CES 2009

The Palm Pre takes Best of CES.

(Credit: Palm)

Though cell phones are just a small part of CES, the category made a big splash at this year's show with the first cell phone to win CNET's Best of CES award. But the Palm Pre was not the only device in Las Vegas; new devices also debuted from Motorola, Sony Ericsson, and LG, to name a few.

In the smartphone category, the obvious star was the Palm Pre, which scored a hat trick by winning not only the aforementioned Best of CES award, but also the Best of CES award in the cell phone category and the People's Voice Award. The Pre restored a bit of faith in Palm and more importantly, pushed the capabilities of a smartphone. The Pre promises to offer true multi-tasking on a phone and dazzles with its unique user interface, design, and features.

In addition, the Palm Web OS and App Store will only expand the Pre's (as well as future Palm Web OS devices) uses and capabilities. By raising the bar, Palm has certainly sent a message to its competitors and we suspect they'll step up and respond, which is always good for us since it will bring more innovation.

While the Pre might have grabbed much of the CES spotlight, it wasn't the only smartphone to debut at the show. T-Mobile announced the RIM BlackBerry Curve 8900 and T-Mobile Shadow, while HTC introduced its HTC S743 smartphone. Nokia also announced that it will bring a U.S. version of the Nokia E63 to market in the coming weeks, and we finally got some hands-on time with the Nokia N97. Looks like 2009 is shaping up to be another action-packed year for the smartphone space.

Motorola earned a Best of CES nomination with its Surf A3100 smartphone. The touch-screen device offers multimedia features in an eye catching design. And better yet, it puts a nifty and user-friendly spin on the Windows Mobile 6.1 operating.

Moto also introduced the Renew W233, a phone made from recycled water bottles, and the rugged and tough Tundra A76r for AT&T. We got a close look at both models. And though it wasn't introduced in Las Vegas, CES gave us our first opportunity to handle the style-centric and posh Motorola Aura.... Read more

LG HBM-800 Bluetooth Headset and Cradle

(Credit: LG)

LG seems to be leading the way in combining Bluetooth headsets with other things. The LG Decoy, for example, was one of the first cell phones to have a built-in Bluetooth headset in the back. Now at CES 2009, LG has introduced the LG HBM-800, a Bluetooth headset and speakerphone in one. This isn't new--we've seen this before in this Kyocera Portable Speaker--but we can't think of many others like this one.

On its own, the headset is like any other Bluetooth headset. It has dual microphones for echo cancellation and noise suppression, plus it has LG's e-Clip ergonomic earbud on the back. Once you dock the headset into the speakerphone however, the audio automatically transfers to the speakerphone, and you can now use it like you would a Bluetooth speaker. This also works in reverse; when you take the headset out, the audio will transfer to the headset. The speakerphone has a clip on the back so you can easily clip it to your car's visor. This is a great option if you want both a Bluetooth speakerphone and a Bluetooth headset in one compact package.

The headset's talk time is up to 4 hours while the speakerphone/cradle talk time is up to 7 hours. No word on price or availability.

I don't often get excited about Bluetooth headsets, but Altec Lansing's BackBeat series is definitely worth a look. CNET's David Carnoy already reported the details of these Bluetooth beauties earlier in the week, but I thought I'd add some of my first-hand impressions, as well as a few photos. Hit up the Altec Lansing BackBeat slide show for all the details.

Photos: Altec Lansing Backbeat Bluetooth headset

LG HBM-530 is studded with Swarovski crystals.

(Credit: LG)

Bluetooth headsets are a dime a dozen at CES, so it usually takes a certain something for me to take notice. For example, the BlueAnt Q1 is stylish plus it boasts better audio quality than the rest, and the Nokia BH-804 is a teeny little thing that stands out for being so small. But sometimes all it takes is a little cheesy bling, like this Swarovski crystal-clad LG HBM-530, which LG debuted at the show. It features an e-Clip ergonomic earbud and a carrying cradle, but really, the only reason to get this is because it looks like a piece of costume jewelry. Both price and availability are to be determined, so you'll have to wait a while if you want it.

Sony stopped by the Car Tech booth at CES 2009 to install its MEX-BT3700U Bluetooth-enabled CD receiver, which features hands-free calling and A2DP stereo audio streaming.

However, this isn't a one trick pony, with neat features such as a front panel USB port that offers full iPod control, Quick BrowZer searching that helps to quickly locate the desired song, and Zappin technology, which lets you choose songs by simply listening to snippets.

The Nokia BH-804 is quite possibly the world's smallest headset.

(Credit: Nokia)

Aside from the BH-904 Bluetooth headset that debuted at the show, Nokia also showed off its star headset, the BH-804, on the CES show floor. It debuted a few months ago, but we haven't gotten a chance to take a closer look at it until today. The Nokia BH-804 is one of the world's smallest headsets at only 1.6 inches long by 0.5 inch wide by 0.2 inch thick, and weighing only 0.25 ounce. It promises enhanced audio quality, and it comes with a tricolor LED for status indication. Also with the BH-804 is a desktop stand and a neck strap. Though it's small, the BH-804 will set you back a pretty penny: it costs around $144 retail.

Nokia showed off its latest Bluetooth headset at a CES press event last night, and it's called the Nokia BH-904. The big talking point of the BH-904 is that it is able to separate a user's voice from ambient sound, which helps in improving voice quality in crowded environments. It also has multipoint technology, which lets it connect to two different devices simultaneously, and a sliding boom design, for enhanced audio quality. The headset measures 2 inches by 0.8 inch by 0.4 inch and weighs a scant 0.6 ounce. It has a rated talk time of 8 hours and up to 160 hours in standby. No word on pricing or availability just yet, but we suspect it'll be some time this year.

(Credit: Sony Electronics)

Sony is expanding its mobile-audio lineup with eight new Xplod in-dash CD receivers. Of these new models, three offer built-in Bluetooth connectivity and seven feature USB ports--five of which are iPod compatible. Also among these new models is Sony Xplod's first double DIN receiver in years.

Starting with top-tier model being added to Sony's GT line of car stereos, with the high-end CDX-GT930UI features a rear USB connection for iPod, iPhone, Walkman, and other USB devices, as well as a rear aux-in. Out back, you'll also find four-volt front, rear and sub preamp outputs. On the business end, the unit features a motorized, detachable faceplate that is home to a wide area "Extended FL" four-line display with switchable blue, green, and red key illumination.

Next in line, the CDX-GT730UI model features a four-line, full-motion display similar to that of the high-end model. This CD/MP3/WMA/AAC receiver moves the USB connection and aux-inputs to the front panel. The new CDX-GT530UI model steps down to a simpler display and drops a preamp output, making it the most affordable head unit in the lineup with connectivity for iPod, while the CDX-GT430U unit's USB port loses the ability to control the iPod.

Photos: Sony expands Xplod lineup at CES 2009

Three of Sony's new head units feature Bluetooth technology for simple hands-free phone calls and audio streaming (with a Bluetooth compatible phone).

The top-of-the-line MEX-BT5700U model features a front USB port for easy connection to all digital music players, including iPod and iPhone devices. New for 2009, this unit can automatically transfer all phone book contact information from a Bluetooth connected phone to the display. The unit also features A2DP Bluetooth audio streaming with metadata of a song, which means all album, artist, and track information appear on its large four-line display.

Stepping down to the MEX-BT3700U sacrifices the external microphone and "Extended FL" screen for a simpler display. The MEX-BT2700 drops the USB and iPod control altogether, as well as one of the three preamp outputs, in favor of a low price.

The CDX-GT77UI has an odd interface with a circular theme.

Finally, for the first time in years, Sony is adding a double DIN head unit to its lineup. Designed to be compatible with most new model cars, the larger sized CDX-GT77UI unit features a rear USB connection for iPod, iPhone, and other digital music players.

All models in the Xplod series feature 52 watts x 4 channels of max-power output and, where appropriate, each car stereo features ZAPPIN and Quick-BrowZer for quick navigation through music libraries, regardless of size. They are all HD Radio ready, and come with wireless card remotes.

(Credit: JVC Mobile Entertainment)

JVC rings in the New Year with not one, not two, but seven new CD receivers for its 2009 mobile entertainment product line.

JVC Mobile's new flagship KD-R900 In-Dash CD Receiver has two USB 2.0 ports (one front and one rear) for connection to an iPod, an iPhone, USB flash memory drives, digital audio players, portable HDD devices, or any two devices simultaneously. The KD-R900 also features hands-free Bluetooth phone calling and A2DP wireless audio streaming capability via an included USB Bluetooth adapter and high-quality external wired microphone. This adapter operates as a fully functional receiver, transmitter, and antenna for Bluetooth and plugs into either of the KD-R900's USB ports. Users are given the option of controlling their iPod/iPhone using either the in-dash receiver's controls or the controls on the device itself to make music selections, thanks to a full-speed two-way iPod control feature. The list of features is rounded out with a front aux input, flip-down detachable faceplate, and an LCD screen with variable-color illumination which is capable of over 30,000 customizable colors to match most vehicles' interior illumination hues. The unit is also HD Radio Ready, Satellite Radio Ready, and MP3/WMA compatible. The KD-R900 features a three-band parametric iEQ, wireless remote, MOS-FET 50Wx4, and 5V front, rear, and subwoofer preoutputs with subwoofer control. The receiver is available in March 2009 with an MSRP of $269.95.

At the next level, the KD-R800 CD Receiver features many of the same features as the top-tier KD-R900, with the exception of the full-speed two-way iPod/iPhone control. The KD-R800 receiver is available in February with an MSRP of $219.95.

JVC will be installing the KD-HDR50 at the Car Tech CES booth.

(Credit: JVC Mobile Entertainment)

The KD-HDR50 CD Receiver distinguishes itself with a built-in HD Radio tuner with multicasting and iTunes Tagging capability. Of course, like any good iTunes Tagging head unity, the USB 2.0 iPod control is in full effect. The unit doesn't include, but is compatible with, the USB Bluetooth adapter and is satellite radio ready. The KD-HDR50 steps up to a seven-band iEQ and is should shipping in January 2009 at an MSRP of $179.95. Also new for 2009 is the very similar KD-HDR20, which has many of the same features, with the exception of iPod control and iTunes Tagging, and it should cost for $139.95 and ship at the same time as the KD-HDR50.

The KD-R600 CD Receiver features a USB 2.0 connection with two-way control and charging for iPod/iPhone. The unit is ready for Bluetooth adapter, satellite radio ready, HD Radio ready, and has MP3/WMA playback capability for an MSRP of $159.95. The KD-R300 reduces the MSRP to $119.95 at the expense of the integrated iPod control. Finally, the entry level $99.95 KD-R200 is a basic unit that loses the flexibility of adding external modules. All three units feature a three-band iEQ, wireless remote, MOS-FET 50Wx4, and variable-color illumination display (KD-R200 features fixed color illumination).

View the full JVC 2009 CD receiver lineup.

BlueAnt Q1 to be available in Q2 2009.

(Credit: BlueAnt)

One of our favorite Bluetooth headsets for 2008 was the BlueAnt V1, the world's first voice-controlled Bluetooth headset. Well, BlueAnt is certainly not resting on its laurels. It just announced the BlueAnt Q1, a brand-new headset that combines the voice interface technology from the V1 with a stylish gunmetal design.

The new design promises to "virtually eliminate" wind and road noise, handling wind speeds up to 10 miles per hour. It also boasts dual microphone wind noise reduction, echo cancellation, and digital signal processing software for clearer voices. Other features include automatic pairing and reconnection to the phone, automatic volume control, dynamic receive signal frequency equalization, and multipoint technology, which lets you connect to two phones simultaneously. And, of course, it has that BlueGenie voice interface that the V1 has.

The device is quite the looker; slim with a metallic sheen. It measures 2.17 inches by 0.63 inch by 0.27 inch, has up to 4 hours of talk time, and 120 hours of standby time. It will retail for $129.95 and won't be available until the second quarter of 2009.