Android, Spectrum Talk Dominate CTIA Wireless Conference
This year’s CTIA Wireless trade show in Las Vegas brought some new devices and more talk about higher-speed wireless technologies. Here are some notable trends seen at the industry confab:
Android Aplenty
This was really a show dominated by Google’s (GOOG) Android mobile operating system. AT&T (T) kicked off the show with the Dell (DELL) Aero, while Motorola (MOT) showed off its first Nextel-compatible Android phone, complete with military specifications and the standard walkie-talkie feature. Android also found itself in the HTC Evo, the first 4G cellphone in the U.S., as well as Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy S, the two highest profile devices at the show.
Gloves Come Off
The industry players were surprisingly willing to jab each other throughout the show. Before things started, AT&T Chief Technology Officer John Donovan downplayed Verizon Wireless’s (VZ) decision to upgrade early to 4G technology.
In demonstrating the power of the Evo, Sprint (S) executives willingly took shots at the Motorola Droid, including calling its video playback capability “subpar.”