Current Events: CES, I'm not there!

Being that this is a small time blog, and that no one really reads it anyway, and that I don't have money to go to CES, I really don't have the means to cover it. Essentially, the best place to find out about everything and anything about CES is at engadgetmobile, they're there, I'm not. I'm not going to regurgitate 20 stories from them. Do look for some AT&T CES Highlights coming up though, there's a lot to recap.

Accessory: Otterbox for iPhone

I'm usually not one to post about every little iDetail, but this one is really handy. Otterbox.com has 2 different iPhone cases of various degrees of protection.
The 1st case "defender series" (pictured to the left), features water resistance, bump, drop and dust resistance, and still maintains all functionality (minus silence key). You can pick it up for $49.99.
The "armor series" is for the ultimate klutz. It's completely waterproof and dustproof, features shock and bump protection. You loose some functionality, i.e. the ability to use the built in speaker/headset, but on the bright side, the case has the headphone adapter built in, so you can feel free to bring your favorite wired headset, or of course your bluetooth. The armor case would be excelent for someone in a non-phone friendly environment to get internet and e-mail access. Think of it as the toughbook of iPhone cases.
Thanks pdalive for the scoop!

Update: I'm not dead, MediaFLO coming soon

First off, I'm not dead, there just really hasn't been anything all that interesting happening it seems... AT&T is confirming that MediaFLO is coming “as early as possible next year," according to Mark Siegel, Media Relations at AT&T. Sounds pretty promising right? MediaFLO will offer 8 channels which include CBS Mobile, Fox Mobile, NBC2Go, NBC News2Go, ESPN Mobile TV, MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon. Hopefully we'll be seeing some hoopla about this soon.

Unrelated: RIP CompUSA

I know this has almost nothing to do with this blog, but it holds a place in my heart... CompUSA is closing it's doors after 24 years. Who would have guessed right, with their warm and friendly atmosphere, excellent customer service, and wide selection of...computers? Engadget broke the news. You will be missed, by at least one person...

Confirmed: Google to bit on 700MHz

Sorry for the slow 2 weeks, DSL was getting switched, but Google has finally announced it's intent to bid on the 700MHz open-access C Block. Engadget says it best "The bidding begins on January 24th with a minimum of $4.6 billion required for the open-access C Block. Wake the kids, phone the neighbors, it's going to get ugly fast."
This past year we have seen some unprecedented moves from cell phone companies, like I've stated before, and this will only drive the push for a more consumer benefiting market.

Rumored: Sony Ericsson k850i , "Ansel" and iPhone Business

Thanks to Chris for tipping me off on this one. Both Engadget and Boy Genius Report have uncovered an internal slide featuring Sony Ericsson k850i and "Ansel", LG VU and hints about iPhone having more a more business focus. AT&T is also looking to streamline Wi-Fi and MediaFlo too. Hopefully they follow through on the business support for the iPhone. Right now there are more business customers who want the iPhone than you could shake a stick at. If AT&T and Apple allow it to be sold to business accounts and pick up some much needed exchange server support, both will be seeing strong surges in sales. Oh and Chris, the z750 is already in the works, and who would abandon a push-email flip phone?

Hunch: Blackjack II and Shine within the week

Information kits have started showing up for the Blackjack II and accessories for both the Shine and the Blackjack II have also. So call it a hunch that these two will be hitting stores within the week.

Update: Engadget has already spotted some shines.

Confirmed: LG CU720 Shine

The oh so mysterious LG CU720 is about ready to hit AT&T very soon. Hopefully should be showing up in the next couple days, hopefully I can get some shots for you folks out there. Just keeping you posted, but if you need some more vague info for your fix check out Engadget.

Confirmed: Sierra 881 USBConnect

We've seen a decrease in USB Dataconnect cards, most likely due to the fact that the sierra 881 is launching right about now. It will support all of AT&T's HSUPA uploading goodness (assuming that is you are in a HSUPA area). Engadget was 1st to break the news, and released a nice feature. The AT&T communication manager loaded on the device itself. Very convinent for the many of us who have a habit of losing those pesky disks. You can pick it up for $49.99 after a $100 MIR with 2 year unlimited data connect.

Software: Google Notebook Mobile

Google can mark up another mobile app for their lineup. While it's not earth shattering, it is pretty nice to have all your thoughts in one place. check it out at google.