CTIA Wireless 2003
A stylish Hitachi CDMA phone for Japan. I didn't see a Hitachi presence at the show, but they are making a big push into the U.S. market through their relationship with Sprint PCS. Hopefully they will soon offer a phone like this here.
One relatively unknown company that is contemplating entering the U.S. market is Nixxo. Shown here is the NXG 9230, a GSM 850/1900 phone with class 10 GPRS, a 4096-color STN display, and 40-chord polyphonic ringtones.
A closed view of the Nixxo NXG 9230.
This is the Nixxo NXG 9150. It is similar to the 9230, but steps down to a monochrome display and 16-chord ringtones.
A closed view of the Nixxo NXG 9150.
It wasn't on display, but Nixxo also has a quad-band GSM phone planned for early 2004. The NXG 9250 will have a 65,000-color TFT main display, a 4096-color outer display, a swivel camera, class 10 GPRS, MMS, and 64-chord polyphonic ringtones. The fact that it also specifically includes E-911 support is a sign that it is planned specifically for the U.S. market.
Another relatively unknown company planning to enter the U.S. market is Telson. Unlike Nixxo, they have very serious ongoing talks with a major carrier - Verizon Wireless. It's not final, but apparently Verizon is currently planning to offer two of their upcoming models in the second half of the year. They looked pretty neat, with a typical folder-type dual-display design. At least one had a color main display. Unfortunately, they did not allow pictures in the booth, and somehow I misplaced the brochure I picked up with pictures and specs. (grrrr...)
However, I did take notes on their 8300 model, which is slated for the U.S. in February 2004. It features a slick-looking folder design, with dual color displays and a swivel camera. The main display is 260,000-color TFT, while the outer display is 4096-color STN. It's a tri-mode, and it features BREW, video capture, MMS, a "3D GUI", voice dialing, and 48-chord polyphonic ringtones.
This might be good time to mention - for anyone who doesn't follow the industry - that phone release dates and feature lists change frequently. This happens in response to feedback from user testing, and results from carrier testing. Delays are pretty much the norm in this industry. So whenever you see a date for a phone - even when it's 'official info' from the manufacturer - take it with a huge grain of salt.
Sony Ericsson had a really neat Bluetooth demo set up in their booth. Their engineers managed to cram a Bluetooth module into a couple of those tiny micro-RC cars!
A closeup of the Bluetooth micro-cars.
Hey - that's me! ...using a T68i to control the little red car via Bluetooth. As you can see, I'm not a very good driver, but I don't care - I want one!
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