HTC print ad brags about 4G devices on all Big 4 networks, including AT&T?

HTC has advertised before about being the first 4G smartphone manufacturer, with the HTC EVO, but an astute reader of Rolling Stone ad noted an ad where HTC brags about having the first 4G phone on each of the Big 4 U.S. wireless carriers. That ad would therefore have to include two unannounced phones on Verizon and AT&T, and it does. The question arises: what AT&T 4G?

It appears the HTC Thunderbolt name on Verizon is official, if it's appearing in a print ad, We know something about the Thunderbolt, but nothing really about the AT&T Inspire 4G except that HTC filed to trademark the name Inspire late last year.

The other two phones, the T-Mobile G2 and the aforementioned Sprint EVO have been out for some time, but this probably means we'll hear about the Thunderbolt and Inspire 4G at CES later this week, if this ad got the green light from both Verizon and AT&T.

Now, as to the question about 4G: Verizon just launched its 4G LTE network, but AT&T's network, although scheduled for a limited roll-out later this year, probably around mid-2011. How can HTC mention 4G on AT&T when the network isn't near being ready?

One possible answer is that AT&T is about to jump on the HSPA+ is 4G bandwagon that T-Mobile is using. T-Mobile claims it's HSPA+ network is 4G, while most consider it 3.5G at best. Meanwhile, AT&T hasn't peeped about the fact that it also has HSPA+ on its network. This could be a sign that AT&T has decided it better start saying it has 4G to compete with the other networks.

We expect more info as CES unfolds, starting on January 6.  Android Central has the full ad image at the link above.

'Microsoft TV' to be intro'ed during Ballmer's CES keynote: report

Google TV and Apple TV may need to begin looking over their shoulders. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer always gives the CES keynote, and one of the announcements he may aim to give involves what may end up being called "Microsoft TV."

The actual CES show starts Thursday, but Ballmer has the Wednesday night keynote. While we might expect to see the firm to speak more about Windows Phone, Kinect, and tablets, Microsoft has something planned for the living room, too:

Microsoft's going to make a splash in this market with a stripped-down version of Windows tailored for set-top boxes and connected TVs. The software is a version of its embedded device software, overlaid with the Windows Media Center interface, with media streaming and remote-control capabilities. [...]

The boxes are expected to cost around $200 and go on sale later this year. They'll pose a serious challenge to the new Apple and Google TV devices, largely because the Windows boxes have a polished and familiar TV-program guide that makes it easy to blend and navigate both online and broadcast content.

Microsoft's tried to enter the living room before, but hasn't been successful. Meanwhile, Apple won't be at CES, but its Apple TV has been a success, and Google has told some of its vendors to hold off on Google TV announcements at CES until software modifications have been made (Vizio is one of the exceptions).

iPhone-based ECG to be shown at CES 2011

A lot of gadgetry will be shown off at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), and this is one of them. It's the iPhonECG, and it's a case (and app) that fits on your iPhone and turns it into a "wireless, clinical quality, cardiac event recorder."

The device records data either being held in a patient's hand or on his or her chest, via electrodes on the back of the case. Seattle-based Allvecor has partnered with Oregon Scientific to manufacture the units. Data is wirelessly transmitted, as well as stored on the iPhone. The data can also be analyzed locally.

Willem Einthoven's ECG

The iPhonECG can also be used as a heart rate monitor, for uses such as biofeedback. The company is targeting the device for both the consumer and medical markets. Reportedly, the iPhonECG will sell for less than $100, but that is unclear from the video, below.

Earlier this year, a health monitor based on an Android phone was developed by the Dutch research institute IMEC.