Apple Computer is getting ready to enter the cell phone market with a handset built with iPod music player functionality, reported Japanese news agency Nikkei.
The highlight of the new cell phone will feature the ability to directly download songs from Apple's iTunes Music Store. Initially required to connect to personal computers, early next year, the iTunes Music Store will unveil a new service that allows users to download songs directly to cell phones.
Jointly developed with Softbank, a fast-growing Japanese Internet and telecommunications group that said last month it plans buy Vodafone's Japanese mobile phone business; the partnership appears to be using the power of Apple's brand to compete against mobile market leaders NTT DoCoMo and KDDI Corp.
Last year Apple and Motorola introduced an iTunes-compatible cell phone known as the ROKR E1, but sales were disappointing due to an imposed 100 song limit. Added to prevent the ROKR from cannibalizing Apple's own iPod market share, speculation has mounted that it was developing its own cell phone - popularly labeled the iPhone. The new iPod phone is planned to be released in Japan sometime this year at the earliest.
I guess this means the Moto/Apple deal is not going to go any further... not that the ROKR was that spectacular. The 100 song limit really killed a potentially great phone.
3. Posted by Cadd
Thu May 25, 2006 11:19 pm
Watch out world... Apple is the Golden Boy who can do no wrong. At least with Steve Jobs at the helm.
4. Posted by mikeearle
Tue Jul 11, 2006 8:41 am
is that 100 song limit the same on any iTunes handset? Motorola V3i has iTunes and i never heard of the limit (not that i use the V3i any way). it's got the expandable memory, i would of naturally assumed it wouldn't have a limit.
5. Posted by Pogo
Tue Jul 11, 2006 11:04 pm
I believe the 100 song limit was imposed on just the ROKR.
6. Posted by mgoblue
Thu Jul 13, 2006 10:10 am
So when is this supposed iPhone supposed to be released? I'm anxious to see what Apple has in store before I go out and get a new phone.
7. Posted by itsajoey
Wed Jan 31, 2007 12:37 am
believe its june.
8. Posted by Shalalala
Wed Jan 31, 2007 3:53 pm
$499 and $599 for the two to be offered. And I believe that IS the 2 yr contract pricing as well
Post a comment and discuss this story with other readers.
