Is Apple Considering An IPod Phone?

Apple Computer Inc.'s recent trademark applications have fans asking whether the computer maker is building a device that would combine the iPod portable media player with a mobile phone, but at least one expert on Tuesday gave such a device a "low probability."

In early January, the Cupertino, Calif., company filed four trademark applications for the term "Mobile Me." The applications covered areas such as computer services, providing music over a local or global communication network, portable digital electronic devices and software, and telecommunication services.

Apple was not immediately available for comment, but the filings sparked speculation that Apple was working on an iPod phone.

"Let the speculation begin!" said blogger W.Y. in Malaysia.

Apple entered the mobile phone market in September with the unveiling of the Rokr, manufactured by Motorola Inc. that plays music purchased through Apple's popular iTunes music store. Available through Cingular Wireless, experts were less than enthusiastic, given that the device could only hold as many as 100 songs. The iPod, on the other hand, can hold thousands of tunes.

"We haven't seen anything that looks and feel like an Apple product yet," Julie Ask, analyst for JupiterResearch said.

Michael Gartenberg, also an analyst with JupiterResearch, said it was a "low probability" that Apple would build an iPod phone. Apple currently holds about 75 percent of the market for digital media players, and it would make more sense for the company to continue focusing on features and services for the current product line.

"What they need to do is keep the product fresh, so it remains feature and price competitive with competing products," Gartenberg said.

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