| CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW: CNET editors cover the Next Big Thing
![]() UTStarcom Wi-Fi phone + Vonage = VoIP for everyone January 6, 2005; 12:42 p.m. ![]() The product: So far, VoIP phones are for the few, the brave, and the network savvy, but Vonage and hardware partner UTStarcom are introducing a roving VoIP phone, fashioned after a cell phone, to popularize Net calling. The candy bar-style UTStarcom F1000 makes calls via an 802.11b Wi-Fi connection but looks and feels like a traditional cell phone. It adds a few features to the usual cell phone lineup, however:
The prospects: For home users, this phone will make the most immediate sense as a replacement for the home phone in houses with a Wi-Fi network. But because it also works--using your home phone number--from open Wi-Fi hot spots (that is, not Starbucks and T-Mobile), it will become more and more useful and popular as Wi-Fi networks grow. Considering the cost savings with a VoIP phone, we expect phones like this to gain popularity quickly. By Lindsey Turrentine, section editor, CNET Reviews CES DEBUTS BY BRAND
Orb Networks Pure Networks UmixIt UTStarcom Vtech CES BUZZ BLOG Our inveterate Buzz-er Molly Wood is on the CES show floor, digging up the stories and the hottest buzz. What's the latest? Take a look at Molly's buzz blog and find out.
NEXT BIG THING AWARD CES is full of cool gadgets, but which ones will you be lining up to buy? Our editors cut through the hype and tell you what products will be the Next Big Thing.
CNET'S CES BACKSTAGE CREW We gave six regular, everyday CNET users backstage passes to CES 2005. You'll never guess what they discover in their travels through the wonderland of gear and gadgets.
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