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Past news stories from August:
August-30/99
August-27/99
August-25/99
August-24/99
August-23/99
August-19/99
August-18/99
August-17/99
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August-03/99
AppointmentWeb has announced the establishment of its new Internet service for on-line appointments and reservations. This free service will allow consumers to book appointments with a wide array of participating businesses, anytime and from anywhere, using a standard Internet browser, and to download this information to their Windows CE device.
Extended Systems has announced Enterprise Harmony '99, a data synchronization solution that now supports Microsoft Outlook 2000 and Lotus Notes 5.0. Enterprise Harmony gives mobile professionals the ability to synchronize their Windows CE devices with a variety of PC apps. Enterprise Harmony '99 is available for purchase or a free, 30-day demo at http://www.extendedsystems.com/go/harmony.
Litster Software has released TipCalc, a useful free tip calculator for Windows CE Palm-size PCs. You can use it to calculate the appropriate tip and divide it into equal shares among the diners.
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Keyspan has announced that its USB PDA Adapter is now available for Windows 98. This adapter provides the easiest, least expensive way to connect Palm organizers, Windows CE PC Companion devices and Sharp Wizards to a Windows 98 PC. The adapter weighs less than 2 oz. and features a built-in USB cable for connection to the PC and a DB9 serial port for connecting to the PDA cradle or synchronization cable. The adapter has a suggested retail price of just $39 and is now shipping.
A new application called PageBoy that lets you send alphanumeric pages without a modem from your Windows CE Palm-size PC is now available. All you have to do is write out your message on your Palm-size PC, enter the phone number, and then place the mouth-piece of your phone's handset over your device's speaker and press Dial. Then the message is sent. PageBoy can be downloaded for free from the PageBoy website; donations are requested!
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AnyDay.com has announced that its users can now synchronize their calendar, contact, and task information stored in leading PIM applications and PDA's, including Windows CE devices, using its free online DayPlanner service.
PalmSizeMedia.com has released new "flavors" of the default iSkin it created for the new version of Conduits' PalmPlayer MP3 player for Windows CE Palm-size PCs. Mango, kiwi, grenadine, and kurrant flavors are now available. Next week, PalmSizeMedia.com will offer a sweepstakes to win a copy of the new PalmPlayer software along with a limited edition of the iSkin in chrome. Stay tuned!
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AnyDay.com has announced that its users can now synchronize their calendar, contact, and task information stored in leading PIM applications and PDA's, including Windows CE devices, using its free online DayPlanner service.
PalmSizeMedia.com has released new "flavors" of the default iSkin it created for the new version of Conduits' PalmPlayer MP3 player for Windows CE Palm-size PCs. Mango, kiwi, grenadine, and kurrant flavors are now available. Next week, PalmSizeMedia.com will offer a sweepstakes to win a copy of the new PalmPlayer software along with a limited edition of the iSkin in chrome. Stay tuned!
Socket Communications Inc. has announced the first shipments of the Digital Phone Card Data Connection Kit to Bell Mobility, Canada's leading wireless company. The Digital Phone Card is an energy-efficient plug-in card that makes it easy to attach a digital data-capable cellular phone to any Microsoft Windows CE operating system-based mobile computer or Windows-based notebook. Mobile professionals within the coverage area of Bell Mobility's digital cellular network can use the Digital Phone Card to send and receive e-mail, connect to the Internet or access their corporate network — all wirelessly. The Digital Phone Card is available in Canada from Bell Mobility dealers and Bell World stores. See complete press release below.
NEWARK, CA, August 23, 1999 — Socket Communications Inc. (OTC: Bulletin Board SCKT and SCKTW; Pacific Stock Exchange SOK) today announced the first shipments of the Digital Phone Card Data Connection Kit to Bell Mobility, Canada's leading wireless company. The Digital Phone Card is an energy-efficient plug-in card that makes it easy to attach a digital data-capable cellular phone to any Microsoft Windows CE operating system-based mobile computer or Windows-based notebook. Mobile professionals within the coverage area of Bell Mobility's digital cellular network can use the Digital Phone Card to send and receive e-mail, connect to the Internet or access their corporate network — all wirelessly. The Digital Phone Card is available in Canada from Bell Mobility dealers and Bell World stores. A premium priced version with a ruggedized cable is available from Socket Communications resellers.
The Digital Phone Card, which will also be a key component of Microsoft's recently announced Wireless Communications Kit for Windows CE-based Palm-size PCs, offers significant advantages over other connectivity options. The card's CompactFlash Type I form factor allows users to insert it into the CompactFlash slot of any Windows CE-based Palm-size PC. A CompactFlash-to-PC Card adapter included with the kit allows the card to be plugged into the PC Card slot of any Windows CE-based Handheld PC or Windows-based notebook.
In addition to freeing up a mobile computer's internal serial port, Socket's universal card-based interface eliminates compatibility problems resulting from the variety of external serial port connectors built into Windows CE-based computers. Conventional connection kits for Windows CE-based devices require two cables, making them inconvenient for mobile professionals to set up and carry. Another important benefit is that Socket's Battery Friendly™ plug-in card conserves power, allowing users to operate their digital phones up to twice as long as with other cabling schemes.
"Socket and Bell Mobility have put together an attractive package that advances the state of the art for wireless connectivity," said Jonathan Roberts, general manager of the Productivity Appliance Division at Microsoft Corp. "By making it easier than ever for users of Windows CE-based Palm-size PCs to read their e-mail, browse the Internet and synchronize their PIM information wirelessly, the Digital Phone Card Connection Kit takes another step toward realizing the ideal of any time, anywhere computing."
"Socket's Digital Phone Card is an elegant solution for connecting digital PCS phones to Windows CE-based computers," said Norm Silins, Director of Data Services and E-Commerce for Bell Mobility. "The card offers universal compatibility, a clean and simple design, plus energy efficiency. These are all vital features for mobile users."
"Shipping the first Digital Phone Card is a milestone in Socket's initiative to become a leader in delivering wireless connectivity solutions for Windows CE-based computers," said Peter Phillips, director of product marketing Socket. "We're very excited to be working with Bell Mobility, and we believe that this strategic relationship will serve as a model for making the Digital Phone Card available on a worldwide basis."
The Digital Phone Card Data Connection Kit is currently available for use with Qualcomm QCP-2700/2700F digital PCS phones and includes a removable cable to connect the plug-in card to the phone. The suggested retail price of the kit is $159.95 Canadian (about $109 US). Also available from Socket is a ruggedized version of the kit, which includes a ruggedized cable permanently attached to the plug-in card and has a suggested retail price of $189.95 Canadian (about $129 US).
The Bell Mobility family of companies provides a complete range of wireless communications solutions — cellular, paging, data, satellite, PCS and airline passenger communications services — to over 2 million Canadian customers. Bell Mobility Radio provides two-way voice and wireless data services to public safety and emergency services agencies. Bell Mobility companies are subsidiaries of BCE Mobile Communications Inc., a publicly-traded company (TSE, ME, NYSE; stock symbol BCX) which is 65% owned by Bell Canada. For more information on Bell Mobility, visit the Bell Mobility website at http://www.bellmobility.ca. Socket Communications, Inc. develops and sells connection products for Windows CE-based computers and other devices. Socket's products include the Battery Friendly™ family of plug-in cards for enhancing Windows CE-based computers by adding networking, bar code scanning and printing, data communication, and wireless Internet connectivity. Socket's products utilize the company's low power chip technology, making them ideal for battery-operated mobile computers. Information about Socket's complete range of products is available on the company's web site at www.socketcom.com.
Socket, Battery Friendly and Digital Phone Card are registered trademarks or trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. All other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. © 1999, Socket Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Concept Kitchen has announced the immediate availability of new WriteRight Screen Protectors for Windows CE color Palm-size PCs. WriteRight Screen Protectors are clear overlays that fit directly over the screen of the Palm-size PC and protect it from scratches. Each WriteRight lasts approximately one month, and a twelve-pack can be purchased from ConceptKitchen for US$27.99.
Smart Link Corporation has released ParaWin CE 1.0, which provides users with the ability to read, type and print text in any of the 32 languages that uses either Western, Central European, Cyrillic, Greek, Turkish or Baltic character set. The application is designed to run any Handheld PC running Windows CE versions 2.0 and above. It can be downloaded for US$50. The company has also released Pocket ORFO, a spell-checking tool for text written in multiple languages. This application is available at a price of US$50.
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ParaGraph Technology has announced that it has licensed its award winning CalliGrapher natural handwriting recognition technology to SMART Technologies, Inc. for use withSMART Board™ products.
Click here to view their full Press Release:
http://www.paragraph.com/press_releases/smarttech.html
Franklin Electronic Publishers, Inc. has entered into an agreement with Medical Economics Company, under which Franklin will develop the Physicians' Desk Reference, or PDR as it is widely known, for downloading to Windows CE, Palm, and Psion handheld devices.
clySmic Software has started to ship Pocket Lunabar 1.0, a lunar almanac for Palm-size PCs that accurately shows the current phase of the moon, the times of moonrise and moonset, and the moon's zodiacal constellation and sign. The moon's phase is shown on the Palm-size PC taskbar, and the full lunar almanac is just a double-tap away. Pocket Lunabar can be downloaded from the clySmic Software website for $16.95.
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Microsoft has posted a free download of ActiveSync 3.0, the latest and significantly improved synchronization software for Windows® Palm-size PCs and Handheld PCs, on its home page.
According to Microsoft, ActiveSync 3.0 is "dramatically easier to install and use because of a complete redesign of its communications architecture and user interface and improvements to its synchronization speed and overall performance."
ActiveSync 3.0 is compatible with all versions of the Palm-size PC and with versions 2 and 3 of the Handheld PC. You can also order an ActiveSync CD for $8.95 shipping & handling.
Socket Communications Inc. has announced an agreement with PacketVideo Corporation, a multimedia communication software provider based in San Diego, to collaborate in the support of wireless streaming video applications for Windows CE-based Palm-size PCs and Handheld PCs.
The applications would utilize Socket's Digital Phone Card, a plug-in card that connects Windows CE-based computers to digital cellular phones, and PacketVideo's multimedia software including codecs and video gateways. Potential uses for this technology on Palm-size PCs include real-time remote monitoring for health care, child care and security, plus distributing pre-packaged video content to mobile computer users. PacketVideo and Socket are currently in discussion with cellular carriers and video content providers who are looking for ways to deploy this new technology.
Sierra Wireless has announced the commercial shipment of the AirCard 300, the industry's first true Type II wireless PC Card solution for mobile devices supporting Windows CE.
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CNet reports that Microsoft has released an update of its Windows CE operating system. Called ActiveSync 3.0, this new software increases the data transfer rate between a computer and Windows CE PC Companion device, when synchronizing information. ActiveSync 3.0 is also expected to be much easier to install than its predecessors.
Foliage Software Systems has announced a new upgrade to its iBrowser a web browsing application for the Palm-size PC. iBrowser 1.1 now includes support for cookies, frames, e-mail and the ability to launch other programs. New user interface functionality includes the option to automatically hide toolbars and scrollbars after navigation.
ZATZ:Pure Internet Publishing, publishers of Windows CE Power Magazine, and AvantGo, Inc. have announced that content from the world's first mobile magazine network will be available to mobile device users through ZATZ.com and AvantGo.com.
Israel's Geo Interactive Media Group has said that it is working with Cellcom Ltd, the country's largest mobile phone operator, to test the world's first video cellular phone based on Windows CE.
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River Run Software Group, Inc., has released the River Run MobileCenter 1.0 application that provides powerful, easy-to-use mobile systems management for deployments on Windows CE and Windows 9X based devices. It allows network administrators to distribute, install and configure software and ROM upgrades on thousands of mobile devices in remote locations through a standard Web browser.
Ralph La Tella has announced the availability of the second edition of the "Guide to handheld and palmtop computing resources for health care professionals". This 57- page book describes most of the popular, medically-related resources available today for PDAs and HPCs. For further information and a complete table of contents, you can visit the Guide's website at: http://themedicalguide.hypermart.net
Conduits Technologies has released the final version of its PalmPlayer 1.0 MP3 player for Windows CE Palm-size PCs. This application comes packed with a host of innovative features, including the ability to shut off the LCD display on some Palm-size PCs in order to save battery life and wide choice of customizable skins that can be downloaded from the Conduits website.
PalmPlayer 1.0 is available for a 15-day trial from http://www.conduits.com/ce/player/. Documentation and a skin library are also available for download. PalmPlayer can also be purchased from CEShopper (http://www.ceshopper.com/) for $9.95.
PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has announced the development of remote wireless electronic prescribing system utilizing a Windows CE Handheld PC device. The Handheld PC features wireless connectivity to the company's proprietary Rx-Net System Communication Network. Dr. Robert Holsey, CEO, stated, "This new technology will further the Company's long term commitment to providing physicians with a point of care interface designed to promote patient education and offer a technology-based approach to cost effective pharmaceutical healthcare delivery."
Cocos Development Ltd. has released CCZip Freeware, a compression tool for Palm-size PCs running Windows CE 2.11 or higher. CCZip lets you open archives in the popular ZIP format that you created on your desktop PC, and allows you to extract and remove files from the archive. The program can be downloaded for free from the company's website.
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Yahoo! has launched "Yahoo! Mobile", a one-stop-shop for information, downloads, and purchasing of mobile devices and services. You can use the site to personalize the Yahoo! content you receive on your mobile Windows CE device, such as your Yahoo! Calendar, Yahoo! Address Book, and Yahoo! Mail, and access it when you are on the road using the Pocket Explorer browser.
CNet reports that Windows CE software developer Eclipse International has laid off almost 20% of its staff because demand has not met its original expectations. CasioSoft, on the other hand, is reporting strong sales for its vertical market solutions such as Palm-size PC retail merchandising applications.
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Compaq has announced it is adding new usability, connectivity and display features on the Compaq Aero 2100 Palm-size PC, while simultaneously reducing its price. Compaq has added new QUtilities and QMenu features to ease task management, provided a new serial adapter cable option for enhanced connectivity, and beefed up the display quality from 256 to 65,536 colors. At the same time, the company has reduced prices on the product by $50.
Starting August 30, customers who already have an Aero can download the QMenu and QUtilities applications as well as the 64K VGA driver free of charge from the Compaq Web site at the following URL:
http://www.compaq.com/products/handhelds/2100/index.html
4Tone Software has posted an updated of Auto99, a Palm-size PC application that enables you to track your odometer, bills, fuel mileage, oil checkups, trips, and other car information. You can download it from their website for US$15.
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Sticky Software has announced Sticky Buttons 1.5, which offers a choice of different user interfaces for color Windows CE Palm-size PCs. The Sticky Buttons Suite will soon be available from CEShopper.com at a price of US$19.95.
JetForm Corporation has launched a Japanese version of JetForm Pocket Form 4.0, the best mobile electronic-form solution for enterprises adopting Microsoft Windows CE. One of the first hardware suppliers to adopt it is Sharp.
The Slate online magazine of news, politics and culture, published by Microsoft, and AvantGo Inc., today announced that they have teamed up to deliver personalized content from Slate to readers who use handheld devices and AvantGo.com. With AvantGo.com, readers of Slate can now keep abreast of the interactive magazine's latest political and cultural news from their handheld devices.
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Smart Link Corporation has released Pocket Context 2.0, an intelligent bi-directional computer dictionary for English to/from the German, French, Italian, Spanish or Russian languages. The program can be downloaded from the company's website at a price of US$50.
Foliage Software Systems has announced that its iBrowser software was distributed to the Microsoft sales force as the web browser of choice for Windows CE Palm-size PC devices. Microsoft will make 10,000 CD's available with iBrowser as the web browser solution. Foliage also reports that it has fielded approximately 20,000 downloads of iBrowser since the first release was made available on June 9th 1999 through the Foliage web site at www.foliage.com.
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CNet reports that prices for color Palm-size PCs have fallen dramatically over the past few weeks, with HP reducing the estimated retail price on its Jornada 420 to $449 and Philips expected to discount its Nino 500 to $349. A great time to buy!
Puma Technology, Inc has announced a licensing agreement with Certicom, a leading provider of next-generation encryption technology, to deliver optimal security over wireless networks for corporations standardizing on handheld devices. Puma will integrate Certicom's SSL Plus for Embedded Systems, within Puma's next generation Intellisync Anywhere solution. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is the Dominant Security Protocol used in virtually all secure networked applications and products worldwide.
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SanDisk Corporation has announced that Intermec Technologies Corporation has introduced the Norand 600 Series, a new line of Palm-size industrial mobile computers, which rely on SanDisk CompactFlash memory cards as the primary boot source and storage device. Forbes magazine and Audible, Inc. have announced an agreement that will result in the delivery of audio versions of selected content from Forbes magazine to listeners via the World Wide Web using the audible.com service.
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