Live Blogging from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas

Well, looks like I made the right call in heading to CES instead of MacWorld.

What little iPhone news there was is as follows:

1) You can now use iTunes to download music using 3G.  WiFi is not required. 

2) Not exactly iPhone-specific news, but iTunes will be expanding their library of DRM-free (i.e. free from Digital Rights Management) music, so you will have more flexibility, as well as diversified pricing options.

The rest of MacWorld seems to be about Macs.  After all, it's not iPhoneWorld!

Here in Vegas, while Apple is not exhibiting, there are countless vendors with add-ons for the iPhone as well as devices that let you use your iPhone as an add-on to automobiles, furniture, televisions, etc.  So stay tuned!  The first press event (CES Unveiled) is in an hour and I'll be there!

The first big event of CES is wrapping up in 30 minutes.  CES Unveiled is a press-only preview of some of the coolest gadgets that will be on the show floor.  Here is what we found interesting to iPhone users:

Parrot always has Bluetooth products that are cool, in a Parisian sort of way...suitable for the Paris-based Parrot.  I user their 3400GPS unit hardwired into my car's speaker system.  It integrates nicely with my iPhone, automatically answering calls, muting the radio and sending the caller's voice through the car's speakers.  So I wanted to see what 2009 would bring and they did not disappoint.  Their newest products have a strong emphasis on design.  They introduced several stylish digital photo frames, with Bluetooth support for wireless upload from phones that can do that.  Last I heard, the iPhone cannot but I was hoping for new firmware at today's Macworld!

However, Parrot did show an iPhone specific offering.  Their Wireless Speakers by Phillippe Starck have a dock for the iPod or iPhone without the annoying airplane mode warning!  They can also sync with a PC via WiFi, a Mac via Bluetooth, or other cellular phones that support Bluetooth Stereo A2DP (again, the iPhone does not).  The were very well designed and offered great 360 degree sound, and will come with an appropriately high-end price tag.  Learn more at www.parrot.com

Two companies demonstrated different approaches to charging iPhones, iPods, and other devices.

Adrenaline showed off their Roll-Up Charge Pad which is a streamlined device that resembles a sushi making kit.  It rolls up for storage and travel but unrolls to reveal four ports with diverse connectors for charging numerous portable devices.  It uses 75% less energy and looks like a winner!  See more at www.AdrenalineTechnologies.com.

Powermat (www.PowermatUSA.com) offers a dramatically different charging technique.  Your iPhone and other devices are placed in an unobtrusive case.  When the case is placed on the Powermat, which resembles an oblong mousepad, it automatically charges!  I could see entire nightstands, desks or countertops made of this material, eventually.  Never worry about connectors or remembering to charge your device.  If the case makers can integrate the design into their cases, this could be revolutionary!

Two other products are designed to bring audio to you unobtrusively by integrating headphones or speakers into something you already wear.

The iCap (www.iCapMP3.com) is an MP3 player with speakers, built right into the lid of a baseball cap.  The sound is directed straight down, so instead of a cone of silence, you have a cone of music!  While not exactly an iPhone product, I have corresponded with them and a Bluetooth version is a logical next step!  We just need Apple to release A2DP, but at least you could use it for phone calls.

Trispecs (www.trispecs.com) is a set of eyeglasses that even Bono wouldn't mind wearing!  They have built in retractable earbuds and offer both MP3 and telephone Bluetooth communication.  I wear glasses, so it was nice to know that they can be fitted with prescription lenses.  And these are not cheesy knockoffs.  The noise cancellation capabilites were impressive, especially on the crowded tradeshow floor.

Stay tuned to this blog for more interesting products for iPhone users!

 It is Press Day at CES and so far the news of note came from Monster.  Not Monster.com, the recruiter, but the cable company.

Following on 2008's successful "beats" headphones, endorsed by Dr. Dre.  This year, Ludacris got into the act and Monster introduced earbuds named Turbine.  These are very promising headphones, or as they call them, in-ear speakers.  In addition to great sound, they have a tangle free cord which is always nice.  We hope to have a sample for review soon.

Monster also introduced power strips that clamp down on "Vampire Power", the wasted electricity that is being consumed when your computer is asleep and your cell phone is already charged.  This is part of their Green Power line and is a welcome addition.

Todd,

I saw your blog (on another site) regarding the G-Fi GPS router for IPod being sold by Posimotion. Did you actually see the G-Fi demonstrated on an iPod Touch when you were at the event? I just recently received my G-Fi in the mail, but there are no instructions as to how to use it with my Touch (2nd Gen). I did connect to it via Wifi, but then.....nothing. My location cannot be determined through either of their applications, nor through the Google maps that is on the Touch (which makes sense, since at that point you are no longer connected to the Internet). I am starting to think that I got taken advantage of by a company that put out their device before it could be effectively utilized by their software.

 
I wrote them an email, but never received a response. I noticed on their website that they added a comment about how they are now working on their applications, to be compatible with the G-Fi, but Lord knows how long that will take. I bought the G-Fi because I am in Japan, and location via WiFi doesn't work here. By the time they get this thing working, my assignment will be over in Japan, and I won't even need the thing.
 
Anything you can do to find out what's up would be much-appreciated!
 
 
Thanks Todd!
 

Hi Drew,

We were inside a tradeshow convention center, so there was no GPS to be had, but every indication was this was a working product. They have two models, one was JUST a WiFi router and the other added GPS functionality. What color is your device, on the side? Red or Gray? Gray should be the GPS unit and Red is the G-Fi VS Wireless LAN unit.

I can try to follow up with the PR contact.

Todd,

Thanks for the quick reply. Yes, it's grey on the sides, and definitely the GPS version (even has a GPS light on top). I tried it when I first received it in the USA (around Christmas), and it didn't work then. I have since downloaded an update to their G-park/G-spot software (can't remember which now), hoping that this would make a difference. But it still doesn't work. I am in Japan now, but that really shouldn't make a difference. It looks like they are using Microsoft mapping on their G-park application; perhaps this will allow them to deliver maps without the need for an internet hookup?

Drew

Drew,

The PR contact is Mark Rosch, mroschmindspring [dot] com.  Since you're in possession of the unit, and I've only seen it in his hands, without a GPS signal, you might want to contact him directly so he can walk you through any settings, etc.  Tell him you've spoken with me.  He was very interested in getting some exposure.

I'm sure you've seen the FAQ, here http://www.posimotion.com/index.php?argv=gspot&opt=faq but it doesn't seem very thorough.

Please keep me posted.

In a moment, I'll be posting a new blog entry featuring my full review of CES and some products we got our hands on.

Check it out at www.SmartphoneMag.com/iPhone/Todd.Bernhard

I really enjoy your blog. I find it to be very informative. Keep it up!!!

Thanks!  I'll try to be more prolific soon... we have a new app in review and our current app, 100sounds - www.100sounds.com, just broke 100,000 copies sold so it's a very exciting time!