Of all the months of the year, January is typically the one when rumours about new tech products keep the internet humming. That's probably something to do with CES and the speculation surrounding it, both before and after the show.
Among the most creative we've come across recently is a suggestion by respected technology website TG Daily that a recent Apple trademark filing could mean the company is planning to re-enter the console gaming market.
No more Mac
That idea comes from Apple's multiple applications in various territories to have the term 'OS X' protected. That's notable because it doesn't include the word 'Mac'.
The thinking goes something like this – Apple is weakening the connection between OS X and Mac because the operating system can power platforms other than computers.
Play for games
That includes just the iPhone and iPod touch at the minute, but could equally apply to a future console or any other domestic device that needs an OS.
Since Apple is clearly intent on making the iPhone a powerful gaming device and so has both the games and an online delivery system (the App Store) available, why not speculate that it could try to make a play for some of the cash Nintendo and Sony are raking in?
But while we like the idea that anyone would challenge the current console giants, it's hard to believe that Apple will do so any time soon.
Pippin redux?
Anyone with an unhealthy knowledge of the history of home gaming will know that Apple has already tried and failed spectacularly with something called the Pippin in 1995.
Still, Apple rarely does exactly what we expect, so we're not ruling anything out at this stage. Just don't read too much into this little bit of speculation.
Your comments (5) Click to add a new comment
doug298
February 11th 2009
5. Apple console is the next obvious step. Probably something HD and in 3d and integrated with their ipod, iphone, etc. Probably a 3d version of the WII and PS3 on steroids would be my guess. As for the PIPPIN folks do your homework before writing about it. Was it really fully apple endorsed or from Bandi ?? Everything lately they touch has been gold like the young Donald Trump. A console is the next step and I am positive they will blow the competition away. I predict they will enter the market somewhere 2012 to 2014. Why would they now try to mold all there products into one compatible do it all gaming device. It would be Cool I can't wait.
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lovlid
January 19th 2009
4. You dont really have to do any research to know the ps3 is expensive,Weezer,we all know it is (got mine for nothing by the way).But,the article was about Apple,not sony.I have got nothing against Apple except their pricing of things like the iphone.You get a similar phone (maybe not as good)from nokia and samsung,FREE,with a cheaper contract.But you have to buy the iphone then pay for a higher tarrif that you probably dont need.
Apple make great products,but for a company that attacks Microsoft for their business ethic,they really need to look at their own over charging and price fixing tactics.
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weezer
January 19th 2009
3. lovlid - do some research before spouting yet more anti-Apple propaganda, will ya? You could easily say the same thing about Sony: expensive Vaios, proprietary systems, overpriced PS3/PSP...
"And the machine WILL only be sold with an extortionate online package." Oh, please spare us your amazing market insight.
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watcherzero
January 19th 2009
2. Weak argument.
If I remember right several months back some company fought and sucessfully won a copyright claim from apple for using "OS X" because they didnt use "Mac". Apples covering their butts.
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lovlid
January 18th 2009
1. Look at the price of the pippin when released.Imagine the the price of the "iConsole" if it comes out.And the cost of recharging your "iPad".Will they sell the games or rent them?.Online gaming through iTunes?, sell the kids.And the machine WILL only be sold with an extortionate online package.
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