CTIA handset round-up: Helio, Sony Ericsson, LG

Here's a run down of the big handset launches at CTIA, so far:

Helio's Ocean: This handset was first introduced as the "Oz Smartphone" a few months ago. The phone can slide up in a traditional way to reveal a standard numerical keypad or slide sideways to reveal a QWERTY keyboard. Select specs: 2.4-inch 260k color QVGA display, external stereo speakers, 2.0 megapixel camera with video and flash, built-in HTML web browser, GPS, high-speed 3G, MySpace, USB Mass Storage Mode, and an integrated media player. Launches in the spring for $295.

Verizon Wireless's LG VX8700: While not yet formally announced, this metallic LG Shine-like handset looks much like the VX8600. Specs disclosed so far include a 2.0 megapixel camera and Verizon's UI. Article [1]

Sony Ericsson's W580: It's a quad-band GSM/EDGE handset similar to the recently launched (3GSM) W880, except this one was specifically designed for the U.S. Select specs: 14mm thick, curved body section at the bottom of the device, available in white or gray with orange accents. Article [2]

Kyocera's M1000: It hasn't yet found a home in the states officially, but the handset sports 1.3 megapixel camera, Java and BREW for mobile applications, Bluetooth v1.2., and support for IM and email over a high-speed EV-DO connection.

AT&T's COO Randall Stephenson also held up an iPhone during his keynote this morning as a hush fell over the crowd. The iPhone, however, is not as fresh as it was at 3GSM, where every Q&A period included an iPhone-related query. Perhaps the pre-launch hype has finally run its course. -Brian [3]