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smartphones

Next-gen Android phone coming soon?

HTC and T-Mobile are readying a new version of the G1 Android phone, according to the gadget blog Gizmodo.

On Wednesday, Gizmodo posted pictures of what is supposed to be the new Android "G2," which the blog says is expected in May. The new device is much thinner than the previous G1 because its slide keyboard is gone. Instead, HTC has taken a page out of the Apple iPhone playbook and will only offer a virtual keypad.

Pictures of the new G2 also show that it will have a 3.2 megapixel camera. The new phone will operate … Read more

An in-car GPS built for walking: Ask the Editors

Q: If you had to pick a walking-tour-guide GPS for a first-timer walking in New York City, but wanted to use a basic GPS auto navigation system, what would you buy? Are crossover systems any good? We are visiting NYC for Valentines Day weekend and don't want to get lost! --Bill via e-mail

A: Bill, I've found that crossover GPS units aren't exactly what they advertise. These portable navigation devices, such as the Magellan CrossoverGPS and Garmin Nuvi 500, try to be all-in-one GPS solutions for drivers, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts. However, it's been my experience … Read more

Asus working on a low-cost Eee smartphone?

Asus has tried its hand at smartphones before. Take for instance, the Asus P527, a feature-rich Windows Mobile device that simply didn't deliver in the performance department and certainly wasn't worth the expensive price tag. However, it appears the Taiwanese company might give smartphones another shot, but this time with a completely new game plan.

According to a New York Times interview with Asustek's chairman Jonney Shih, Asus is working on a low-cost smartphone called the Eee Phone. Based on the company's Eee line of affordable Netbooks, Shih envisions the Eee Phone as the "interactive … Read more

Dialed In 63: CES hangover

We're back from Vegas (and happy to be back), but before we wash away the memory of CES 2009, we take a final look at the show's cell phone announcements and share our thoughts on the scene stealer, the Palm Pre. We also catch up on some other mobile happenings and could the iPhone Nano be headed to China? All this and more on this week's Dialed In podcast. Oh yeah, and Happy Birthday, Kent!! Listen now: Download today's podcast

Rumor of the week iPhone Nano on the way to China first?

News Palm Pre wins Best of CES 2009 and People's Voice Award … Read more

RIM issues security patches for BlackBerry

Research In Motion issued on Monday interim patches to address critical security flaws in BlackBerry software.

The flaws affect BlackBerry Enterprise Server software version 4.1 Service Pack 3 through Service Pack 6. The BlackBerry Professional Software 4.1 Service Pack 4 is also affected, RIM notes in its security advisory.

RIM is asking corporate customers to install an interim patch for the BlackBerry Enterprise Server and an interim patch for the BlackBerry Professional Software.

RIM also advises BlackBerry users to open PDF attachments only from "trusted sources." The company notes in its security advisory:

Multiple security vulnerabilities … Read more

CES 2009 wrap-up: Cell phones and smartphones

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

Cell phones on the CES show floor--photos

Cell phones and smartphones are just a small part of CES, but that doesn't stop the various manufacturers from making their presence felt. The largest companies like Nokia, Motorola, and Samsung build impressive, glitzy booths that are larger than most homes. Inside you'll find their latest models on display, from the basic and functional to the hot and high end. For a peek at all the cell phone action on the CES show floor, check out our slide show.

Palm Pre wins Best of CES 2009 and People's Voice Award

On Saturday, CNET, in partnership with the Consumer Electronics Association, handed out its Best of CES 2009 Awards, including Best in Show and the People's Voice Award. And this year's big winner? The Palm Pre.

The Palm Pre smartphone took home both honors and became the first cell phone/smartphone to win the Best in Show since CNET started presenting the Best of CES awards in 2006. The Palm Pre went up against some stiff competition, including the Sony DSC-G3 and the Sony P-series Lifestyle PC. So why the Pre?

Well, it was a combination of things. First, … Read more

The 404 255: Where we've jumped the virgin shark

As day two of CES 2009 came to a close, The 404 wrapped up the day with a solid audience of tired, dreary-eyed show goers desperate for some much needed entertainment.

Today Brian Tong joins the show to talk about the worst of CES, primarily the men's bathrooms, crying babies, and recycled floor tape. Best of all, we add a new segment to the show called "Sexy Press Release."

Be sure to catch us live again tomorrow from the CNET stage at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.

EPISODE 255 Download today's podcast