Wireless-wise, this was the week of calm before the holiday storm better known as Black Friday (News - Alert). And just as carriers and manufacturers are getting pumped and prepped for this year’s official holiday shopping kickoff, a sense of anxiety looms: Will consumer spending get back on track? 

 

Two weeks since its launch, the Motorola DROID hype seems to have died down a bit, but not after 250,000 customers reportedly snapped up the phone in its first week.

 

In gadget-related news, AT&T (News - Alert) launched a new HP Mini Netbook on Friday. Those in the cell phone accessory market who haven’t fetched a new Bluetooth wireless headset might want to check out the ultra-slick, black Jabra STONE.  

 

If you think smartphones are hot now, just wait a few years: This week researchers at Telecom Trends reported that more than 60 percent of all mobile handset sales will be related to smartphones. Even sooner, by 2013, In-Stat predicts that more than 60 percent of all the Internet-connected mobile devices sold will be through carrier channels.

 

But should that happen, will there be room for all these bandwidth-hogging devices? That was the big concern voiced by both the CTIA (News - Alert) and the Consumer Electronics Association. Urging the FCC to act “expeditiously” to avoid a looming spectrum crisis, the industry associations representing wireless and mobile entertainment stakeholders sent a joint letter to the FCC (News - Alert) calling for an evaluation of allocated spectrum.

 

Speaking of CTIA, the wireless association issued its annual “hot for holiday” list on Wednesday. Staff favorites include the HTC Touch Pro2 smartphone, Nokia’s (News - Alert) N86 8MP camera phone and the MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot from Novatel Wireless.

 

Start making the lists now, before it’s too late!