Introducing the iPhone—But Not from Apple

Cisco is using a long-held trademark on a new line of consumer handsets—less than a month before Apple is expected to release its own cell phone
A joke making the rounds on the Web Dec. 15 said the iPhone will be released on Dec. 18.

Here's the punch line: It's true. Not only that, but the company unveiling the device isn't Apple Computer (AAPL). Instead, the manufacturer behind a series of new products bearing the iPhone name is Linksys, a unit of networking equipment maker Cisco Systems (CSCO).

The company is announcing a series of Web-enabled telephone handsets designed to work with Internet calling services such as Skype, a division of eBay (EBAY), and other services, including SIP Phone's Gizmo Project.