CES - Cell phones and smartphones

Nexus One is lightning-fast

In the brief run-up to the announcement of its Nexus One phone, Google was doing nothing to quash the hype. Phones given to employees were quickly popping up all over the tech universe with promises of the "best Android phone yet" not far behind. And when the phone was finally unveiled on Tuesday, a Google executive billed it as not only a "superphone" that exemplifies what Google Android can do, but also as "the meeting place of Web and phone."

But as is usually true in the tech world, things aren't always what … Read more

Jabra takes it to the Extreme

LAS VEGAS--Jabra announced a brand-new Bluetooth headset at CES 2010, dubbed the Jabra Extreme. It's named after Jabra's new noise-canceling technology called Noise Blackout Extreme, and it has dual microphone noise cancellation, automatic volume control, background noise reduction, acoustic shock protection, and an overall improvement in call quality.

The Extreme also features multipoint technology, A2DP music streaming, and new "ultimate-fit" ear gels that promise long-lasting comfort. It has a talk time of 5.5 hours. The Extreme will launch this month at Best Buy and BestBuy.com for $79.

Pong releases 'anti radiation' BlackBerry case

As the debate rages over precisely how cell phone radiation emission affects the human body, BlackBerry Curve owners who prefer to play it safe may want to look into the BlackBerry Curve Case by Pong Research.

Unveiled at CES in Las Vegas on Wednesday, the protective cell phone case--which looks much like any other cell phone or MP3 player case but at $49.95 costs considerably more--has been verified by FCC-certified labs to reduce users' exposure to radiation by more than 60 percent. It fits models 8300, 8310, 8320, and 8330.

Back in September, Wired covered the development of the case … Read more

AT&T bets big on apps in 2010 and beyond

LAS VEGAS--From new cell phones to set top boxes to emerging devices, AT&T is looking beyond the iPhone as it focuses on a rapidly expanding application business.

The company's top wireless executive, Ralph de la Vega, told developers at the company's fourth annual application developer conference here Wednesday that AT&T's future is in applications.

De la Vega noted the explosion in application growth in the U.S. cell phone market over the past year. "No country has seen the growth we have seen," he said. In 2009, U.S. wireless consumers … Read more

VNA Group develops robust watch phone, PC to TV gaming

Though we've looked at a variety of CES newbies, here's a first-time exhibitor that is familiar with the consumer electronics industry but is now breaking into the area of geeky gadgets.

Meet the VNA Group, a conglomerate of companies that manufacture fitness equipment, transportation vehicles, gaming technology, and other consumer electronics. The San Diego, Calif.-based business is bringing its newest ventures, iGUGU and Kempler & Strauss, to CES 2010.

iGUGU is taking a formal approach to bridging the gap between PC gaming and television. Gamecore is a three-part system which includes a a wired or wireless connector … Read more

LG news conference highlights

LAS VEGAS--LG kicked off the preshow media day at CES 2010 on Wednesday with an early-morning news conference that was chock full of new-product announcements.

TV LG's best plasma adds Wii-like remote control LG plasma claims improved black levels Thin LG LED-based LCD gives 'basic' dimming LG local dimming LED-based LCD stays slim LG flagship TV's styling goes 'all picture,' ultra-thin

Home theater LG's new Blu-ray players get Picasa, better Netflix interface LG's Blu-ray HTIBs get built-in Wi-Fi, HDMI inputs LG's flagship Blu-ray player skips 3D, rips CDs

Cell phones LG to have stronger smartphone offerings in 2010… Read more

AT&T president says Palm WebOS devices coming soon

LAS VEGAS--It's proving to be a big day for AT&T. In addition to announcing five upcoming Android devices, committing to more app development, and launching the Nokia Ovi Store, AT&T President Ralph de la Vega said the carrier would offer two Palm WebOS devices soon. He didn't elaborate beyond that, but perhaps we'll learn more at the Palm press conference on Thursday?

(Via Phone Scoop)

AT&T to launch five Android devices

LAS VEGAS--On Wednesday, AT&T announced its plans to launch five Google Android smartphones from HTC, Motorola, and Dell during the first half of 2010. The news came during the 4th annual AT&T Developer Summit in Las Vegas and is surely good news for AT&T customers who have been waiting for the carrier to add Android devices to its lineup.

One of the five models will be the Dell Mini 3, which launched in China in late November. AT&T said it will also have a Motorola smartphone powered by Motoblur (see Motorola Cliq) … Read more

Nokia's Ovi Store comes to AT&T

Updated 1/6/10 12:55 p.m. PT: More up to date information on where the Nokia Ovi store is offered has been added to this story.

LAS VEGAS--Nokia on Wednesday said its Ovi application and mobile-content store is now available in the United States for AT&T wireless customers.

Consumers using Nokia devices such as the E71x, the Surge, the Mural, the 6650, the 6555, and the 6350 are now able to download free and paid content from the Ovi Store. Paid content will be billed directly to their AT&T bill. Nokia said more devices … Read more

FLO TV to bring live mobile TV to iPhone

The ways people use their iPhones are almost as diverse as the number of people using the device. Soon, you'll be able to add live TV to that list.

FLO TV and Mophie on Wednesday said at CES that they are partnering to develop a series of products that will bring live TV to the iPhone and iPod Touch. The products are expected to ship in the first half of 2010.

The FLO TV service allows users to tune into mobile broadcasts while on the go. The service boasts many of the largest networks including ABC, Fox, MTV, ESPN, … Read more