http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/features/editorial/ Daily news, opinions, editorials, reviews, tips, forums, comments, and podcasts all relating to the iPod, the iPhone, Apple, and the surrounding industry. en webmaster@ipodobserver.com Copyright 2009 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 07:47:06 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/thoughts_on_the_rumored_apple_branded_tv_set/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/thoughts_on_the_rumored_apple_branded_tv_set/ Piper Jaffray's Gene Munster thinks that Apple is going to come out with its own branded TV set. It's an interesting idea, one I have mixed feelings about. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:14:29 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/what_i_dont_like_about_iphone_apps/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/what_i_dont_like_about_iphone_apps/ There is a disturbing trend in the development of iPhone apps, and I don't like it. Here's why. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:38:27 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/as_others_target_apple_tv_apple_stands_pat/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/as_others_target_apple_tv_apple_stands_pat/ Apple may have a lot more in store for us with the Apple TV, but, for now, others are moving aggressively in what appears to be an assault on Apple's dormant product. Why Apple is not moving more quickly with enhancements is an interesting question to explore. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:56:28 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/what_does_disneys_investment_in_hulu_mean_for_apple_tv/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/what_does_disneys_investment_in_hulu_mean_for_apple_tv/ Recently, Disney acquired 30 percent of Hulu for an undisclosed amount. It hasn't gone unnoticed by advertisers that Hulu has eclipsed YouTube in videos viewed in March, and Hulu is expected to generate US$120M in ad revenue this year. With the linkage to Disney via Steve Jobs, one has to wonder whether Apple will use this event to leverage the Apple TV.  Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Mon, 04 May 2009 14:30:44 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/apple_grow_up/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/apple_grow_up/ Your Mac Life's Shawn King has been watching the evolution and growth of Apple's App Store for the iPhone and iPod touch. He sees a problem with the approach to approving applications, and he's more than happy to let Apple know exactly what he thinks. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:20:56 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/sorting_out_the_tv_chaos_-_a_tv_portal/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/sorting_out_the_tv_chaos_-_a_tv_portal/ First there was the TV studio fascination with the Internet. Then there was confusion about how to run ads. Then there was technical obtuseness about how to deliver near HD quality streaming TV to multiple OSes. Finally, there is utter chaos as the cable and satellite providers are terrified that they'll lose subscribers to the Internet. What we need is solutions, not more technology. Here are some ideas.  Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:38:13 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/iphone_3.0_is_great_in_itself_but_also_a_precursor/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/iphone_3.0_is_great_in_itself_but_also_a_precursor/ On Tuesday, Apple's Greg Joswiak and Scott Forstall announced the iPhone 3.0 software and corresponding SDK. While the additions are much need (or long overdue like MMS and Cut/Paste), some of them can also be interpreted to pave the way for what's next. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:00:15 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/apple_tv_on_offering_a_service_not_a_product/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/apple_tv_on_offering_a_service_not_a_product/ While many have criticized the Apple TV for not being all things to all people, or even excelling in some fundamentals, the Apple TV does get one thing right that cable and satellite doesn't: the concept of a highly targeted service. With Internet TV dealing body blows to Cable, the Apple TV could see a surge in popularity -- if only Apple would seize the opportunity. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:45:01 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/era_of_free_internet_tv_coming_to_a_close/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/era_of_free_internet_tv_coming_to_a_close/ When times were good and the Internet was hot, the TV networks experimented with mechanisms to draw in more customers via the Web. Those services, like Hulu.com and TV.com, have been free because they remained minimally ad supported. However, in the current economy, with cable subscribers dropping their subscriptions in droves, experimental, free Internet TV is being rethought. It may be coming to a close. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Wed, 25 Feb 2009 13:00:57 -0500 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/lets_do_away_with_buy-to-try_in_the_iphone_app_store/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/lets_do_away_with_buy-to-try_in_the_iphone_app_store/ Dave Hamilton offers a very compelling solution for app store developers and users who are frustrated by the lack of any option to try out apps before purchase.  Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Fri, 20 Feb 2009 09:45:29 -0500 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/att_3g_microcell_will_be_hot/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/att_3g_microcell_will_be_hot/ One of the weaknesses of a modern cell phone is that a good signal is far more likely in business locations than homes, which are often in rural locations.  AT&T is about to fix that, and it'll be a hot, must-have accessory for every iPhone 3G owner in 2009. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:30:12 -0500 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/netflix_pokes_apple_in_the_eye_again/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/netflix_pokes_apple_in_the_eye_again/ LG and Netflix announced on Monday that, soon, LG TV sets will be available that can stream Netflix movies directly, without a set-top box. Models will be demoed at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Meanwhile, at Macworld San Francisco, Apple had nothing new to announce regarding its "hobby," the Apple TV. iPO Reports, Macworld Expo, Macworld Expo 2009, Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:00:58 -0500 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/why_is_microsoft_developing_iphone_apps/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/why_is_microsoft_developing_iphone_apps/ Some might conclude that Microsoft has released an iPhone app thanks to iPhone envy, the desire to make a few bucks, or just jumping on the bandwagon.  However, there could be another reason. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:15:25 -0500 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/its_time_for_the_promised_unlocked_iphone_3gs/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/its_time_for_the_promised_unlocked_iphone_3gs/ Back in July, AT&T promised that they'd sell unlocked iPhone 3Gs at full price. A half year later, that promise has gone unfulfilled. It's time for AT&T to act. Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:20:37 -0500 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/santa_baby_bring_me_blu-ray/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/santa_baby_bring_me_blu-ray/ Several reports have provided evidence that sub $200 Blu-ray players have been big hits so far this Christmas buying season. The fact that Blu-ray sales are now hot, in this economy, supports the idea that after the price barrier is broken, there are tangible reasons for the popularity of the technology.     Columns and Opinions, Opinion, Editorial Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:00:46 -0500 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Blockbuster_Unveils_Set-top_Box_for_Streamed_Movies/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Blockbuster_Unveils_Set-top_Box_for_Streamed_Movies/ As promised, Blockbuster has unveiled its set-top box for streamed movies, according to Home Media Magazine on Tuesday. The device will compete with Apple TV, the Netflix Roku box and Vudu. Editorial Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:00:00 -0500 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/The_Secret_Behind_Apples_iPhone_Assault_Xcode_Cocoa/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/The_Secret_Behind_Apples_iPhone_Assault_Xcode_Cocoa/ For a long time, developers were told at Apple's annual worldwide developers conference (WWDC) that Xcode's interface to the object oriented Cocoa and Objective-C would give them an advantage in the Macintosh market. However, it wasn't until the iPhone, exploiting those tools, started to take a leadership role in the smartphone business that the advantage fully flourished. Editorial Sun, 16 Nov 2008 15:00:00 -0500 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/TV_Viewers_Devising_Their_Own_Convergence/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/TV_Viewers_Devising_Their_Own_Convergence/ Several new trends in TV and Internet viewing have been noticed lately by professional observers and ratings services. Traditional TV viewers are asking themselves how they can better mix and match their services, and some viewers have been found to be time sharing between TV and the Internet. Internet access boxes that lock viewers into a niche on the Internet for the sake of the simplicity of the user experience may miss out on opportunities. Editorial Sun, 02 Nov 2008 15:00:00 -0500 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Economic_Forces_Could_Actually_Help_Blu-ray_at_Holidays/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Economic_Forces_Could_Actually_Help_Blu-ray_at_Holidays/ Retailers are ramping up their Blu-ray efforts with promotions and ever decreasing prices. With the increasing content, aggressive move by Netflix and Apple, and many TV shows now available on the Internet, some customers are asking themselves why they should pay ever increasing monthly cable or satellite bills. Editorial Mon, 20 Oct 2008 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Apples_Treatment_of_Some_iPhone_Developers_is_Unwise/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Apples_Treatment_of_Some_iPhone_Developers_is_Unwise/ At first, Apple rejected an iPhone application because it competed with them. Next, Apple rejected an app because it duplicated functionality. Yesterday, it was revealed that the contents of Apple's rejection letter falls under the NDA so that iPhone developers can't publicly complain about the vagueness of Apple's decision process. It's all very unwise. Editorial Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/What_To_Do_About_Blu-ray_Just_Go_For_It/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/What_To_Do_About_Blu-ray_Just_Go_For_It/ On Thursday, BusinessWeek painted a not-so-rosy picture for the future of Blu-ray discs, giving them at most five years. On Friday. CNET Australia summoned a different set of experts and painted a brighter picture of coexistence. What are we to think about all that and do this holiday season? Editorial Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Apple_TV_Descending_from_Hobby_to_Fixit_Project/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Apple_TV_Descending_from_Hobby_to_Fixit_Project/ One of the Apple TV's strengths is that it's based on Mac OS X. However, that's also proving to be a weakness as well. Consumer electronics boxes in the living room must live up to a higher quality standard than a Macintosh computer. Editorial Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/First_Generation_iPhone_Still_Rocks_/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/First_Generation_iPhone_Still_Rocks_/ A lot of people have heard of Apple's iPhone, and they want to buy one, even if there are rumors of a newer, faster iPhone. Perhaps they haven't heard of the rumors, or perhaps they don't even care. That Apple's Fifth Avenue New York store still has lines of people waiting to buy the first generation iPhone speaks volumes about the product. Editorial Thu, 22 May 2008 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Making_Sense_of_an_iPod_superTouch/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Making_Sense_of_an_iPod_superTouch/ Rumors are flying that Apple will release a small tablet like device. Some see it as a MID, Mobile Internet Device, and some see it as a hand held gaming device. It could be both. Editorial Sun, 11 May 2008 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/An_Apple_Venture_into_DVRs_Would_be_Ill-Advised/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/An_Apple_Venture_into_DVRs_Would_be_Ill-Advised/ Several sites on Thursday mentioned that Apple has filed a patent on a system that involves a DVR and a remote control device. While Apple can be expected to do its homework on conflicting patents, there are several reasons why adding to DVR to the Apple TV, even with an SSD, would be a bad idea. Editorial Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/iPhone_Creates_More_Panic_in_Small-ville/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/iPhone_Creates_More_Panic_in_Small-ville/ Now that the Apple iPhone has full enterprise support and an amazing business model that developers will flock to, those with feet of clay and small minds are dragging out every possible excuse to avoid one core idea: the iPhone is the best smartphone on the planet, and it's going to become a major force in the mobile phone world. Editorial Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Apple_iPhone_Naysayers_Seek_Irrational_Refuge/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Apple_iPhone_Naysayers_Seek_Irrational_Refuge/ Apple's iPhone SDK announcement yesterday is being met with a mixture of glee and trepidation. If it weren't for continued problems in the subprime mortgage crisis, AAPL would have shot up $20. The fact that it didn't and the fact that Apple has had enterprise problems in the past is leading to a false sense of confidence by the naysayers that Apple cannot succeed fabulously. It's an irrational wish. Editorial Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:00:00 -0500 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Blu-ray_vs_iTunes_is_all_Baloney/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Blu-ray_vs_iTunes_is_all_Baloney/ In an effort to create artificial tension amongst readership or to cater to the RDFs of Apple and Microsoft, some are arguing that Blu-ray will now have to fight an uphill battle against Internet downloads. That's all pure baloney. Editorial Sun, 24 Feb 2008 15:00:00 -0500 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Lull_in_HD_Disc_War_Suggests_Toshiba_Has_Nowhere_to_Turn/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Lull_in_HD_Disc_War_Suggests_Toshiba_Has_Nowhere_to_Turn/ Not much has been happening on the HD DVD front as that HD disc format has taken successive, crushing blows from Warner, Netflix and Best Buy. This is a critical time for Toshiba, and the equipment price drops and consumer deals are likely just designed to hold the fort until a deal is worked out. However, Toshiba is in a very poor position to deal now. Editorial Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:00:00 -0500 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Maybe_the_iPhone_II_isnt_Exclusive_to_ATT_in_U.S/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Maybe_the_iPhone_II_isnt_Exclusive_to_ATT_in_U.S/ What if Apple's attorney's are just a little bit sharper than AT&Ts? Editorial Sun, 10 Feb 2008 15:00:00 -0500 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Speculating_the_iPhones_Future/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Speculating_the_iPhones_Future/ This morning, we saw the first post-release hardware update to the iPhone, and it wasn't at all what I expected. Actually, I expected to see the MacBook Pro updated this morning, but that's besides the point. Today's iPhone update does one thing: allows us to pay an extra US$100 for an additional 8GB of RAM, doubling the capacity to 16GB. But, like all moves that we see from our fruity friends in Cupertino, I think this is simply a pawn moving in the chess game... there's more to come. Editorial Mon, 04 Feb 2008 15:00:00 -0500 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Toshibas_Price_Slash_of_HD_DVD_Players_Bad_for_Consumers/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Toshibas_Price_Slash_of_HD_DVD_Players_Bad_for_Consumers/ In the aftermath of Warner's selection of Blu-ray over HD DVD, Toshiba is reeling from the decision and is slashing prices of its HD DVD players. However, gaining market share isn't what they're after. Editorial Thu, 17 Jan 2008 15:00:00 -0500 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/How_ATT_Took_Care_of_My_iPhone_Problem/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/How_ATT_Took_Care_of_My_iPhone_Problem/ I live in an area where I have a non-existent iPhone signal at my house with AT&T's network of towers. It's because I live in a bit of a topographic depression. I called AT&T, explained the problem, and they compensated me. Editorial Wed, 28 Nov 2007 15:00:00 -0500 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Sony_Makes_Smart_Blu-ray_Move_for_Holidays/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Sony_Makes_Smart_Blu-ray_Move_for_Holidays/ Last week Sony announced that the lowest price Blu-ray players won't fall much below US$399 for the holidays while Toshiba is promoting $200 HD DVD players in a last ditch effort to achieve better market share for their players and movie titles. Sony's move is smarter. Editorial Sun, 04 Nov 2007 15:00:00 -0500 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Apple_Need_Not_Worry_About_Unlocked_iPhones/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Apple_Need_Not_Worry_About_Unlocked_iPhones/ Apple probably isn't worried too much about all the people working to unlock the iPhone. They have the technical upper hand, and the vast majority of consumers aren't interested in putting their iPhone at risk. Editorial Thu, 13 Sep 2007 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/iPhone_Technical_Hesitation_Wont_Affect_Sales/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/iPhone_Technical_Hesitation_Wont_Affect_Sales/ The iPhone is fairly well understood now. Analysts and technologists have a handle on the iPhone sales, functionality and limitations. That's leading to a round of hesitation and hope by some, but it likely won't affect sales. Editorial Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Why_I_Hate_The_iPhone/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Why_I_Hate_The_iPhone/ Recently I was asked the question, "Why is it that you hate the iPhone?" The surprising thing about that question is that I don't hate the iPhone at all. But I can see why so many of you would think I do. Editorial Wed, 05 Sep 2007 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Hacking_the_iPhone_Risky_Business/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Hacking_the_iPhone_Risky_Business/ Despite the fact that Apple wants to insure that the iPhone remains a closed, stable and reliable system some users just insist on hacking the phone for their entertainment. Most users won't want to get into that risky business and may want to re-read the iPhone license agreement. Even so, the fun continues at Hack the iPhone. Editorial Sun, 12 Aug 2007 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Calculating_Apples_iPhone_Sales/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Calculating_Apples_iPhone_Sales/ Estimating Apple's iPhone sales has been easy. Just pick a number. However, calculating Apple's iPhone sales isn't too hard. Editorial Tue, 24 Jul 2007 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Comparing_Apples_to_BlackBerries/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Comparing_Apples_to_BlackBerries/ The Apple iPhone has not been positioned as a corporate e-mail powerhouse. Even so, in a "Day in the Life" story, at Information Week, the author put an Apple iPhone through it's paces as a substitute for his BlackBerry when doing e-mail. No one should be surprised at the result. Editorial Tue, 10 Jul 2007 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/The_iPhone_View_From_The_Other_Side/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/The_iPhone_View_From_The_Other_Side/ Not every journalist is fawning over the Apple iPhone. Some view the gushing praise for and attention to the iPhone as some kind of trance that sucks the objectivity out of the journalist's brain. It's a seduction, according to Slate on Wednesday. Editorial Wed, 20 Jun 2007 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/iPhone_Marketing_Hope_vs._The_Tech_Heads/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/iPhone_Marketing_Hope_vs._The_Tech_Heads/ It's annoying to some that Apple hasn't published more complete specifications of the iPhone. However, this is just part of the marketing strategy, and whether we like it or not, it works. Editorial Tue, 19 Jun 2007 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Banning_iPods_in_Schools_is_a_Bad_Idea/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Banning_iPods_in_Schools_is_a_Bad_Idea/ Some students here and there have been caught using iPods to cheat on tests. The result has been a discussion about banning them in schools. However, the real question is what the schools are trying to teach and how they test for it. Editorial Thu, 03 May 2007 16:00:00 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Dvorak_is_Rethinking_Were_Redreaming_iPhone/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Dvorak_is_Rethinking_Were_Redreaming_iPhone/ The Apple iPhone reminds John Dvorak of a dream he used to have. However, Mr. Dvorak says he's awake now, and the dream is gone, according to his latest column at PC Magazine. News, iPhone, Editorial Mon, 23 Apr 2007 15:00:00 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Mix_Cable_with_Joost_Stir/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Mix_Cable_with_Joost_Stir/ Comcast provides both broadcast TV and broadband Internet. That may or may not become a conflict of interest as TV moves to the Internet depending on how Comcast, and other cable companies, view the business opportunities presented. News, Editorial Tue, 17 Apr 2007 15:00:00 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Analysts_Looking_at_iPod_Sales_with_FUD/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Analysts_Looking_at_iPod_Sales_with_FUD/ Analysts are always on the lookout for the slightest signs of softness in the growth of the iPod sales. News, Editorial Thu, 29 Mar 2007 15:00:00 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Polymorphism_in_Mac_OS_X_and_iPhone/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Polymorphism_in_Mac_OS_X_and_iPhone/ The Apple iPhone will have a different feel than the other phones. It has to do with not just the choice of user interface to get a job done, but how the human being on the other end reacts. News, iPhone, Editorial Sun, 25 Mar 2007 15:00:00 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/The_Real_Goals_of_Apple_TV/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/The_Real_Goals_of_Apple_TV/ Right now, the Apple TV product cannot be evaluated based on a direct comparison to the competition. News, Editorial Sun, 11 Mar 2007 15:00:00 -0400 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Unplugging_an_iPod_Harder_Than_it_Should_Be/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Unplugging_an_iPod_Harder_Than_it_Should_Be/ One of the original design features of the USB protocol was the hot plugging and unplugging of devices. Not so for unplugging an iPod. News, Editorial Sun, 11 Feb 2007 14:00:00 -0500 http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Before_iPhone_Apples_Earlier_Forays_Into_Cell_Phones/ http://www.ipodobserver.com/ipo/article/Before_iPhone_Apples_Earlier_Forays_Into_Cell_Phones/ The long-rumored iPhone is not the first instance of a phone running on an Apple operating system.  That distinction belongs to the Motorola Marco, an early licenser of the Newton platform.  Another, less ambitious product to merge wireless and an Apple-OS was the PowerBop network in France. News, iPhone, Editorial Mon, 08 Jan 2007 14:00:00 -0500