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As Cisco and Apple try to mend fences over the legal battle for the iPhone name, competitors are releasing technology which already looks to out-do the iPhone and bring it to market quicker, threatening Apple’s media domination.

The legal battle between Cisco and Apple has turned a new corner sources show. Apple and Cisco have both agreed to extend the time for Apple to respond to the lawsuit to allow for discussions between the companies with the aim of reaching agreement on trademark rights. It is not sure what has occurred to make Cisco become more lenient on Apple, but either way, Apple have been given a life line in hope that they can sort out the problem before it damages their reputation.

Apples reputation has soared in recent years, with products such as the iPod and the newly announced iPhone making headlines. But what has become apparent in recent months is the amount of businesses from across the globe releasing new products which not only compete with Apple, but push Apple’s distinctive designs right out of the limelight.

Meizu, who were labeled as the iPod cloners when bringing out their M6 miniPlayer have now released a new mobile phone, with the sharp white looks on an apple product, and its own name engraving. Their approach on the iPhone seems to have a better specification than the Apple and generally looks more ‘Apple’ than the phone Apple actually announced. The Meizu M8 features a 3.3” touch screen display with a resolution of 720x480 pixels.. It also carries a 3 mega pixel camera capable of recording videos at 30 fps, 3G connectivity not yet available on the iPhone, an ARM11 CPU, wireless Bluetooth connectivity and TV Out.

The user interface has striking resemblances to that of the iPhone, having 4 main touch screen buttons at the bottom of the screen, and icons which look similar also.

Word has it that the device will probably run a Microsoft Windows CE 6.0 with DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) capability. This gives the M8 a distinct advantage over the iPhone, as the population lean towards a Microsoft operating system over Apples OSX.

With the introduction of 3G on the M8, it makes you wonder why an unfamiliar company can pack their new handset full of all the features which we desire, yet Apple seem to miss the mark.  The Meizu has just proven that the iPhone could have been so much better if Apple would have wanted it.

The day of the iPhone release will be quite interesting, seeing as though not many of these new handsets have had any media coverage. Apple dominate the media when it comes to advertising with their sharp ads and images, mixed in with short snappy one liners which entice the viewer to want to find out more.  If Apple can hold on to its strong advertising stance, and rely on its brand loyalty, the competitors to the iPhone will be in trouble. But if the tables turn and more people become aware of the iPhone alternatives, the battle of the touch screens will not be one to miss!