More evidence of 'iPad' name, AT&T bracing for 'unannounced devices'
Apple has extended the time available for it to make a legal argument against Fujitsu over the "iPad" name according to Trademark Office documents, and AT&T may be prepping its network for "unannounced devices."
Evidence points to iPad as possible name
According to US Patent and Trademark Office documents uncovered by The Jesus Tablet blog, Apple has filed several requests asking for additional time to present evidence opposing Fujitsu's "iPad" trademark application. Apple began the process last September, and has continued to ask to have the option open to oppose the name. Apple was granted an extension, giving the company until February 28 to make its case.
Apple's interest in the "iPad" moniker may be simply due to the fact that it closely resembles the iPod name, as Apple is known for diligently protecting its brand. Although Fujitsu had first filed to trademark the name back in 2003, Apple has only recently shown interest, lending credence to the argument that it may indeed be the name of its new tablet device.
Last week, the IPAD name was registered in New Zealand, Australia and Trinidad and Tobago by a company called IP Application Development. Apple was also found to be behind the company Slate Computing in trademarking the name "iSlate." Apple has trademarked other names that could be used for the new device, including "Magic Slate."
AT&T prepping network for "unannounced devices"
AT&T "has apparently been meeting individually with regional executives to inform them of some changes to the AT&T network," sources tell Boy Genius Report.
"They seem to be focused on prepping the network to compensate for unannounced devices and also future devices that will use heavy data."
Yesterday, it was reported that one analyst believes AT&T will need to increase its investment in wireless infrastructure by $5 billion in order to equal Verizon's levels of coverage and reliability.
Boy Genius Report has a respectable track record in forecasting AT&T and iPhone related announcements, but some of its Apple rumors have been less than accurate.
Evidence points to iPad as possible name
According to US Patent and Trademark Office documents uncovered by The Jesus Tablet blog, Apple has filed several requests asking for additional time to present evidence opposing Fujitsu's "iPad" trademark application. Apple began the process last September, and has continued to ask to have the option open to oppose the name. Apple was granted an extension, giving the company until February 28 to make its case.
Apple's interest in the "iPad" moniker may be simply due to the fact that it closely resembles the iPod name, as Apple is known for diligently protecting its brand. Although Fujitsu had first filed to trademark the name back in 2003, Apple has only recently shown interest, lending credence to the argument that it may indeed be the name of its new tablet device.
Last week, the IPAD name was registered in New Zealand, Australia and Trinidad and Tobago by a company called IP Application Development. Apple was also found to be behind the company Slate Computing in trademarking the name "iSlate." Apple has trademarked other names that could be used for the new device, including "Magic Slate."
AT&T prepping network for "unannounced devices"
AT&T "has apparently been meeting individually with regional executives to inform them of some changes to the AT&T network," sources tell Boy Genius Report.
"They seem to be focused on prepping the network to compensate for unannounced devices and also future devices that will use heavy data."
Yesterday, it was reported that one analyst believes AT&T will need to increase its investment in wireless infrastructure by $5 billion in order to equal Verizon's levels of coverage and reliability.
Boy Genius Report has a respectable track record in forecasting AT&T and iPhone related announcements, but some of its Apple rumors have been less than accurate.
Comments
Introducing the "iPaper" to be used with the new "iPencil." Heheha. Look! Steve Jobs wears all black! ROFL!
Lame.
I don't care what they call this thing, if it's tied to a cell network that you need to pay more for (on top of the cell phone charges) it will fail. They can't possibly be that stupid though can they?
This will happen - if it does have 3G - if you go with a contract you'll be buying a subsidized model. In other words if that does happen the open model will cost around $1,499.
This will happen - if it does have 3G - if you go with a contract you'll be buying a subsidized model. In other words if that does happen the open model will cost around $1,499.
They gotta do better than that... If thats what they do this thing will be like the ATV in terms of sales and adoption.
the open model will cost around $1,499.
That is insane for their latest creation. $899 is the max or it fails to attract the mass audience they expected. A higher price will still get its share of buyers, but not the mass they wanted.
I don't care what they call this thing, if it's tied to a cell network that you need to pay more for (on top of the cell phone charges) it will fail. They can't possibly be that stupid though can they?
In other words, you want something for free.
Where did this sense of "connectivity entitlement" begin? Is this strictly a U.S. thing? People think they should be able to get Wi-Fi for free, get media/information content online for free, and now access 3G service for free?
This isn't the early-2000's. The business model has changed. Why do you think Google all of a sudden feels the need to sell tangible things? We went through the rise of tech and learned that, in the end, your company must actuall sell something to make money.
If "you need to pay more... it will fail." Give me a freaking break.
iPad sounds too much like iPod, and it isn't a particularly good name. They should just call it iTablet or Apple Tablet. Keep it simple like the most popular Apple device: the iPhone.
Agreed, iPad is way too similar to iPod. There's no way iPad got serious consideration (at Apple anyway; I wouldn't put it past Microsoft).
Apple should bring back either the iBook or eMate names.
"They seem to be focused on prepping the network to compensate for unannounced devices and also future devices that will use heavy data."
You mean AT&T finally giving us tethering?!
Seriously, AT&T need to give us what they promised before they start preparing for anything else.
Where did this sense of "connectivity entitlement" begin?.
Probably in the 1920's with free broadcast radio.
In other words, you want something for free.
Where did this sense of "connectivity entitlement" begin? Is this strictly a U.S. thing? People think they should be able to get Wi-Fi for free, get media/information content online for free, and now access 3G service for free?
This isn't the early-2000's. The business model has changed. Why do you think Google all of a sudden feels the need to sell tangible things? We went through the rise of tech and learned that, in the end, your company must actuall sell something to make money.
If "you need to pay more... it will fail." Give me a freaking break.
No jerk off, I don't want it to be tied to a cell network.
**Edit****
And you're kidding about google having to sell something tangible to make money, right? You do know how they make their money don't you?
this exactly doesn't mean the name will be iPad, as they trademarked many other potential names, too. And protecting themselves against Fujitsu is just to protect the "latest creaton" whatever it'll be called.
exactly. they may just want to avoid any confusion.
also I can't recall any Fujitsu ipad ever being released. if that is the case then they have a very week trademark claim. use is a factor. if they aren't using the name then this is a near repeat of the whole Cisco iphone fun.
as to the ATT thing, that they have to brace for anything is a factor in my hope that any cellular on this device is not locked to ATT, hopefully both GSM and CDMA and optional. if I have to sign up for a data line with ATT to get this pad/slate/tablet I and probably 1000s of others aren't going to be too happy
iSlate will be sold with a 2 year ATT countract in order to subsidize it and make it at least somewhat affordable.
which could prove to be a serious mistake. in a couple of different ways
1. tying to one carrier. after all how many customers does ATT have, how many does t-mobile have, verizon, sprint. this device has the potential to be the gateway for a lot of folks into
Apple and their world of wonder. why would the company limit themselves only to one part of that group. particularly when they don't need the R&D from an exclusive deal anymore
2. requiring a contract at all. most carriers make you pay more for tethered data or make you add a second data line. if you force that on folks many will not be happy and will walk away. Not everyone has the need for cell data, wifi is fine. be it wifi in their home, at the starbucks with their overpriced coffee or via a deal like ATT's free wifi with your smart phone data plan or ATT home service etc.
if they make this device with unlocked, multi band, optional cell data (and wifi) they have a bigger potential market. as will the content providers that will possibly be giving Apple a chunk of the change
You heard it here first... Time will tell.
I don't care what they call this thing, if it's tied to a cell network that you need to pay more for (on top of the cell phone charges) it will fail. They can't possibly be that stupid though can they?
I don't understand you, guys... why do you think the tablet would be subsidized??? it's not expected to be a big-screen iPhone, it's much more likely to serve as a "super-iPod Touch" that you can't buy with contract, evenif you can be connected to the internet via wifi. So, why should we need 3G network for that? if the iPod Touch sells great with wifi...