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Linksys Launches iPhone Products, Not Apple

Linksys Launches iPhone Products, Not Apple

by , 11:20 AM EST, December 18th, 2006

The "iPhone" moniker has finally been applied to a real product, but it isn't coming from Apple. Linksys launched its VoIP iPhone products on Monday for PCs. Unlike the fabled Apple iPhone, which is expected to be a more traditional smart cell phone, the Linksys iPhone products operate though Internet connections and are compatible with applications like Skype and Yahoo! Messenger.

Now that iPhone is officially tied to Linksys and doesn't include Mac support, speculators and rumor mongers will have to come up with a new term to describe the phone product that many expect Apple to unveil at Macworld Expo in January. Dial-a-Mac? iPod chit-chat? Sorry, AppleTalk is already taken.

Digg!

Observer Comments

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Close Name:geoduck Posts: 1922 Joined: 30 Dec 2003
Subject:

Did Apple not register iPhone? If they didn't, it would be significant evidence against a postulated Apple branded cell phone. If they did, you know that Apple legal is gonna' be all over this.



Last edited by geoduck on Mon Dec 18, 2006 1:01 pm; edited 1 time in total
Reply | Quote
Close Name:Dreadnought Posts: 162 Joined: 01 Jan 2005
Subject: Filing is not the same as registering

Apple filed for a trademark for 'iPhone" and have run into problems. It was not granted the registration. A Canadian company already owns it. Which doesn't explain how Linksys can use it, Hmmm,

Close Name:tbone1 -   TMO Staff Posts: 3981 Joined: 13 Jul 2001
Subject:

It was originally granted to some internet appliance company which later got bought out, blah blah blah.

Now, you can call me old fashioned

["You're old fashioned!"]

Okay, but do you know what I want most in a cell phone? Not having the call drop because their network was designed, apparently, by the same people who brought us student government and network television. You know, I'd like the phone to be able to make, take, and hold onto a call.

Close Name:Bosco Posts: 1002 Joined: 03 Jun 2002
Subject: My name suggestion...

The "Fabled iPhone by Apple".

Close Name:geoduck Posts: 1922 Joined: 30 Dec 2003
Subject:

Quote
tbone1 wrote:
Okay, but do you know what I want most in a cell phone? Not having the call drop because their network was designed, apparently, by the same people who brought us student government and network television. You know, I'd like the phone to be able to make, take, and hold onto a call.

And nothing else.
[oft repeated rant]
I just want a D**n phone. No camera, no web, no e-mail. I have things that do those already. I just want a phone that works and that doesn't cost and arm and a leg for service.
[/oft repeated rant]

Close Name:mrmgraphics Posts: 825 Joined: 05 Sep 2003
Subject:

+

Quote
geoduck wrote:
Quote
tbone1 wrote:
Okay, but do you know what I want most in a cell phone? Not having the call drop because their network was designed, apparently, by the same people who brought us student government and network television. You know, I'd like the phone to be able to make, take, and hold onto a call.

And nothing else.
[oft repeated rant]
I just want a D**n phone. No camera, no web, no e-mail. I have things that do those already. I just want a phone that works and that doesn't cost and arm and a leg for service.
[/oft repeated rant]

While I agree that a cell phone must first and foremost be a great phone, if I can get a decent digital camera in it, why not? It means I always have a camera with me. No, it won't take the place of my dedicated cameras, but I've got nothing against convergence so long as the primary function (making and taking phone calls) works well. See this thread for more thoughts:

http://www.macobserver.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=49083

Close Name:WetcoastBob Posts: 83 Joined: 17 Aug 2006
Subject:

I'm with geoduck.....
"I just want a D**n phone. No camera, no web, no e-mail. I have things that do those already. I just want a phone that works and that doesn't cost and arm and a leg for service."
I also do not have time to figure out how all this bloody stuff works and then try to remember it 2 months later.
Cheers: Bob

Close Name:Guest
Subject: Hmmm, me thinks you is wrong.

I just saw the keynote and they did release the iPhone - from APPLE! It's sleek, beautiful and in keeping with Apple design is perfect, well almost perfect. I didn't see a slot for SD cards. Is this an oversite or plans for iPhone2?

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