CTIA show

Check out the sights from the CTIA show floor.

(Credit: Kent German/CNET)

As CTIA 2009 closes, so does the busy cell phone trade show season that began three months ago at CES. And now that the CNET crew has left Las Vegas for San Francisco and New York City, we've had a chance to reflect on what CTIA gave us. I'll describe the highlights in detail below, but be sure to check out our CTIA videos and CTIA photo galleries. We also picked our favorite products for the Best of CTIA.

A snoozer of a show
Though there were plenty of new phones to handle, CTIA was rather quiet. Sure, the torpid economy is a likely culprit, but CTIA has a bigger strike against it. Since it follows the two much bigger blowouts of CES and the GSMA World Congress, CTIA just can't offer the same level of news.

It's not really CTIA's fault--after all, a U.S.-focused show can't be expected to compete with global events--but I'm not the first to suggest that CTIA should switch its schedule to later in the year. But as I said, there was plenty to report.

Samsung left a good impression.

(Credit: Kent German/CNET)

Getting the message
If there was one theme at CTIA 2009, it was the messaging phone. A total of five new models made their first appearance in Las Vegas, with Samsung and AT&T leading the way.

On the Monday before the show, Sammy and AT&T unveiled the Samsung Impression and the Samsung Magnet. Both offer full QWERTY keyboards on a different theme. While the Magnet offers minimal features and a simple design, the Impression has a comfortable slider design, a brilliant display, and mid-range multimedia. It made such an impression on us that we picked it as our top phone of the show.

As CTIA comes to a close, we pause to select the best products from the show. The scene in Las Vegas was much quieter than in past years, and it lacked any high-profile announcements like the Palm Pre. But, there were a few products that deserve recognition as the Cream of the Crop from CTIA 2009.

Best phone: Samsung Impression

(Credit: Kent German/CNET)

For the third year in a row, Samsung takes the title of the best phone in CTIA. While the Samsung Impression can't quite compete with the hype of last year's Instinct or 2007's Upstage, it is the most practical of the three. And in a year where messaging phones were all the rage, it stands out in a crowded field as the one of the best-designed messaging phones we've seen in a while.

The keyboard is spacious and tactile, and while the handset isn't quite sexy, it has a pleasant, minimalist shape that feels nice in the hand. Yet the Impression's biggest draw is its gorgeous active-matrix organic light-emitting diode display. As Samsung promised, the display is positively brilliant with bright colors and vibrant graphics. Features are decent, even if they're not groundbreaking.

Inside you'll find a 3-megapixel camera, a full HTML browser, Bluetooth, Samsung's TouchWiz interface, 3G support with access to Cellular Video and AT&T Music, a personal organizer, AT&T Navigator, and a speakerphone. No, that won't knock your socks off; in fact, you might even see it as somewhat boring. But as we said before, the Impression's story is more about functional features and an intuitive design rather than flash and glam. And at a very quiet show, it deserves its prize. The Impression will be out soon with AT&T; we should have a review shortly.

For more on the Impression, see our photo gallery and video.

Best smartphone: HTC Snap

(Credit: Bonnie Cha/CNET)

Aside from rising importance of applications, the other theme of CTIA 2009 was messaging. We saw a slew of new messaging devices debut at the show, and it extended to smartphones. While the Nokia E71x and Samsung Propel Pro were nice additions to AT&T's lineup, the HTC Snap stood out for its Inner Circle feature.

With a simple press of a button, Inner Circle brings e-mails from a preselected group of people to the top of your in-box so you can read and reply to them immediately. The capability isn't the wave of the future, but it does help prioritize your e-mails based on your preferences.

In addition, HTC, once again did a nice job on the design. The Snap is a beautifully constructed and sleek smartphone. The QWERTY keyboard also features good-size buttons for easy messaging. Finally, don't be fooled by its diminutive size, as it's packed with features, including Windows Mobile 6.1, push e-mail, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G, and a 2-megapixel camera. We look forward to checking out the U.S. version of the Snap, the HTC S522, when it's released in the summer.

LAS VEGAS--On the eve of the CTIA Wireless 2009 trade show here, Clearwire has announced a portable Wi-Fi router that will use Wi-Fi to connect devices such as smartphones and cameras to its new 4G wireless network.

(Credit: Cradlepoint)

On Tuesday, network operator Clearwire, which is building a nationwide WiMax network, announced the Clear Spot, which is made by CradlePoint.

The compact, battery-powered device connects up to eight devices to the Clearwire WiMax network via Wi-Fi. It costs $139 and is expected to go on sale later this month.

Clearwire said the Clear Spot will work with most Wi-Fi-enabled smartphones, including the iPhone, some BlackBerry devices, Windows Mobile phones, the T-Mobile G1, and the Palm Pre. It will also work with Wi-Fi-enabled game and music devices, as well as Wi-Fi-ready digital and video cameras.

The purpose of the device is to extend and provide access to Clearwire's WiMax network. Intel has already started manufacturing WiMax chips. And some laptops have the technology embedded in them.

Eventually, other consumer electronics devices will also get WiMax connectivity. But until then, there aren't many devices that can connect to the Clearwire network. By contrast, there are millions of devices already on the market that have Wi-Fi connectivity. The Clear Spot router allows these Wi-Fi devices to access the Clearwire WiMax network.

"While many (consumer electronics) devices will eventually include embedded WiMax technology, our customers can now easily use their existing Wi-Fi-enabled phones, cameras, game systems, or laptops in compelling new ways," Scott Richardson, chief strategy officer for Clearwire, said in a statement.

Clearwire currently offers WiMax service in Baltimore and Portland, Ore. The company has plans to add service in another eight cities in 2009, and it expects that by the end of 2010, it will be able to offer its WiMax service to 120 million users. The service is available for $10 a day, or consumers can sign up for a monthly service starting at $30.

Clearwire isn't the only service provider tapping into the power of Wi-Fi to reach more consumer devices. Verizon Wireless is also reportedly getting ready to launch a new device known as the MiFi 2200, which is made by Novatel. This device also creates a personal Wi-Fi hot spot that uses Verizon's 3G wireless network to connect to the Internet.

Verizon isn't commenting on the new device. But Novatel is showing off the device here at CTIA.

As spring goes into full swing and April Fool's Day nears, the last event of the busy trade season is upon us. The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association show (CTIA) is the nation's largest event dedicated to new cell phones, accessories, and services. This year it runs from April 1 through April 3 in Las Vegas.

Of course, a large CNET crew will be on-hand to bring you all the news from the show floor. On the Reviews side, I'll be in Vegas with Bonnie Cha and Nicole Lee. We'll bring you details on all the new handsets, and offer you lots of eye candy with photos and video. Nicole will also give you the dish on new Bluetooth headsets. Jessica Dolcourt of Download.com will scout out services, software, and applications, while Tom Krazit and Maggie Reardon of CNET News will bring you the latest news from the business side.

Though we're expecting a full show, we're also expecting that CTIA 2009 will be a little quieter than in past years. That has certainly been the case at the trade shows we've attended so far in 2009. At both CES and the GSMA World Congress, only a handful of new phones appeared on the show floor.

But don't worry, because if CTIA is anything like CES or GSMA, there will be plenty of cool gadgets on display. After all, CES gave us the Palm Pre and GSMA saw the birth of the Sony Ericsson Idou. In Las Vegas, the Palm Pre will be on display again, even if we're not expecting Sprint to announce a release date and pricing. And while Sony Ericsson will not be unveiling any new models, we will see new models from Motorola, Samsung, Nokia, Kyocera, and HTC.

Most eyes at CTIA, however, will be on Android. Rumors persist that HTC will deliver a second Android device for T-Mobile. Neither HTC nor T-Mobile are saying anything, but just three days ago the Federal Communications Commission approved a version of the HTC Magic that supports T-Mobile's 3G network. Without a doubt, a new Android device would satisfy anxious Android fans who have been waiting for an alternative to the T-Mobile G1. We thought that GSMA would offer a gallery of Android devices, but a Magic bound for Vodafone was the only such device to make an appearance in Barcelona.

Whatever happens, the CNET team will be on-hand in Las Vegas to bring you the latest news and the hottest devices from CTIA. Just don't expect any iPhone news, please. Sure, we may see some iPhone apps, but Apple is always a no-show at CTIA. We land in Sin City on Tuesday, March 31 and will be reporting through the end of the week. Check back often for the latest updates.

It's September, and that means it's time for the fall version of the CTIA wireless trade show. Thankfully, the CTIA fall show in 2008 will be right in our backyard at Moscone West in San Francisco, so we won't have far to travel. My colleagues Bonnie Cha and Kent German will be on hand to give you the low-down on the latest handsets, News.com's Maggie Reardon and Tom Krazit will be reporting on mobile news, and Download.com's Jessica Dolcourt will give you the scoop on all the latest software and applications for mobile.

The CTIA fall show typically doesn't have as many cell phone announcements, with most of the attention directed toward software instead. That doesn't mean there aren't new announcements, though; we're expecting some news on the smartphone front, as well as some sneak peeks at the fall lineup. Already we've seen news of the Palm Treo Pro and the HTC Touch Diamond for Sprint get announced prior to the show.

The CTIA fall show (otherwise known as CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment 2008) will be from September 10 to the 12, so keep your eyes peeled for our full coverage of the show.

Juice for your cell phone at the Las Vegas airport.

(Credit: Kent German/CNET Networks)

While waiting at Las Vegas' McCarran airport for my flight home to San Francisco, I spotted one of the most interesting things I've seen during my CTIA trip. Sitting between a water fountain and the restrooms was a nifty cell phone charging stand. For $3, it delivers 30 minutes of charging time, which can be just enough juice if your phone is dying but you left your charger in your checked luggage. The machine included connectors for 12 types cell phones, including Kyocera, Samsung, Nokia, Palm Treo, RIM BlackBerry, LG, and Nokia. It also had connectors for iPods and the iPhone. Though I didn't test the charging station, there was one thing about it that struck me as troublesome. Unless you want to risk your phone being stolen, you'd have to stay next to the machine while it's charging your phone. Who wants to sit outside the bathroom for a half hour?

Awww, aren't they cute?

(Credit: Kent German/CNET Networks)

I know I have a strange fetish for cell phone speakers, which is why I had to scope out these Samsung ASP700 speakers that I first saw at CES. I found them at CTIA sitting pretty in Samsung's booth (where else would they be?) while attached to a Samsung Juke. These round little beauties, which have a decent sound for their size, include an ICE amplifier. Considering they're designed by Bang & Olufsen, it's not surprising that they're so eye-catching.

Phew! Day 1 of CTIA 2008 is in the bag, and as usual, the opening day provided plenty of action. Here are some of the highlights of the day.

Samsung was certainly a show stopper as it revealed its Samsung Instinct, an iPhone competitor that features a sleek touch screen interface and a boatload of features. Senior Editor Kent German has all the details for you and says it look promising. Kent also got some hands-on time with AT&T's new Motorola Z9, which left him with some mixed feelings. And Kyocera kept busy as it announced a whole fleet of new cell phones, including the very sexy Neo E1100. Check out our Kyocera slide show to see all the new handsets.

Meanwhile, Associate Editor Nicole Lee found plenty to look at the LG booth as the company announced the LG EnV(2) for Verizon Wireless and the LG Vu for AT&T. The latter is particularly noteworthy, not only for its stunning design and touch-screen interface, but also because it supports the new AT&T Mobile TV service. Being our resident Bluetooth headset goddess, Nicole also got a chance to out some of the latest models, including the Motorola H690, the Sound ID H300, and the "fashionable" Plantronics Discover 925.

Last but not least, in the land of smartphones, there were several key announcements. First, Microsoft announced the latest version of its mobile operating system, Windows Mobile 6.1, which features a number of enhancements to make Windows Mobile smartphones easier to set up and navigate. You can expect carriers and device manufacturers to roll out upgrades pretty soon. In fact, HTC revealed at the show that it will offer the GSM HTC Touch Dual in the United States with Windows Mobile 6.1 and 3G support. Verizon Wireless also snagged its own HTC Touch, dubbed the Verizon Wireless XV6900. Research in Motion shared the love with several carriers as it released the RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8120 for T-Mobile and the RIM BlackBerry Curve 8330 for Verizon Wireless and Sprint.

Now, these were just some of the highlights, and as you can tell, there's plenty to see here at CTIA 2008. We'll be back at it on Day 2, bringing you all the latest news and products via blogs, photos, and videos, so keep it dialed in here--same bat channel, same bat place.

Motorola Rokr EQ3

(Credit: Motorola)

When I first saw Motorola was releasing something called the Rokr EQ3, I thought it was a phone. Instead, the Rokr EQ3 marks Motorola's foray into the portable speaker market. The EQ3 is a compact little speaker that folds up to a smaller and more portable size. It's not a Bluetooth speaker though; you'll still have to use the regular ol' 3.5mm plug, which is great for MP3 players, but not so convenient for most cell phones that still use the 2.5mm jack, so you might want to spring for an adapter if you want to use the Rokr EQ3 with a phone. It's powered by four AAA batteries, and there's an extension cable optimized for players that have FM radio. It's pretty old-school tech, but hey, maybe there's still a market for these things. It'll be available in Q2 of this year and pricing is still unknown.