ctia

BlackBerry is branching out. Beginning Tuesday, Research In Motion will open the BlackBerry platform further by offering developers APIs (application programming interfaces) that allow them to make more interesting lifestyle-oriented applications.

Having customer relationship management software on your smart phone is cool and all, but soon BlackBerry addicts will have access to applications that are far more consumer oriented: apps with embedded audio and video, more location-based services, support for better 3D graphics, and more customizable wallpaper and ringtones.

The new collection of BlackBerry APIs are based on the industry standard Java Micro Edition.

Last night at Pepcom in Orlando, Nokia demoed Real's recently-released version of Rhapsody for the N800 Internet Tablet. Or at least that was the plan: as I'm not actually at CTIA, I can't confirm that the demo ever really happened. What is certain, however, is that N800 owners who also subscribe to Rhapsody will now have direct access to the music service on their tablets (as long as there is a Wi-Fi connection available at the time). Users can search the entire Rhapsody catalog, browse their libraries, listen to playlists and Channels, and read editorial commentary--pretty much … Read more

Even though the LG VX8700 isn't "officially" launched at CTIA, it was still out and proud at the LG booth. The LG rep we talked to even referred to it as the U.S. version of the LG Shine. We've mentioned the LG VX8700 before, but we haven't received any information about its specs until now: features include a 2-megapixel camera, a 262,000-color TFT internal display, a music player, a microSD card slot, a video recorder, a video player, stereo Bluetooth, text and multimedia messaging, a speakerphone, voice recording, a 1,000-contact address book, … Read more

Here at CTIA, there's one cell phone that everybody is talking about but is nowhere to be seen in the Orange County Convention Center. That phone, of course, is Apple's iPhone, which is set to be available in just two months. While we're not surprised in the least that Apple didn't come to Orlando, we are surprised Cingular is taking such a low-key approach as well. As the exclusive carrier of the iPhone, you'd think Cingular could own this show simply by putting one of the phones behind glass. And if they had a few … Read more

Sony Ericsson has always been good about accessorizing their admirable Walkman phone line. And while the company hasn't announced any such new products at CTIA, it is showing its latest options in music phone speakers. These tiny portable speakers are perfect for a weekend trip or a day at the park, as they do a decent job of making your music public. Of course, they lack the wattage of your home stereo, but they still can turn any event into a small party. The MPS-70 portable speaker system feature two cube-shaped speakers that attach easily to any Walkman phone. … Read more

Even at CTIA, where hundreds of new cell phone accessories line the show floor, I love this little camera phone tripod from Sony Ericsson. The Camera Phone Kit (IPK-100) is so simple yet ever so useful, because even when you use a high-quality camera phone such as the Sony Ericsson K790a it can be so darn hard to hold the phone steady and get the best shots.

Just attach it to your Sony Ericsson Cyber-shot phone, then bend the flexible legs for the best position, and it will hold the handset steady for getting better shots or for using your … Read more

In addition to its new Z750 HSDPA phone, Sony Ericsson yesterday announced a new addition to its powerful Walkman phone lineup. The W580 brings some smart styling to the company's Walkman phone line. Available in white or gray with orange accents, the W580 features a slider design, which is still a somewhat rare design for the company (the last slider Walkman phone we reviewed was the previous W850). And at 0.6 inches, it also marks a further move by the company to compete in the thin phone craze. Inside you'll find stereo Bluetooth, a memory stick micro … Read more

There aren't too many rugged cell phones out there that are built to withstand harsher climates. For those who favor the great outdoors, the brand new Sanyo SCP-7050 from Sprint may be right for you. The rugged rubberized exterior of the phone is built according to military standards and is stated to withstand the effects of dust, shock, and vibration. And if you have a penchant for grand adventures, the SCP-7050 even comes with a built-in GPS that works very nicely with Telenav Navigator to give you turn-by-turn directions to your destination. Hand an extra unit to your buddy, … Read more

OK, you heard it here first: the Nokia 330 portable navigation system is headed for the United States. We got a little heads-up from Nokia tonight that it's going to announce the U.S. availability of the Nokia 330 Auto Navigation unit tomorrow with an expected ship date of April. It'll come preloaded with Navteq maps and features a 3.5-inch touch screen, turn-by-turn, voice-guided directions, and multimedia capabilities (music and video player and image viewer). You know, pretty much like every other portable in-car GPS device out there. Will it offer any compelling reasons to fork over $… Read more