Hello everybody! It's almost time for the Verizon Keynote to begin!
by Lynn La
I'm here as a moderator, but our livebloggers, Casey Newton and Jessica Dolcourt are just settling in.
by Lynn La
We're here live inside the Palazzo Balroom at the Venetian.
by Casey Newton
Jazz music is playing in the background as people fill in.
by Casey Newton
Welcome, everyone! Comments are open, though we'll scale them back during the presentation itself. All comments are moderated.
by David Hamilton
We've been told not to expect new devices at this keynote. It will be interesting to see how Verizon's CEO, Lowell McAdam, fills his time.
by Casey Newton
McAdam became Verizon's CEO and Chairman on Jan. 1, 2011. That makes this his first CES keynote as CEO.
by Casey Newton
See that photo below? James Martin took it using the Samsung Galaxy Camera on Verizon, then almost instantly uploaded the pic using Scribble Live. Booyeah! Connected devices of the future are here :)
by Jessica Dolcourt
@Casey Maybe he'll invite in some customers to discuss the future of wireless! Leveraged in context, of course.
by David Hamilton
So there's this nice press section front and center, but Casey and I are camped out on an aisle elsewhere to accommodate his incredibly long legs.
by Jessica Dolcourt
There will not be live video of the event.
by Casey Newton
My legs will have their own keynote later in the show.
by Casey Newton
What do you guys want to hear from McAdam during this event?
by Casey Newton
We're definitely going to hear about Verizon's milestones with LTE and how they're ahead of everyone else (they are.)
by Jessica Dolcourt
I'm also expecting future plans for voice over LTE and LTE advanced. McAdam isn't expected to show off any new devices on-stage, unfortunately. There's nothing like a curve ball to stir things up.
by Jessica Dolcourt
The room is now packed, but this slow jazz is ruining the groove. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I want my frenetic trade show techno that proves companies are edgy and cool.
by Jessica Dolcourt
A huge booming voice announces the event is about to begin.
by Casey Newton
That voice of god just about blew up my eardrum.
by Jessica Dolcourt
All right guys -- time for Casey and Jessica to rock this event. Comments will now be closed. Feel free to stick around a few minutes on the blog after the event if you want to discuss.
by Lynn La
Oh, we'll rock it alright! As soon as there's something to rock...
by Jessica Dolcourt
Right now, it's just more of the same with this elevator muzak.
by Jessica Dolcourt
Downside of sitting in an aisle because of Casey's 5 foot legs: about 14 people climbing over us to get seats.
by Jessica Dolcourt
And we're starting with a video package!
by Casey Newton
Cue Gangnam Style. I guess they're "cool" after all.
by Jessica Dolcourt
The video package is starting with "Gangnam Style" because every exhibitor at CES is starting with Gangnam Style.
by Casey Newton
Technically, I guess this is some sort of Consumer Electronics Association promo video.
by Casey Newton
Something's missing from this intro video. Oh yes, the glorious CNET stage.
by Jessica Dolcourt
Apparently they are going to play all of "Gangnam Style" because they hate us.
by Casey Newton
Look, "Gangnam Style" is on my gym mix. It is a fun song. But it has been played at EVERY EVENT AT CES. It is OVER.
by Casey Newton
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