Apple has applied for a patent for a hybrid iPod/mobile phone device. The application was lodged in August, but was only made public this week.

The patent application is for a tube-like device made from zirconia and alumina that would be “cost effective, smaller, lighter, stronger and aesthetically more pleasing than current” phones.

According to the patent application, the use of ceramic materials would be lead to a “highly scratch resistant surface”. The use of Zirconia would allow cases in a variety of colors such as gold, platinum, white, black, navy blue, ivory, brown, dark blue, and light blue.

The patent application comes as further confirmation that the launch of an “iPhone” device is imminent, perhaps as soon the Apple’s MacWorld conference in January according to IT industry analysts Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray Co. and Benjamin Reitzes of UBS AG.

Last week analyst Shaw Wu at American Technology Research predicted that the iPhone would be launched in January. And in the week before, Taiwanese newspaper, Commercial Times, reported that 12 million handsets were being built for Apple by Taiwan-based Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd.

Leading analyst Keith Backman predicted in a recent report that Apple may sell 3.9 million “iPhones” in 2007, and 6.7 million in 2008. Other analysts are predicting that the phone may sell for around $300, and add $1.5 billion to Apple’s annual sales.

Here at TECH.BLORGE.com we’re already on the record as predicting that the iPhone is going to be one of the big products of 2007. As we’ve said in the past, it’s a natural bran extension for iPod, and Apple has the marketing nouce to get the iPhone right. The patent application certainly seems to be heading in the right direction – not only are the aesthetics being carefully considered, but so is the practicalities of the design.

We’re looking forward to seeing the new phone real soon now.

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Entry was posted on Friday, December 1st, 2006 at 12:31 pm under Apple, Cell phones, Technology.

Read more entries by John Pospisil.
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