Apple Inc (AAPL)

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08:23 AAPL Jobs talks up Apple cell phone - AppleInsider (64.07 )

AppleInsider reports co chief executive Steve Jobs has been boasting about his co's much-rumored iPod cell phone amongst inner circles. The remarks are uncharacteristic of Jobs, who is often regarded for his obsession with secrecy -- especially when it comes to unannounced products from his own co.

But it's been said that Jobs' own excitement over the device has produced a number of zealous ramblings amongst personal acquaintances dating back to this spring. One person familiar with the ongoings believes the AAPL co-founder has commissioned the release of cell phone prototypes to at least two potential OEM manufacturing partners in recent months.

Current designs are said to conform to the co's integrated model and leverage its tightly-knit digital media franchises, that person added. Speaking on conditions of anonymity, a second informant has told AppleInsider of an incremental buzz surrounding the phone, which has heightened in recent weeks. The informant has said the device is slated to turn up earlier than some people may be expecting, in the form of a "big bang" introduction that will catch even some insiders off-guard.