Yep, new iPhone intrigue merits this Apple post, even though the company's last smartphone or PDA efforts involved the Newton.

So Steve Job's company has applied for two new patents. So what? Apple probably has lots of patents to its name, and it's Notorious for suing those who allegedly violate them.

Well, let's see what InformationWeek has to say:

While it's true that patent filings are written to be as broad as possible, the rationale offered in the filing for the use of a touch-screen over a scroll-wheel suggests that Apple's isn't just mentioning phones to cover its bases. Rather, the trend toward the convergence of hand-held devices -- think phone meets iPod -- demands a touch-screen if the device is going to be efficiently designed and usable.

In other words, Apple's application talks about how to provide the proper controls for a multi-function small factor device. While I'm sure this development whets the appetite of some people, it doesn't necessarily we're seeing an "iPhone" soon. For all we know, the Newton could be making a comeback -- think PDA meets iPod.

Thanks to Brighthand for the heads-up.