From iPods to iPhones

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Up next for Apple: Telecom and televison.

Saying the maker of the unbiquitous iPods was going to “reinvent” telecommunications, CEO Steve Jobs today unveiled a long-rumored iPhone and a set-top box that handles videostreaming from PCs to TVs.

Speaking at the Consumer Electronics trade show, Jobs showed off “Apple TV,” which comes with a 40 GB hard drive and an Intel chip and is priced at $299, and the iPhone, a 0.5″ thick handheld device that automatically syncs a user’s email, MP3, and other files, and for good measure comes with a 2 MP digital camera, headphones and SIM card jacks. (Price and availability were not disclosed.)
I would say this is good news for consumers and the electronics industry in general, albeit not for major handheld providers like Nokia, Motorola, Samsung and LG.
This much is for sure. The name on the door — Apple Computer — is becoming a misnomer.

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About Mike

Mike Buetow is president of the Printed Circuit Engineering Association (pcea.net). He previously was editor-in-chief of Circuits Assembly magazine, the leading publication for electronics manufacturing, and PCD&F, the leading publication for printed circuit design and fabrication. He spent 21 years as vice president and editorial director of UP Media Group, for which he oversaw all editorial and production aspects. He has more than 30 years' experience in the electronics industry, including six years at IPC, an electronics trade association, at which he was a technical projects manager and communications director. He has also held editorial positions at SMT Magazine, community newspapers and in book publishing. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois. Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikebuetow