As reported by Engadget Mobile, Apple appears to be progressing into the world of consumer electronics and developing what many have suspected for months; an apple iPhone (my name not theirs at the moment).

Do I think the Apple phone is a great idea? Yes. Do I think the trail of upcoming branded Apple products will follow? Almost certainly.

Taking advantage of the halo effect that has taken hold of the public could prove to be Apples greatest asset or its biggest mistake. Many people think that this supposed “iPhone” is the next logical step in consumer electronics, the truth is that they have to tread lightly. I think that Apple has some of the smartest marketers on the planet. When everyone thinks they will zag, they always seem to zig. When everyone suspects the worst…the company always pulls through as if they could read the minds of the public and their needs.

As Apple is on the cusp of turning the ongoing tide of computer users who flock to windows machines, the thought of overpromoting, overbranding, overexposing, and simply selling out come to mind. I just hope they do not see this opportunity to brand as many products as possible with the now ubiquitous iPod “look” and “feel” and expect to get a winner every time.

Want some examples of smart companies that have done this in the past?
I think of Dell at their prime launching TV’s, MP3 players, and PDA’s….I think of AT&T providing, well everything in those early 90′s commercials…I think of 3COM and their promise to have a robot (mya) reading news…

They could continue to roll out new products that have amazing success…I just hope they do not lose sight of their original intent: making better products not selling more products.

[tags] apple, ipod, iphone, marketing.fm, apple marketing [/tags]