Apple trademark feeds the iPhone rumor mill
Apple Computer's filing last week of ," has refueled speculation among analysts and bloggers alike about the possible launch of the company's own iPod mobile phone.
Even Motorola CEO Ed Zander, weeks after his company last September announced the Rokr cell phone with iTunes software, said Apple would be making its own phone. "It's just a matter of time," he said.
But the trademark application, which covers everything from cellular to mobile services including digital music, has got people talking again. Plus, analysts like Shaw Wu of American Technology Research and some others have said the trademark is further indication that Apple's looking into smart phones or operating its on mobile phone network.
Just more fodder for those impassioned players of the "What's Apple's next move?" game.
Blog community response:
"The main point here is not to be able to buy music on the go. It is the possibility to bring only one device and one set of headphones. And to own the most sexy cellular ever built."
--www.eirikso.com
"Let the speculation begin! Again Apple in the center of media attention and this time is not about Mac World Expo or the new Apple-Intel relationship. This time is something bigger."
--Random Citations
"...Just don't act too surprised when Apple phone service comes out with over-the-air downloads at the industry's current unacceptably expensive rates leashed to a so-so/seemingly-noncommittal Moto music phone."
--Engadget
"...Ultimately, the Rokr lacked direct download functionality, leading some to conclude that the question of cost and profit splitting was never solved to satisfaction of Apple, Cingular, and Motorola. Running its own network would give Apple complete control over those issues, and opens up the possibility of other services such as .Mac access and synchronization across a wireless network. As this would fall into the category of 'unannounced products,' we don't expect Apple will have much to say about 'Mobile Me.' But don't be surprised if there's another special event in the next couple of months. After all, Jobs concluded his Macworld keynote with 'see you soon.'"
--Ars Technica