Motorola announces a home hub and phones before CES

US GADGET MAKER Motorola has announced a raft of products prior to next week's consumer electronics show (CES) in Las Vegas.

The Motorola Connected Home Gateway is all about being connected to and controlling your home. The device has a 1.2GHz processor and Motorola's Open 4 Home software.

Users will be able to control things like home security and energy from devices such as smartphones, tablets and PCs at home or remotely.

Dan Moloney, president of Motorola Mobility said, "People want anywhere, anytime access to their digital lives. Our suite of award-winning products addresses the new ways that people are embracing their connected lifestyle in the home."

The firm has also announced two smartphones called the Motoluxe and Defy Mini. These apparently will "break boundaries, but won't break the bank".

The Motoluxe is the more kitted out and "hip" of the two with a 4in touchscreen, Android 2.3 Gingerbread and an 8MP rear facing camera. Like the HTC Rhyme it will have a lanyard that lights up when you get a text message or a call.

On a slightly less exciting note is the Defy Mini, a pint sized version of the Defy+ that we reviewed last month. It too offers a dust proof, scratch resistant and waterproof design with a 3.2in touchscreen, 3MP camera and 1650mAh battery.

Both phones will come with Motorola's Switch user interface and will be available in February. The company hasn't announced pricing for these products yet. µ