Apple and Cisco in battle for iPhone name

The launch by Apple of a combined iPod and mobile phone device was confused today over whether the company has the right to use the iPhone name it has adopted.

The use of the name was brought into question after Steve Jobs, Apple's chief executive, launched the long-anticipated handset at the company's MacWorld event in San Francisco on Tuesday.

However, Cisco, the IT giant, owns the rights to "iPhone" and launched an internet telephone product under the brand three weeks ago through its Linksys division. Some commentators speculated that Apple would opt for the PodPhone name to avoid a conflict with Cisco however it seems Apple may simply buy the trade mark from Cisco.

The phone was already heralded as the must have gadget for 2007 and was given a favourable first touch review by both the New York Times and the gadget blog Gizmodo.

Amongst the technorati the biggest complaint is it is only being sold through one mobile phone provider, America's largest operator, Cingular.

Secondary complaint was no 3G. This may be an issue in Europe and Asia where carriers are using 3G networks to promote a bunch of rich media and high speed data service. Still having a second rate engine has not stopped the Beetle or Mini being a hit with the wannabe cool set.

It is due for release in mid 2007 in the US at around A$650 and sometime in 2008 in Asia, which includes Australia.

Jobs did his usual show man job selling the concept.