Accessories Suppliers Descend On Orlando For CTIA Wireless 2011

By John Laposky On Mar 21 2011 - 4:01am

ORLANDO, FLA. — This week’s CTIA Wireless 2011 Expo will feature a robust accessories presence, with exhibitors sprinkled throughout the Orange County Convention Center, in addition to a featured Accessories Pavilion and an iAccessories Pavilion.

SuperTooth is launching its HD Bluetooth speakerphone, an in-vehicle hands-free solution that uses voice commands to not only control phone functions but also to interact with social-media sites.

Boasting V Array technology, the Super- Tooth HD features dual 5-watt speakers and a 5.4-watt amplifier, making it three times more powerful than any other speakerphone on the market, according to the company. Dual microphones pick up voices more clearly than previous models, SuperTooth said.

Using the speakerphone’s voice commands, drivers can answer incoming calls, select pre-dialed phone numbers, check battery level and retrieve voicemail. Super- Tooth’s included Handsfree Assistant feature allows drivers to compose and send Facebook, Twitter, email and SMS messages all via voice. The SuperTooth HD can also read incoming SMS and email messages via specific apps. The SuperTooth Handsfree Assistant incorporates Dial2Do’s voice-to-text technology.

No installation is required; the device clips on to a sun visor, and a USB cable and in-car charger are included.

The SuperTooth HD is compatible with all Bluetoothenabled phones, including iPhones, BlackBerrys, and other smartphones with Android or Windows Mobile operating systems.

SuperTooth HD will debut in booth 5625, and will be available for a suggested retail of $129 beginning in April at department, specialty and mobile phone stores nationwide.

Mizco International’s Cellular Innovations division is introducing three new Bluetooth devices at the show.

The new HFBLU-CK6000 hands-free car kit synchronizes with a phone’s contact list and supports text-tospeech messaging. It features dual noise-canceling microphones and voice dialing. It includes an orange LED display that displays caller ID in five languages, talktime, cell reception and battery life.

It is available for immediate dealer delivery at a suggested retail of $79.99.

Also new is the HFBLU-NC901 multi-point noise-canceling Bluetooth headset. Able to connect to two devices simultaneously, it also features dual noise-canceling microphones, automatic pairing, voice-dialing and callcanceling functions, while providing up to five hours of talktime and 150 standby hours. It will be available for delivery this month at a suggested retail of $39.99.

Cellular Innovations’ new MP-FMBLU universal FM transmitter plugs into a vehicle’s power outlet and pairs with a Bluetooth cellphone to transmit calls to the vehicle’s stereo system. Music playback automatically stops when a call comes in and resumes after the call ends.

The Bluetooth 2.1 transmitter features a 3.5mm audio jack, a USB port and a SD/MMC slot to support music playback from MP3 players, USB devices and memory cards. A full-featured IR remote control is included so anyone in the car can control music playback.

It will retail for $29.99 with immediate availability.

Mizco is in booth 4449.

XPAL Power will launch a new line of PowerSkinbranded silicone smartphone cases with built-in battery to double talk and standby time. The company said it will display its entire PowerSkin collection for iPhone 4, Samsung Galaxy, Samsung Vibrant, HTC HD7, HTC Evo, and MyTouch 4G smartphones.

The line can be seen in C2 Wireless’ booth, 4637.

iLuv Creative Technology announced just prior to the show that it has been named an official partner in the Samsung Mobile Application Partner Program (SMAAP) and will develop a wide range of accessories for Samsung’s mobile devices.

“The iLuv and Samsung partnership will strengthen the marketplace and reiterate the importance of being responsive to customers who look for value,” said Pia Chon, marketing director at iLuv. “We are happy to work with Samsung and build upon our history of innovations that offer new and smart ways to enjoy one’s mobile/connected life.”

“iLuv was chosen for its experience and ability to quickly offer unique accessories for Samsung mobile products, such as the cutting- edge Galaxy S II and Galaxy Tab,” said Jongin Kim, product strategy VP for Samsung’s mobile communications business.

The first wave of iLuv products under the SMAAP program will be on display in Samsung’s booths, 2440 and N210C,D, E.

iLuv is a division of jWin Electronics.

CleverWraps will show its expanded line of poly sleeves for electronic devices, including its new line of CleverWraps for tablets and e-readers.

Like the company’s original line of mobile phone sleeves, the new models protect against incidental contact with water, sand, grease, dirt and other harmful materials, CleverWraps said. The lightweight protective material offers a precise, snug fit and allows for full device functionality, including use of the power switch, keyboard, touchscreen and speakers. The new line includes three size variants to fit popular e-reader and tablet models such as the Kindle 2, Kindle 3, Nook, Nook Color, Sony DailyEdition, Apple iPad and Samsung Galaxy.

CleverWraps is located in booth 4290.

Clear-Coat Scratch Protection will show its suite of custom full-body protective device wraps in booth 5233.

The company offers custom full-body wrap kits for the following devices, among others: Apple’s iPhone 3 G S and 4, iPod Nano and Touch, and iPad and iPad 2; Black- Berry’s Storm and Storm 2; the HTC Inspire and G2; Motorola’s Atrix, Cliq and Droid models; Nokia’s N97; the Palm Pre; and the Samsung Memoir.

The kits retail from $24.99 to $34.99.

Also showing protective film kits is NLU Products.

NLU is also showing its Ciderz line of ultra-thin side protectors that are specifically cut for the iPhone 4, featuring larger ports and jacks for easy use with third-party accessories. They are available in nine “flavor-inspired” colors such as black cherry and bubble gum.

ESI Cellular will bring a broad line of cellphone accessories including new Bluetooth headsets and in-vehicle hands-free kits, mounts antennas, signal boosters, and novelty battery, keyboard and phone covers and faceplates, as well as holsters and pouches. ESI is in booth 5334.

Dreamgear will feature a number of current products in its i.Sound line of handheld device accessories in booth 5332.

The i.Sound 2 in 1 Charger & Back Up Battery is designed for iPhone and iPod models. The system features a 1,000mAh polymerized lithium-ion battery that provides up to 30 hours of additional music playback, six hours of video or three hours of talk time. Included is a USB charging cable and USB AC adapter which can be used to charge the iPhone/iPod and battery pack simultaneously. The device is compatible with all iPhone and iPod models with a 30-pin connector.

It’s available now at a suggested $49.99.

The i.Sound iMan Portable Sliding Speaker System Works with any audio device using 3.5mm or 2.5mm output. It features two 34mm speakers with dual 2-watt x 2 full-range drivers delivering 100Hz to 20kHz frequency response. It’s powered via USB, AC (adapter sold separately) or 4 AAA batteries.

It includes a protective carrying case, USB Power Cable, 3.5mm audio extension and 2.5mm adapter. It is shipping now at a suggested $24.99.

Dreamgear is also showing its i.Sound Portable Power Max, a 16,000mAh backup power brick for Apple portables and other USB-powered devices.

It supplies up to 480 hours of power and includes five USB ports for simultaneous charging of several devices. It includes a USB to mini/micro USB cable, LED status indicators, and a built-in flashlight.

It retails for $129.99 and is shipping.

In addition, Dreamgear’s licensed Sesame Street line of i.Sound accessories will be exhibited. The line includes iPhone, iPod and iPad cases, sleeves, portfolios and headphones featuring Elmo and Cookie Monster.

Other popular licensed characters and brands will be exhibited by Mobo USA in booth 5337. The company’s portfolio includes licensed phone accessories, including cases, chargers and screen protectors, under brands such as Disney, Looney Tunes, Snoopy, Hannah Montana, and its most recent additions, Eric Maaske Rebel Spirit and KALI.

MusicSkins, in booths 5327 and 5328 will be showing its broad range of customized vinyl skins for cellphones and almost all portable handheld devices, including tablets.

The company’s portfolio features hundreds of pop culture-inspired designs, and the most recent introductions will be on display including skins featuring Elvis Presley, The Ramones, ATHF, Rihanna and Muse.