Treonauts At CES Las Vegas 2007

After a long but rather pleasant flight from London I’ve just arrived in Las Vegas to attend the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) – a platform which should again see Palm make a new product announcement.

In this particular case the product that many Treonauts are waiting to hear about is the release of the Windows Mobile Cingular Treo 750 GSM pictured below.  This latest US model is expected to be identical to the one already successfully launched in Europe by Vodafone – the Treo 750v.

Aside from taking some time to gaze at the thousands of new ‘gadgets’ on display at CES I hope to have the opportunity to meet up with people from Palm and PalmSource/ACCESS as well as some of the largest Treo application developers to find out what they might have in store for us this year.

Separately, instead of spending money on its own booth at CES Palm has decided to connect with media and consumers in creative ways through moblogging, the CES Wireless Lounge, accessories news, two speaking engagements, two media events, sponsorships and more. In addition, Palm will show off applications available for a variety of Palm Treo smartphones – such as Google Maps, SlingMedia, Kinoma and NFL Mobile – at the CES Wireless Lounge.

Treo smartphones, Blogging and Hot News from CES
For the first time, Palm has created a centralized show blog, working with SixApart, makers of weblog software and services.  The blog will enable people at the show to share their experiences with fellow CES attendees and those who are unable to attend the show by moblogging updates from their Treo smartphones and other mobile devices or the old-fashioned way from their personal computers. Bloggers can post topical content such as product announcements, demos, party news and useful tips.  Blog posts can be in any format, including text, picture, video or audio.  At the end of CES, people will vote on who had the best blog postings, and the winners – and one randomly chosen voter -- will receive Treo smartphones.  Full contest rules and eligibility information are available on Palm’s blog.

CES Wireless Lounge: Relaxed Environment and Palm Products
Palm is sponsoring the Wireless Lounge, located in the CES Concierge Center in the Central Plaza outside the Central Hall of the convention center.  The Wireless Lounge will feature free wireless Internet service sponsored by Palm, hands-on demos of Treo smartphones, chair massages, televisions, refreshments and more.  There is also the opportunity for multiple visitors to win a Treo smartphone.

New Accessories Debut for Consumers
For those interested in tricking out their Treo smartphones, Palm has a new state-of-the-art GPS system, compatible with Treo 650, Treo 680, and the Treo 700 family of smartphones, available in mid-January for $299.  The new GPS kit ships with TomTom NAVIGATOR 6.03 and up-to-date Tele Atlas maps, a custom-designed, low-vibration Treo smartphone vehicle cradle and support for miniSD.  This personal and vehicle navigation solution uses Bluetooth technology to provide users with easy-to-follow maps and voice-guided directions based on the latest global satellite technology.  In addition, for those who need to charge on the go, Palm has a new USB charging cable available now at the Palm online store for only $19.99, and compatible with Treo 650, Treo 680, and the Treo 700 family of smartphones and the Palm Wireless Headset and Palm Ultralight Wireless Headset.

Palm Speaking Events
Palm spokespeople will speak at the following two events:

What: "Technology with Looks that Kill: But What About Performance?”
Who: Peter Skillman, senior director of new product engineering, Palm
When: Monday, Jan. 8, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall N256

What: "The Personal Entertainment Revolution: One Device vs. Many”
Who: Joe Fabris, director of wireless solutions, Palm
When: Tuesday, Jan. 9, Noon - 1 p.m.
Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall N254

Additional Locations and Events, Where to Find Palm

• Palm in Microsoft Booth
What:  Palm will have a pod in the Microsoft booth, showcasing the latest Windows Mobile 5.0 based Treo smartphones.
Where:  The Microsoft booth is located in the Central Hall, Booth No. 7144.

• Palm in Vista Partner Pavilion
What:  The Palm Treo 700w smartphone also will be used in the Vista Partner Pavilion, where Microsoft staff will demo the new Windows Vista desktop operating system to an audience of key press and influencers.
Where:  Vista Partner Pavilion is located in the Central Plaza just outside the Central Hall.

• Anytime-Anywhere Tech Zone
What:  Watch television on Palm Treo smartphones with the Sling Player Mobile.
Where:  The Sands Expo & Convention Center, Sling Media booth, No. 69430

Also, Palm is attending the following two events where media can enter to win a Palm Treo smartphone of their choice or a new GPS system, valued at $299.

• Pepcom – Digital Experience
When:  Sunday, Jan. 7, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Where:  Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas

• ShowStoppers
When:  Monday, Jan. 8, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Where:  The Wynn Hotel, Las Vegas

As always, CES promises to be both fun and exhausting with so many exhibitors to see and people to meet and I look forward to reporting more about it when the show starts on Monday.

Treonauts are always ready for a show…