CES 2009 Phones at CES 2009
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This article, CES 2009, was last updated on 12 January 2009 and is now out of date and held in our online archive for reference. Explore our latest Technology articles.
Palm launches new mobile phone and advanced operating system
Palm has unveiled its eagerly awaited touchscreen mobile phone – the Palm Pre – at CES 2009.
Palm Pre mobile phone hands on at CES 2009
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The Pre is a heavy (149g), rounded handset that combines a 3.1-inch, 320 x 480 pixel touchscreen with a sliding Qwerty keyboard. It’s Edge and Wi-Fi capable, though like the first iPhone it’s not 3G. It also comes with a 3Mp camera, a music player (with a proper 3.5mm headphone socket), GPS and 8GB of storage.
Palm OS
While these are features are pretty good, it’s the new operating system that has caused the most excitement. Following hot on the heels of Google’s Android, Palm has developed its own system: Palm OS.
This new system has several exciting innovations, such as 'Think Ahead' – a system that will automatically work out what application you need as you type it into the phone.
Another development is the 'Cards' system. Using the centre button at the foot of the device, you can see a full set of all the open windows you’re using and either flick through them, or move them up the screen to discard.
The browser is also full screen and operates just like the iPhone’s, allowing you to ‘pinch’ the screen with your fingers to zoom into images and menus.
Wireless charging
Palm has even created an exciting charger. The Touchstone will recharge the Pre wirelessly. You simply place the Pre on the Touchstone, and magnets hold it in place while it recharges.
And that’s not all. Should a call come in while it’s charging, answering it will automatically switch on the speakerphone.
Unfortunately, there’s no information on European availability for the Pre and the Touchstone, though it can be pre-ordered now in the US ahead of a 'first half' of 2009 launch.
Looking for a new mobile phone? Check out the Which? mobile phone reviews.
LG unveils Watch Phone at CES 2009
LG watch phone
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LG has unveiled a timepiece with a difference at CES 2009 in Las Vegas.
The much-hyped Watch Phone can make and receive calls, and also works as a music player.
It’s certainly a neat-looking device – designed in sleek black and about the size of a digital watch. The novelty of having your mobile phone wrapped around your wrist may appeal to some.
Dr Woo Paik, LG’s president and chief technology officer, demonstrated the Watch Phone at CES, taking a brief call to show the phone’s functionality before using the music player.
We haven’t yet had a chance to try the Watch Phone ourselves, but we’re aiming to get our hands on one soon to see how easy it is to use.
For more on mobile phones, check out the Which? mobile phone reviews.
Two new mobile phones from Sony Ericsson
Sony Ericsson has released details of new models from its impressive Cyber-shot and Walkman phone ranges at CES 2009.
First up is the C510 Cyber-shot. Positioned at the lower end of the Cyber-shot line, it has a reasonable array of features at a more affordable price than other Cyber-shot handsets, such as the C905.
As you’d expect, the 3.2Mp camera is the chief attraction. It has face detection, a smile shutter (the camera will take a photo automatically when it detects a smile) and some editing features.
The phone is integrated with YouTube and Snapfish – you can send print orders from the phone to Snapfish and have photos delivered to your home. It’s 3G and comes with the usual music player and entertainment features.
The C510 Cyber-shot comes in Future Black and Radiation Silver and should be available this spring.
New music phone
Sony Ericsson also unveiled another music-focused handset from its Walkman range at CES 2009.
The W508 is a clamshell model that allows you to control the music player even when the phone is closed.
It features the usual Sony Ericsson innovations, such as Shake and Gesture control, which allows you to answer a call and hang up with the flick of the wrist, and also packs in a 3.2Mp camera, HSDPA for high-speed internet access and a memory card slot.
The W508 Walkman comes in Metal Grey and Poetic White and should be available the UK this summer.
Need help choosing a phone? Have a look at the expert Which? mobile phone reviews.
To see more pics from our time at CES 2009, check out the Which? CES 2009 photo gallery on Flickr.
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