Apple joins consortium, iPhone rumoring churns

Thought you could slip one past us, didn't you Apple, just like you did with BAPco? Well, let's be fair, it wasn't entirely a low profile day for Khronos, the media software consortium that Apple just joined today along with the likes of Dell and Google (among others), and we do know it's not so much like insular Cupertino to lower the drawbridge and send out envoys to industry groups with goals as nebulous as creating open APIs for the "authoring and playback of rich media on a wide variety of platforms and devices." Other Krhonos members of note include, well, just about every major tech company around, but since that also includes names like Symbian, Motorola, Samsung and so on we'll hold on tight to the iPhone angle. Because really, at this point it's just easier than spending yet more time with the tea leaves and divining stick.

[Via iPodWizard, thanks to everyone who sent this in]

[sheepbat @ Aug 2nd 2006 12:53AM]

Let's just hope this phone doesn't blow up and send them running to Microsoft for help.

[Chris @ Aug 2nd 2006 12:55AM]

They joined Khronos because Khronos gained control of OpenGL, which is what Quartz uses.

Sorry, no iPhone yet.

[sheepbat @ Aug 2nd 2006 12:56AM]

Agh.. wait.. that was Praxis.

[moo083 @ Aug 2nd 2006 1:10AM]

Control of OpenGL was just transferred to Khronos. That's a good reason for Apple to join. While I don't doubt that Apple has plans to release an iPhone (thought I doubt the name) I just thought I would point this out.

[Rda52 @ Aug 2nd 2006 1:13AM]

w00t another tip and i dont get credit, well if they release the phone il br first in line to buy it :D

[blake @ Aug 2nd 2006 2:08AM]

I can't decide if this is an appropriate name for a software collective.

[neXus @ Aug 2nd 2006 2:14AM]

Yeah, that, and you spelled Khronos wrong. "Other Krhonos members of note include..."

[Ihar `Philips` Filipau @ Aug 2nd 2006 4:00AM]

Slashdot is already at full bashing on that story. Sad thing that few people actually realize that OpenGL is only standard for 3D graphics.

In other words: which other group could have joined Apple? Short answer is none.

No secret that Mac OS X uses OpenML (OpenGL + OpenAL) for long time already.

And yes, recently Khronos was focused primarily on embedded space: they were working on OpenML (GL+AL) profile acceptable to phones/handhelds with less bells/whistles and some power saving features added. So all the rumours about iPhone have merit ;-)

[Intrepid @ Aug 2nd 2006 6:01AM]

This means nothing engadget! Stop wasting my eyes!

[z @ Aug 2nd 2006 6:28AM]

Bring it on apple, I'm tired carrying my k750i as well as my iPod, the second one only having a better ui, looks and capacity. Make one that can disable the phone part to be able to listen in planes, and don't forget the included iSight. Thank you.

[caesar @ Aug 2nd 2006 8:46AM]

Thanks for the "subtle" ad there BeWip......

[Ryan @ Aug 2nd 2006 2:50PM]

I too think that Apple's interest here is OpenGL. Despite the repeated rumors (which are inevitable since everyone seems intent on marrying DAPs and mobile phones) I don't think Apple wants to get involved in the mobile phone business; it's too low margin and Apple has traditionally gone after only high-margin products.

I also don't think Apple can deliver a product that would significantly distinguish itself from the market to bother with R&D and increased regulatory concerns (FCC and each international market they need approval from.) They have a brand image to uphold and plenty of other areas with growth potential, they don't need a phone and I don't think we'll see an iPhone, ever. Apple seems rather content with licensing iTunes to phone manufacturers as a limited substitute for the iPod shuffle.