Google Android, HTC, Samsung, LG: The Best of CTIA 2010

by Nicholas Kolakowski

The HTC HD2 runs Windows Mobile 6.5, features a 5-megapixel camera and powers its apps (including Facebook and HTC Peep) with a 1GHz Snapdragon processor.

Windows Phone 7 Series represents Microsoft’s attempt at a fresh start in the mobile arena, with a slick user interface and “hubs” that gather together Web and mobile app content.

Sprint’s HTC Evo 4G is a 4G-capable smartphone that runs Google Android 2.1 and features not one but two cameras: one 8-megapixel aperture with auto-focus, and a front-facing 1.3-megapixel lens. It runs on a 1GHz processor.

Samsung boasts that its Galaxy S smartphone has a 20 percent brighter screen, 20 percent longer battery life and 80 percent less sunlight reflection thanks to Super AMOLED technology. It runs Google Android 2.1 and is powered by a 1GHz processor.

The Palm Pixi Plus and Palm Pre Plus are slated to arrive on AT&T’s network, which may help the smartphones retain market share.

The Nokia 5230 Nuron features a 3.2-inch touch screen, a 2-megapixel camera capable of shooting 640 by 480 video, and built-in Ovi Maps and Ovi Store for downloading applications.

The GzOne Brigade is a ruggedized device capable of resisting water, shock, vibration and dust, thanks to a silicon rubber shell and plastic and polyurethane frame. In addition to push-to-talk and GPS, the form factor integrates a 3.2-megapixel camera.

Google’s Nexus One smartphone, powered by a 1GHz Qualcomm processor, runs Google Android 2.1. It’s built by HTC.

The HTC Droid Eris, running Android 1.5, made its debut along with the Motorola Droid in late 2009, marking Google’s more aggressive push into the smartphone operating-system market.

The Kempler & Strauss W PhoneWatch is a GSM quad-band cell phone combined with a wristwatch. It also includes an MP3 player, touch screen and Bluetooth capability.

The LG KM900 Arena includes a 5-megapixel camera, WiFi, GPS and Bluetooth capability. It runs on AT&T’s network.

Mobile accessories were big at CTIA, with companies such as Zagg issuing a variety of stylish/protective coverings and holsters for smartphones.