The Canadian Wireless Trade Show (CWTS) nears its end, but the vibe, and attendance, remains consistent as show-goers continue to flock in to visit exhibit booths and sit in on presentations on varying industry topics.

While accessories certainly dominate the show floor, there's also a healthy helping of companies offering services, plus app developers looking to make a name for themselves. The app competition, covered in Adam's App of the Week, served a great platform for these folks.

On the product end, some new emerging product categories in mobile among the flock of chargers, cases, and screen protectors, include styli for tablets, multi-chargers, and innovative (and functional apps).

Stylus for Tablets

Both Incipio and Targus are offering tablet stylus products, including models that also double as traditional ballpoint pens. Incipio's Inscribe is a standard stylus, the Pro is a stylus plus pen, and the Executive adds a nicer pen and more sophisticated design. Pricing is $14.99, $24.99, and $29.99, respectively. Each model incorporates a conductive rubber stylus on one end, then twist to reveal the ballpoint pen on the other. The pen ink is replaceable just like any other ballpoint pen.

Targus also has three versions: a traditional tablet stylus, a pen plus stylus, and a three-in-one with a pen, stylus, and laser pointer built-in. They come in a variety of colour options to match Apple's own smart covers, and will be available by October.

Apps

On the app end, Fleet Freedom is offering its subscriber-based fleet tracking system for tablets. While it comes in a mobile Website version versus a traditional mobile app, the site has been tweaked to allow for better touch manipulation on virtually any tablet. For instance, while viewing important information on the side and bottom of the screen, users can zoom in and out of the map in the centre to hone in on where exactly a phone or vehicle is that he's tracking. He can also do things like send and receive messages to the tracked phone directly from the tablet.

Griffin's Crayola HD app is meant to help kids enjoy the iPad, but to eliminate the common issue of them resting their wrists on the screen when drawing or writing with their fingers. The thick Crayola pen stylus is used to draw; just select the desired crayon colour from the on-screen colour wheel, and draw away. The app is free, while the AA battery-operated pen sells for $29.99.

Multi-Chargers

Multi-chargers for mobile devices were in abundance at the show. MiLi's Travel Pack includes a 12V, home, and international travel adapter, plus universal tips for on-the-go charging of portable devices. Selling for $119 MSRP, Telus has actually been giving it away with all new three-year activations.
Energizer has a 5-watt wall and car charger combo with a design that makes it easy to wrap the cord around the housing, similar to a central vac system. It also boasts a charging light. MSRP will be $39.99.

Targus' Plug N Power Charging Station can be used to charge both a tablet and a smartphone via dual USB inputs. It also has three AC outlets, making it ideal for spaces where you need to connect multiple devices, but don't have the number of outlets needed. It will be available in November for $29.99.

Other Fun Gadgets

Griffin caught show-goers attention with its Helo TC helicopter that works with an iPhone and partner iPhone app. Just connect the smartphone to the included controller, which communicates with the aircraft via Bluetooth. At just $49.99, it's probably one of the most affordable options we've seen in this space.

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