Apple Insider has revealed that Apple has filed for an extension in its trademark to include portable gaming and consoles. Fans of the failed Pippin console may recall that Apple once tried its hand at gaming. While the Pippin did not sell well, it was Apple's attempt at console gaming. Could it have been, like the Apple Newton, ahead of its time?
The Newton was like a Palm Pilot or Treo before those devices existed. While the Palm Pilot and Treo achieved success, the Newton did not. It did however, lead to the development of great products and things like handwriting recognition. Now that the iPhone has been such a success, it is easy to see how marketing such an amazing product made a difference. I still get stopped by people asking me how I like my iPhone. Well, I LOVE it. Apple TV is another great example of a super product. We rented our first movies from it and nothing could be easier to use. Unfortunately, I have not seen much in the way of advertising for Apple TV. I have sold about 4 of them to friends once they saw how simple it was to use and what it can do.
So, back to the original thought, does this mean that we should be seeing a console or handheld from Apple? The market has shown that it can handle THREE console platforms (four if you count the still selling PS2) and that it can handle 2 handhelds. Why not add a 3rd handheld? Will Apple merely expand its offerings for the iPod, iPhone and iPod Touch?
If you were designing a new handheld or console, what features would you put in place to differentiate yourself from the competition? Where would you price your unit? How would you market it?
We have not heard from Apple regarding this, but thought it might be fun to specualte as to what this trademark extension may or may not mean. What do you think?