BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhuanet) -- First reported by Internet users in France, the Apple iPhone has run up against some bad publicity after some users say their device had overheated.

    Launched less than a week ago, the new 3GS iPhone has been plugged as a major step forward by the company that makes it, but some users are less than happy and have suggested the S is an abbreviation for "scorched," "smoulder" and other less savoury acronyms.

    One French website showed pictures of a discolored iPhone resulting from an overheating battery. Use of the GPS (Global Positioning System) in conjunction with the 3G wireless connection appears to be behind many of the complaints.

    While discoloration only seems to affect white units, even owners of the black 3GS device have reported overheating. There has as yet been no official word from Apple and some bloggers have dismissed much of the discussion as negative hype.

    But overheating may only be the latest in a series of problems to hit the much hyped iPhone. Users of older devices have also complained of poor battery life, high frequency noises and software problems.

    One proud user of the phone said he was initially very happy with his "new toy." But Martin Dalton, from Essex in southeast England, said he was "very unimpressed" when, on upgrading his firmware, all the data including phone numbers and pictures on the gadget were wiped.

    (Agencies)