Business-centric iPhone, wireless speakers rumored

No sooner than JP Morgan squashes the iPhone nano rumor and gives legs to the 3G hunch, here we have more "Taiwanese sources" shooting off about future Apple and iPhone-related products. Granted, the vast majority of these propositions are bordering on laughable, but the suggestion of an "iPhone for business" isn't too far fetched -- especially considering that Apple has already hinted at appeasing the suits in due time. Additionally, these anonymous voices insinuated that Apple was working on a wireless audio system "that would allow music to be played directly from an iPod, iPhone, or range of Apple computers." We're not saying we believe any of it (yet), but feel free to affix your skepticism filter and hit the read link for the full report.

[Thanks, Steven]

[hartmania @ Jul 11th 2007 7:10AM]

Apple better just focus on perfecting the regular iPhone before they start releasing complimentary models.

[AlanJC @ Jul 11th 2007 7:20AM]

* Additionally, these anonymous voices insinuated that Apple was working on a wireless audio system "that would allow music to be played directly from an iPod, iPhone, or range of Apple computers." *

In these here parts, we call them Bluetooth headphones.

Is it so hard to believe that Apple would include the A2DP specification i nfuture Bluetooth enabled devices?

You can already get an A2DP module supporting AVRP for the iPod, made by i.tech.

This is more an issue of *when* not *if*.

[Boz @ Jul 11th 2007 7:21AM]

I don't think that this concept is too far fetched at all. Apple have had Airtunes around for a while. All they would have to do is a software update for the iPhone and hey presto, Airtunes compatibility in the iPhone and the new iPods if they are indeed given limited wireless.

I think that the important thing for Apple to do is to get the european release pushed forward as fast as possible before people lose confidence in the device and the 2.5G hype becomes a serious issue.

[phil_bo @ Jul 11th 2007 7:31AM]

Can we give the iphone rumors a little break? 5 Minutes maybe? Honestly, it's out of control! It has become the subjectI least enjoy talking about... *yawn*

[kit @ Jul 11th 2007 7:42AM]

yup ......i'm getting so sick of iphone news. and no i did not click this news to read it but just to put in this comment. the iphone is a very very very very very very average phone .............

[vandlism @ Jul 11th 2007 7:44AM]

The wireless speakers are not hard to believe. We have all of the pieces, just need some updates in the hardware. The iPhone and most Macs have Wi-Fi built in, and AirTunes has been a feature of iTunes since the AirPort Express shipped. The speakers could simply by an update iPod Hi-Fi with a wireless card in it that would allow music to be streamed. The next iPod could have built in Wi-Fi (to settle in next to the Zune) and we will then have instant music streaming capabilities.

[phil_bo @ Jul 11th 2007 7:49AM]

... and please take the banner down already... we get you have the essential iphone review, but everyones read it already... and being reminded of its existence every time we access the site is getting on my nerves... ;) thanks!

[Tom @ Jul 11th 2007 8:04AM]

Unlikely, given Job's ridiculing of Microsoft's many versions of Vista. If they add business capability, it will be built into the same iPhone via a software update.

[nico @ Jul 11th 2007 8:08AM]

Anyone who thinks the iphone is an average phone hasnt used one. Period.

The ease of use, the OS, visual voicemail, the text messaging system, the desing, the touch screen, the way the whole package is put together, web browsing, the ipod, it all makes the iphone a truly revolutionary phone.

Yes, there are phones that can do most of the things the iphone can, but none can do it with the efficiency, simplicity, enjoyment of th iphone

[Xzavier @ Jul 11th 2007 9:35AM]

"Anyone who thinks the iphone is an average phone hasnt used one. Period."

Unless that phone can do something else that other phones can't do... besides TALK, then it's just an average phone. Sorry dude!

[sam @ Jul 11th 2007 8:11AM]

how 'bout waiting until apple addresses the short comings of the current iphone and gets the leopard out of the door before dreaming about new versions of anything. it seems to me that they have too much unfinished stuff as it is without throwing development resources to any new effort...

[hartmania @ Jul 11th 2007 8:21AM]

Every other manufacturer includes A2DP and no one really notices because it's pretty much expected in a phone nowadays. Apple releases a phone without the technology, then unveils plans for a "wireless audio system" and it's deemed revolutionary. Give me a break.

[Mike @ Jul 11th 2007 9:24AM]

they already have a way, there is a bluetooth stereo adapter you can buy i believe its made by motorola, you pair you stereo bluetooth enabled device to this box, the box then has composite audiojacks out which plug into a stereo there for giving you wireless audio

[nico @ Jul 11th 2007 10:13AM]

Xzavier

I dont think you get it.

There is more to a device than what it cant or cannot do.

HOW it does it is just as important...

[Chris Elam @ Jul 11th 2007 11:27AM]

As for the business part of the post, we tried to order a couple and put them on our corporate att/cingular account. Nope. Cingular won't let us order or bill thru corp account. Has to be a personal account. So much for the businesses using them.

[jilie @ Jul 11th 2007 1:20PM]

it matters also, how much you are an Apple's slave

[G-stylez @ Jul 11th 2007 1:19PM]

Let me put my 2cents about the iPhone. I've owned it since launch. Before this I just had ordinary cell phones. The last one was a motorola phone that could take pics, had bluetooth, and if I paid extra can browse the web which sucked. I have never owned a "smartphone" but always wanted a phone with internet, email, etc... I had looked at some devices Verizon was selling but they didn't seem easy to use. I'm using the iPhone mostly for personal use and some business. The iPhone is great because of it's ease of use and quick navigations to switch from apps. The key thing about the iPhone is that it makes it FUN to use... where as other phones may have the same features... it's not as great and as fun to use.

I don't care about BIZ company... I feel great that companies are not getting any discounts cause there corp. Will this change later on of course... but individuals get their hands on it first. Will Apple cater to business in the future with an improved email app. I'm pretty sure of it.

Some people may argue but most will not. Put it this way... my 85yr old grandma could easily navigate through my library of pics with just a swipe of the screen with no problem. I dare someone to do a survey on this. Give a bunch of elderly and young teenagers the chance to use an iPhone and your best "smartphone" ... just see who chooses what. Don't mention price please... I've seen a few parents buy them for their kids the day of launch. The price will come down later on. The first iPod was $400...

[jilie @ Jul 11th 2007 1:27PM]

ah that's why, you never had a phone with internet, email, etc... before, there were tons out since years, did you know?

[G-stylez @ Jul 11th 2007 1:46PM]

Yes I knew that..>DUH.

I did say I was looking at some phones Verizon was carrying... back in DEC 06'. They seemed uncomfortable to use and the data plans at that time where ridiculous. The iPhone pretty much has what I need and more... I already had an iPod so it was an easy transition. Again... regardless of price and heavy business use. Let a few people from different ages try an iPhone then a "SmartPhone" and see which they prefer. I'm pretty sure an iPhone... especially if they already own and iPod. I'm not saying that the iPhone is perfect it does need improvements but the phone is like no other in terms of ease of use, design, multi-touch (other multi-touch displays not as good), google maps better than other mobile phones, browser better than other mobile phones even though it's missing flash... again this can be a quick fix later on.

[BP @ Jul 11th 2007 1:29PM]

They should call it the: TiePhone.

[leon @ Jul 12th 2007 12:06AM]

I have used and owned many different smartphones, pda's and regular phones. the iphone is my first apple product, but I must say it is the best cellphone I have ever used. Comparing spec sheets, tons of cellphones are far better than the iphone. However, my current experience with the iphone has shown me how superior it truly is to all other phones I have used. I particularly agree with nico's comment. The revolutionary aspect is 'how' it functions rather than 'what' it does (and it still does alot). I would rate its internet browser as best in class. I would rate the music player as best in class. I would rate the voicemail as best in class. All three function in a revolutionary way; visual voicemail, coverfow, and touch zoom browser. I would rate the phone features as standard but not exceptional. The contacts are great, but the lack of custom ringtones is a sore point for me. I would also characterize the UI as revolutionary. It is snappy, well laid out, and has no learning curve.

If you are reading this comments trying to make up your mind about your next purchase, do yourself a favor and ignore posters like xzavier. Go to an AT&T or Apple store and try this product first hand. Spec sheets will not tell the whole tale.

I have not been an apple fan before because I build custom PC's. This product has show me why they have such a following. I hope all other electronics companies are taking notes.

[Peter Payne @ Jul 12th 2007 4:09AM]

Hmm,

a) best iPod they ever made
b) best video viewing device ever made (I'm watching Heroes right now)
c) it's a phone
d) it's not a 2 year contract after all (999-99-9999 all the way, baby)
e) I can sit there and do my email really effectively on it
f) Google Maps!
g) stocks, weather widgets
h) surfing the web and enjoying it
i) overall Apple package is unbelieveable

Um, people who hate this, who may well do so since there are far too many posts on blogs this week, should just wait for it to pass, or get thee to an Apple store to play with one. You might just leave with one in your pocket, and be happier with your cell phone than you ever thought possible.

[dimka @ Aug 22nd 2007 3:43PM]

yeah, its a nice phone but how I was disappointed when I bought a wireless headphones (rokr s9) and it didnt work with my iPhone... I'm still crying...

yeah, it looks sharp but when my friends are asking me about games or programs (I dont wanna start talking about internet tv or internet radio on the iphone and I don't have any service in the building (that happens very often) I want to sell it back to at&t. Sorry guys I dont wanna spend more money for any adapters... I am really disappointed in iphone.

and yeah, even cheap phones have customized ringtones. I had to hack the $600 iphone to make this happened...