Linskys Launches iPhone

Home networking specialist Linksys has introduced a series of seven handsets and systems designed for making Internet calls.

The handsets will be called iPhones, a trademark owned by parent company Cisco Systems.

The iPhones work with Internet calling services, including eBay’s Skype. The launch follows speculation that Apple Computer would use the brand to launch a combined mobile phone and music player.

Cisco secured ownership of the iPhone trademark in 2000 when it acquired InfoGear Technology, an Internet appliance company. Cisco acquired Linksys, a maker of consumer home-networking products, in 2003.

The iPhones provide a number of services not available on traditional analog phones. Users can check if someone is online, or easily search through directory assistance for telephone numbers.

At present, internet phones are ahead of demand and it is not expected that the technology will be widely adopted until equipment and services are more reliable.