Editor's Corner: CES Roundup

As usual, there was a lot going on at the 2006 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), far too much for me to catch it all, but here are a few announcements that caught my eye. Verizon announced a new music download service that will allow consumers to download a high-quality song directly onto their handset for $1.99 (and only $0.99 if the song is first downloaded onto a computer and transferred to the phone). Verizon is clearly taking a shot at iTunes, but many would-be early adopters are wary of the service. The DRM in the new service reportedly prevents devices from playing MP3s that are not acquired through the service, and it is not compatible with Linux of Mac computers.

Meanwhile, Amp'd Mobile, everyone's favorite MVNO, announced that it will be offering TV content from NBC, CBS, ABC, and the Cartoon Network, in addition to new sports content. The company is also partnering with Motorola to offer a branded version of the E816, an EV-DO clamshell.

And, of course, there were the new devices. The DualCor cPC--a tiny, $1,500 Windows XP computer with integrated phone--debuted, as did a hybrid phone from UTStarcom that combines GSM, WiFi, and VoIP. Also check out this Best of CES list. Palm released the long-awaited Treo 700w to mixed reviews. Loyal Palm users insist the PalmOS is superior to Windows Mobile.

That's all I've got for now; tune it next week for more updates. - Eli