunk]

I just don't want Apple to put out a crap device that is a regular phone. It has to be what this rumor is talking about. A smartphone that is the best media device on the market... next to the motorola stuff.

I am waiting for that. Not a candybar shaped junk device that does nothing out of the ordinary. I would love it (and Apple has the power ) if I could replace my Palm TX and crap Sprint LG phone with a device that is an Apple smartphone with OS X light. If it doesn't use Sprint's system I will switch!

Meh... why keep dreaming. If it happens it happens but if it happens it better be good.

p.s. ["God is the one who chooses our rulers" - Katherine Harris, 08/24/06] No He does not!

[mkjellman]

the biggest thing is...with Windows Mobile 5 and my Treo 700w I have come to live by Active Sync.....I'm a diehard apple user but i use products that let my exchange server connect with my mac..and everything originates from the palm most of the time...


if apple doesn't have active sync connectivity or blackberry connect, it will be a flop if they want to enter the smartphone/pda market

[Lunja]

Originally Posted by slffl

If/when they do come out with an iPhone, it will have new features that cater to the regular house hold consumer who likes music, photos, movies, IM, web (kind of like the sidekick). But it's not going to be a business executives dream (nor do I want it to be).

I'm not bothered about music, movies or IM on a phone. I'd much rather they teamed up with Canon to make a phone with a decent camera

[dashiel]

is anyone else surprised at the complete lack of any "real" leaks? in the past we've had some pretty accurate leaks, along with a ton of crap, but at least a few things have come through. the shuffle for one, the first flat screen imac, the nano. still a little more than 36 hours, but it is interesting.

[applekid]

iPhone... psh.

Just give me a PDA or Mac Tablet, Apple.

I don't know, despite all of this hype and rumoring about an iPhone, I don't think we'll see it.

Of course, I had the same feeling about Intel chips... The rumors weren't quite hitting me and making me feel all excited inside and couldn't believe Apple would make such a move.

[WildPalms]

Originally Posted by Peace

Whatever the darn thing is other discussions imply they come in pink and other colors.

iLube - apple scented gel, gentle enough for daily use

[Stridder44]

Ok maybe I'm not thinking outside of the box enough, but "smartphone"? A computer-cellphone hybrid? Rather you mean a PDA?? They're speaking of "next-gen" cellphones but it sounds like an ordinary PDA to me. I don't understand what could be so revolutionary that isn't already out (as far as the phone market is concerned). I do believe that if Apple did bring something to the table they could definitely market it better than anyone else has done, but still....


Or maybe Apple intends to finally kill the gap between PDA's, Phones, and MP3 players and reveal a magical all-in-one device (that actually works).

[SiliconAddict]

We already have smarts in the market. What I would like from Apple is pretty as well, at least from a GUI standpoint. Brains and looks. Bring it Apple.

I doubt it will be a PDA. The day Apple rereleases a PDA is the day the MN Vikings win the Super Bowl. (Translation: The apocalypse will occur.)

[sartinsauce]

Originally Posted by dashiel

is anyone else surprised at the complete lack of any "real" leaks? in the past we've had some pretty accurate leaks, along with a ton of crap, but at least a few things have come through. the shuffle for one, the first flat screen imac, the nano. still a little more than 36 hours, but it is interesting.

Bothered, no. I'm resigning this MWSF to be a ho-hum keynote. Like many have said, I think the most exciting thing we'll see it more Leopard previews and features. Probably we'll see the iTV again. Shipping dates announced for both, taking orders now. I don't expect any new devices. It'll be interesting to see what (if anything) the mainstream media does if an ApplePhone isn't released. There's so much media presence at the keynote's these days, I'm curious to see a response to a boring keynote.