**As published in RCR Wireless News**

LAS VEGAS — The only thing missing from the Consumer Electronics Show is connectivity. Trying to find a signal of any kind during this geek fest has become more frustrating with each passing year. Today has been no different. In fact, it seems to be even worse.

While AT&T Mobility made all kinds of noise about 4G this morning at its developer conference, my AT&T devices were barely holding on to a 2G signal. Sure, the event was deep inside the bowels of the Palms Casino Resort, but that just begs the question: If AT&T’s coverage sucks there, why did it choose to hold an event for press, analysts and developers there? Read more

** As published in RCR Wireless News **

LAS VEGAS–As if there wasn’t enough evidence already of mobile’s growing power in the consumer electronics space, Qualcomm Inc. Chairman and CEO Paul Jacobs gave his first-ever keynote at CES this morning.

When it comes to wireless communications, one would be hard-pressed to find a company that’s become as entrenched and integral to the growth and innovations the industry has achieved as Qualcomm. Indeed, the San Diego-based company’s rise has been lock-in-step with the exponential rise in global mobility.

And yet, Jacobs began his speech today: “Qualcomm’s not exactly a household name.”

Jacobs believes every electronics device will eventually be like a cellphone, in varying form factors of course, but the key ingredient being that always-connected data capability. Read more

Google’s handling of the incredibly hyped Nexus One unveiling at its headquarters today is yet another reminder that Google is no Apple. And that’s not a bad thing. Google knows its purpose and most importantly, what brought it to the powerful position it enjoys today.

Google is playing the mobile space from the inside out. It’s building software — both the locally stored and cloud-based variety. It’s made its plans pretty clear from the outset, but for some reason most of us can’t take Google at its word. We are always expecting Google to pull an Apple. Is this really it? The Google Phone?

The timing couldn’t have been more prophetic. Circle back to the same week in 2007 when Apple pulled out the iPhone. It absolutely sucked the air out of CES that year. In true Apple fashion it proved that it was right to go against the grain — indeed it paid off with incredible success. By comparison, Google’s news today hit a flat note. Read more