The International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which in 2010 runs from Jan. 7 to Jan. 10 in Las Vegas, is the industry's high-tech mecca for gadget news and releases.
CES 2010 runs just before the Mobile World Congress, which is a global event specifically for wireless from Feb. 15 to Feb. 18 in Barcelona.
Cell phones and smartphones have played a major part in previous CES shows and won't be slowing down this year. Here are some of the hot wireless items to watch for following CES.
1. Washable Cell Phone:
 Cell phones can be a breeding ground for bacteria, but their worst enemy is likely being dropped in water. The Seal Cell from Seal Shield is said to be the world's first waterproof, dishwasher-safe and antimicrobial cell phone.
The first few models plan to be released for T-Mobile. Thereafter, Seal Shield says it will have washable phones for AT&T, Verizon Wireless and Sprint by April 2010. Prices for the phones aren't yet public.
2.ZOMM wireless leash
Image © ZOMM
Cell Phone Leash: If you've ever lost your cell phone, you know how frustrating, time consuming and expensive it is to start all over with a new one. ZOMM is being called the first "wireless leash" for mobile phones.
It goes on your keychain and acts as your cell phone's guardian angel so you don't lose it.
The ZOMM device needs to be in close proximity with your cell phone. If it gets too far away, it will sense the distance and alert you with a loud alarm. The item costs $80.
3. Cell Phone Watch:
The W Phonewatch from Kempler & Strauss is said to be the world's smallest full-function GSM cell phone watch. It's unlocked so you can use it on any carrier, has a touch screen and features Bluetooth.
Unlike LG's $1,300 watch phone, the W Phonewatch retails for $200. Look for the availability of the W Phonewatch at large retailers such as Best Buy and Target.
4.LG Expo projector phone
Image © LG
Cell Phone Projector: At CES, LG is spotlighting its Expo smartphone with Windows Mobile.
Featuring a 1-gigahertz processor, this phone for AT&T can project videos, photos and presentations stored on the phone.
The Expo went on sale on Dec. 7, 2009 for $199 with a two-year AT&T contract after a $100 mail-in rebate. The projector, which attaches to the back of the smartphone, costs an additional $179.
5. Local TV Phone:
The Tivit from Valups is a device that beams a local TV signal to most mobile phones with Wi-Fi technology, which is becoming more common.
In doing so, the $120 "Mobile DTV" (mobile digital television) device bypasses cell phone carriers. Tivit is said to go on sale this spring.
So far, the major news of this week has been Google's release of its new Nexus One "superphone," which is being described as evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Its release, though, came from Google's headquarters on Tuesday rather than from CES. |