Nokia, Qualcomm, Intel prep for CES gadget debuts

Nokia, Qualcomm, Intel prep for CES gadget debuts

Nokia, Qualcomm and Intel are among the companies looking to make a splash next week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, as all

eyes in the mobile industry turn to what has become an increasingly important kickoff to the year.

Nokia is likely to use the event to unveil more of its smartphones running Microsoft’s Windows Phone software for the U.S. market. Recent

rumors have indicated that LTE versions of the Lumia 800 may be headed to Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility. Nokia already announced that

T-Mobile USA will launch the mid-range Lumia 710 on Jan. 11 for $50 with a two-year contract, but CES figures to be Nokia’s main launchpad

for the U.S. market, and the handset maker is holding a press conference Jan. 9.

Also looking to make waves are the two chipset giants, Qualcomm and Intel, whose chief executives, Paul Jacobs and Paul Otellini,

respectively, will deliver dueling keynote addresses at the conference. Jacobs is likely to demonstrate notebooks running Qualcomm chips as

well as discuss the Internet of Things and adding wireless connectivity to more devices. Otellini is likely to use the spotlight to debut

smartphones running Intel’s chips that will be available this year in a bid to try and steal market share from Qualcomm after years of

standing on the sidelines in mobile.

In other pre-CES news, mobile signal booster manufacturer Wilson Electronics said it will formally unveil the first LTE signal booster,

dubbed the Sleek 4G-V. The device will work with Verizon Wireless’ 700 MHZ LTE network, and will also support 2G and EV-DO service on the

800 MHz and 1900 MHz frequency bands. Wilson said the device will retail for $150 and will be available sometime in the second quarter.