Big surprises in small packages

Facts are facts. Large companies are the main drivers for the wireless industry. If MicrosoftNokiaVerizonWirelessRIM want to push innovation, they have the clout, power and money to make something happen.
But following a quick stroll along the show floor, I think it’s also obvious that small companies are driving much of the innovation in wireless.
Take a spin by Digit Wireless’ booth and you will see a wireless keypad surrounded by letters. It’s been around for a few years and has actually been used on a couple of handsets, but it’s still an innovative idea that I doubt a larger company would have aggressively pursued.
Or, if you happen to be standing outside the Microsoft booth waiting your turn to get in, turn around and check out mobile-advertising-enabler Smaato; two-way video conferencing technology provider KT Tech; or software engineer Impetus. These companies may lack the clout of larger neighbor Microsoft, but the services they provide look to fill a void not being addressed by the big boys.
UrbanWorld Wireless also caught my eye because they promote playing games for a living. I did not dig too deeply into how this would be possible and if my journalism degree would give me a headstart in playing video games for a living, but that kind of innovation is the bedrock of wireless.
But the most intriguing small exhibitor might be NeuroSky, which claims to provide “brainwave controlled interfacing” for devices. The booth was overflowing with interest and there were several people “interfacing” with laptops using what looked like the old-school headsets as worn by T.C. on Magnum P.I. This could be a new look on the cusp of coming back in our retro-infatuated society.
Also, make sure you check out the overweight and undertall Darth Vader patrolling the aisle near their booth. It’s classic, and not in a good way.