Smartphones

Nokia brings LiveSight to Here Maps on Windows Phone 8

LAS VEGAS -- You won't see a new phone from Nokia at CTIA, but the company did reveal it was expanding its already impressive Here Maps for Windows Phone 8 devices.

Available today is an update that will integrate the company's LiveSight augmented reality feature. Previously available only through the CityLens app, LiveSight pulls up nearby locations and displays relevant information like the type of business or attraction, the hours, the address and phone number, and customer ratings.

You access LiveSight mode through a dedicated control in the Here interface. Once activated, you'll see the points of … Read more

ZTE showcases Aio Wireless handset, the Prelude (hands-on)

LAS VEGAS -- In conjunction with the news that AT&T will be launching its own prepaid network called Aio Wireless (which the company actually announced earlier this month), the ZTE Prelude made an appearance at this week's CTIA tech show.

Available for $49.99, the device is a compact, entry-level smartphone that surprisingly runs the more recent Android 4.1 Jelly Bean OS.

Design Measuring in at 4.6 inches tall, 2.4 inches wide, and 0.43 inch thick, the Prelude is small and compact, and weighs 4.4 ounces.

Its design isn't anything to … Read more

Must-see videos from CTIA 2013

LAS VEGAS -- The 2013 CTIA kicked off today. The last event of the wireless show season, CTIA tends to be a bit quieter than Mobile World Congress and CES. Yet, there are plenty of new handsets, hotpots, and accessories on display at the Sands Expo. Keep on clicking in this gallery to join CNET's team of reporters as they search the show floor and capture the best of CTIA on video. And as we shoot more videos we'll be expanding this list.

Acting FCC Chairwoman: We're still focused on spectrum

LAS VEGAS -- Acting Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn said that the agency is not slowing down when it comes to getting new spectrum on the market, even though the commission is down two members.

Clyburn, who made her first appearance as the interim head of the FCC at the CTIA Wireless Association's opening keynote, reassured the wireless industry that the FCC will continue to make more spectrum available, even as the agency prepares for a new full-time chairman and awaits the nomination of a Republican commissioner.

"The FCC wireless agenda remains focused," she said. "… Read more

Galaxy S3 arrives at Boost, Virgin Mobile armed with LTE

LAS VEGAS -- Though the Samsung Galaxy S4 has been out in the world for a few weeks, its immediate predecessor continues to make the carrier rounds.

Today at CTIA 2013, Sprint announced that it is bringing the Galaxy S3 to its prepaid Virgin Mobile and Boost Mobile brands next month. The device will operate on 3G and LTE networks for both operators.

The design and features of the reborn GS3 will be unchanged from the original version. Expect the same slim profile and 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display, while inside you'll find Android 4.1.2 Jelly … Read more

Waterproof, shockproof Kyocera Hydro XTRM available today (hands-on)

LAS VEGAS -- In addition to introducing the midrange Hydro Edge, Kyocera also revealed its slightly more decked-out Hydro XTRM.

Unlike its Edge sibling, which is only waterproof and operates on 3G networks, the XTRM (pronounced "extreme") is both waterproof and shockproof, and runs on U.S. Cellular's 4G LTE data speeds.

You can order the XTRM online today for $29.99 after sending in a mail-in rebate and signing a two-year carrier agreement. Retail stores will begin selling the device starting May 24.

Design Because the XTRM fulfills certain military spec standards for shockproof capabilities, it … Read more

Kyocera announces waterproof Hydro Edge (hands-on)

LAS VEGAS -- At CTIA 2013, Kyocera unveiled one of the newest members of its waterproof Hydro line: the Kyocera Hydro Edge.

Kyocera also introduced its slightly higher-end Hydro XTRM for U.S. Cellular. The Edge, however, will be available through Sprint and the prepaid network, Boost Mobile, and will run on both carrier's 3G network.

Through exact pricing and availability are unknown, CNET was told by a Kyocera rep that the Edge will most likely have the same initial $129.99 pricing as the original Hydro. It will arrive on both carriers by this summer.

Design The Edge … Read more

New Android app checks 4G coverage

LAS VEGAS -- Tapping into high-speed 4G networks is a real treat, but sometimes a signal is hard to find. Mosaik's new CellMaps Mobile Coverage app for Android is here to help.

Announced today at CTIA 2013, the application lets U.S. Android phone owners see 4G footprints for AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon in real time. Users can also drill down to see cellular network services in their neck of the woods or scan the overall 4G picture nationally.

Even more exciting is the application's ability to filter 4G coverage in granular details such as … Read more

Nokia video ad touts Lumia 928's low-light camera

Nokia is out with another promo showing off the camera of its new Lumia 928 smartphone.

A spot posted on YouTube reveals a series of videos and photos taken by the phone under low-light conditions. One sequence shows a man dancing along a sidewalk at night. A second reveals a group of people in a dark dance hall. And another shows a girl on a swing in the evening hours.

Of course, no Nokia ad is complete without a dig at the competition. So, the spot ends with a simple comment that the Lumia 928 is better than the iPhone … Read more