CTIA Preview: iPhone Wannabes and More

I'm also hoping to get a glimpse at the first of many Android OS-based designs. I'm hoping that the first Google (GOOG Quote) phone, rumored to be coming to market in the fourth quarter on T-Mobile's brand-spanking new 3G network, will make an appearance at the show. It's probably one of the most eagerly awaited handset releases in recent years. If it has a fast processor, good memory handling and is priced just right, the Google phone could match-up very well against the iPhone.

And we'll be checking to see what has happened to some of the other super smartphone designs we were promised at shows earlier this year. Remember Sony Ericsson's X1? According to recent reports the company's first Windows Mobile-based device is still on track for release later this year.

Smart Phones Photo gallery

And whatever happened to Garmin's (GRMN Quote) nuvifone? When we last saw it -- February in Barcelona and early April in Las Vegas -- it was kept under glass, a hands-off presentation that earned it the nickname of "pheasant phone."

And now that all the biggies here are busy rolling out and improving their 3G data networks, I'm guessing we'll be hearing a lot about the next-generation -- or 4G data networks of the future. Between WiMAX -- heavily touted by Intel (INTC Quote), Nokia and others -- and LTE -- about to go into major testing in China -- I'm sure there will be a lot to learn about the "next big thing" for cell phones.

Finally, although there might not be a new cell-phone announcement from Apple, the company is planning a big San Francisco event on Sept. 9 -- possibly to introduce a new, fourth-generation iPod nano.

Whew! Looks like this is going to be a very busy trip.