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June.-29/99
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June.-24/99
June.-23/99
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June.-21/99
June.-17/99
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June.-02/99
AvantGo has announced that it has teamed up with Vicinity Corporation to provide users of Windows CE Palm-size PC and (in the future) Handheld PCs with interactive maps and driving directions. Using AvantGo.com and Vicinity's MapBlast! site, mobile individuals can easily access and download formatted U.S street maps, driving directions, and other information. For more information, please visit http://www.avantgo.com or http://www.mapblast.com.
Xircom has announced that it has begun shipments of its Xircom CompactCard(TM) Ethernet 10(TM) for Windows CE Handheld and Palm-size PCs. A Type II CompactFlash+-compliant card, the CFE-10BT connects Windows CE Handheld and Palm-size PCs to data and applications located on corporate networks, the Internet and other online services via direct connection to Ethernet networks. Xircom's CompactCard Ethernet 10 is available now through Xircom's international network of distributors, resellers, and catalogs for US$149. For more information, visit www.xircom.com/compactcard.
Conduits Technologies has released a beta version of its PalmFlash application, which lets you play Macromedia Flash files on your Windows CE Palm-size PC. The program is available for download from the Conduits website.
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JP Systems, Inc. announced the availability of InfoBeam, the world's first wireless interactive service, using infrared technology, for Palm-size PCs and Handheld PCs running on the Windows CE operating system. InfoBeam provides wireless access to time-sensitive data, such as stock quotes, airline information, package tracking, telephone directories and weather reports. Users can select a search topic and enter key search data on PC Companions as prompted by InfoBeam's single-screen format. InfoBeam then links the infrared technologies on the PC Companion with Glenayre AccessLink II two-way pagers sold by PageNet and SkyTel in order to search a host of Web-based resources. In less than 40 seconds, the response is returned in a convenient format.
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Itronix Corporation, a leading manufacturer of ruggedized, wireless mobile computing solutions for field automation, has announced that its Windows CE based T5200 handheld solution, due to ship this month, will support the Oracle8i Lite database application.
This mobile component of the Oracle Internet platform will allow companies with field workforces using the T5200 to reduce costs and improve customer service by providing seamless synchronization with central database servers running Oracle Enterprise Edition 7.3 and above.
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Press Releases Provided by UtopiaSoft and Socket Communications:
MP3 goes colorful on Windows CE as Utopiasoft Hum v1.5 plays hours of CD quality, skip-free music in vivid color
Standards Based, extensive hardware support Developed to play ISO standard MP3 files, the most popular CD quality audio compression format on the Internet today, Utopiasoft Hum v1.5 turns ordinary PPC/HPCs into portable MP3 players. Powered by Xaudio, Utopiasoft Hum MP3 player has the industry leading performance on Windows CE, delivering MP3 playback on all Windows CE platforms.
Play MP3s in vivid color and rich stereo
MP3s in vivid color and rich stereo In addition to existing mono devices, Utopiasoft Hum v1.5 supports the latest color TFT technology and CD-quality stereo playback capability found on the Cassiopeia E-100/105 series. Users of Utopiasoft Hum v1.5 can download the color skins of their choice directly from http://www.utopiasoft.com/skin or create their own skins easily by modifying existing ones.
"The Killer App is here"
The "Killer App" is here "With high capacity storage devices such as Sandisk's 160MB CompactFlash™ cards and IBM's 340 MB MicroDrives, users can now listen to endless hours of non-stop, skip-free, CD-quality music in the palm of their hand," said Christopher Ko, Group Program Manager of Utopiasoft. Hum v1.5 also includes a new playlist feature so users can manage as many MP3s as they like. By using these high storage capacity devices and the new playlist, users will be able to enjoy endless quality music. "Having MP3 capabilities has become one of the most important factors for any Windows CE devices to be successful""The Killer App is here"
Available Now
To download a free trial version of Utopiasoft Hum MP3 Player v1.5, please visit http://www.utopiasoft.com for downloading instructions. Current Utopiasoft Hum v1.1 users can upgrades to Hum v1.5 free of charge as part of Utopiasoft's commitment towards customer satisfaction. To download color skins for Utopiasoft Hum v1.5, please visit http://www.utopiasoft.com/skin .
About Utopiasoft
Founded in 1996, Utopiasoft develops and markets e-commerce solutions for the delivery, storage and playback of digital content over the Internet. Based in Sydney, Australia, the company is privately held by private venture capitalists and senior management. For more information, please contact Jessica Mercado via email: jessicam@utopiasoft.com or visit http://www.utopiasoft.com
Microsoft Announces Plans for Wireless Communications Kit For Windows CE-Based Palm-Size PCs
Designed to Enable Easy Wireless Connectivity for Any Palm-Size PCCustomers will be able to use the wireless communication kit to get full wireless access to their existing applications via their choice of P/PC and a variety of cellular telephones they already carry for voice communication purposes. The solution will enable customers to receive wireless updates to their calendar, contacts and to-do list, send and receive full e-mail messages with attachments, and download predetermined Web information with one quick telephone call. In addition, the solution will enable a full online experience by allowing customers to work in a connected mode to access Web sites or make live, interactive queries to do things such as look up a restaurant in a city they are visiting or get real-time directions. The kit is expected to be distributed via carriers in North America this fall for under $100, and Microsoft expects it to be rolled out worldwide eventually.
"The latest color-enabled Palm-size PCs are changing the way people look at mobile devices, increasing users' expectation for what information they want available to them while away from their desk," said Jonathan Roberts, general manager of the Productivity Appliance Division at Microsoft. "By enabling access to their existing e-mail account and Internet-standard Web content — on or offline — we help ensure that they don't need to compromise when it comes to information access in their business or personal lives. With the proliferation of data-capable digital cell phones, we see the wireless communications kit for the P/PC as the next step in giving people access to their information any time, anywhere."
"We look forward to working with Microsoft to expand the connectivity options available to users of Palm-size PCs," said Mike Gifford, founder of Socket Communications. "Bell Mobility of Canada has demonstrated the viability of our Digital Phone Card technology, and trials are now underway with U.S. and international carriers. The value-added software included in Microsoft's wireless add-on kit for Windows CE will further enhance the usability of the system."
"AvantGo is excited to work with Microsoft to help enable the wireless communications kit, which we believe will be invaluable to business professionals and consumers on the go," said Stuart Read, vice president of marketing at AvantGo. "The kit will enable on-demand wireless synchronization of all AvantGo content and information services using commonly available handsets, allowing individuals to post business transactions or keep hundreds of Web pages up to date with one brief phone call."
The wireless communications kit is expected to provide the following:
- Premier offline Internet content from AvantGo.com that has been optimized for the Palm-size PC to take advantage of the unique color screens
- Real-time Web browsing with the AvantGo Web Client
- Easy-to-use setup wizard, which runs on the PC and identifies the customer's existing e-mail addresses, sets up the dialing properties and Internet settings and installs the software
- ActiveSync™ technology 3.0, new updated synchronization software technology
- Socket Digital Phone Card
- Step-by-step instructions for installation and use
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Socket Communications Inc. makers of low power ethernet plug in cards and compact flash cards announced a free software upgrade to their Battery Friendly ™ Ethernet plug in cards.
The new software upgrade allows users to bypass the Windows CE interface when launching applications, increasing speed of use. Additionally the plug in cards allow users to synch with a PC anywhere along a network line rather than having to be at the orignal host PC.
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Both Microsoft and 3Com have invested in Avantgo Inc. as the mobile information management company completes its 3rd round of equity investment raising. Along with H&Q Venture Associates, Adobe Ventures, Fayez Sarofim & Co. and 21st Century Internet Venture Partners, Avantgo Inc. managed to raise 14.7 million dollars in total.
Avantgo.com provides a mobile channel service that offers users the ability to download mobile channels of well known, brand name content poviders and to create their own mobile channels for others to access.
Click here to read past Windows CE Business Solution articles about Avantgo.com.
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A decidedly uncharacteristic low profile on Microsoft's part regarding palm-size PCs marked the Windows CE Developers Conference in Denver this past weekend. This likely due to uncertainty about the future of the Rapier interface and the lack of success against the Palm products in the PDA market.
While the Windows CE operating system will apparently be pushed aggressively for use in set-top boxes, gaming machines and gasoline pumps the interface for PDAs may need a drastic overhaul. Critics argue the present interface needs to be simplified to the point where the familiar Windows look and feel may have to be sacrificed.
That said, Microsoft is definitely showing its commitment to the platform financially with their recent $5 billion investment in AT&T, will be deploying as many as 10 million digital set-top boxes. Microsoft is also encouraging developers by providing subsidies for development costs. Industry experts also point out their excellent experience in developing a platform and feel it may be just a matter of time until Windows CE matures to dominate the PDA market.
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Proxim, Inc. has announced that its RangeLAN2 7410 CE wireless LAN PC Card will enable users of the new Compaq Aero® 8000, the latest Handheld PC Professional Edition device from Compaq Computer Corporation, to have real-time, secure wireless access to critical networked information on enterprise servers. Compaq's Aero 8000 is the first mobile device to offer built-in Smart Card technology for enabling secure remote access to corporate data and the first low-cost platform for developing Smart Card-enabled enterprise applications, including E-commerce, electronic banking and healthcare solutions.
Foliage Software Systems has announced the first release of iBrowser, a full-featured Internet browser developed for use on color or monochrome Windows CE Palm-size PCs. The program can be downloaded for free from the Foliage website.
Addonics Communications has announced the ART 4000, a Windows-based remote terminal that supports Citrix's latest Independent Computing Architecture (ICA) software, MetaFrame 1.8 and WinFrame 1.8 and includes a Cyrix Media GX processor and Windows CE operating system. The product is targeted at the corporate market as a high performance, low-cost, ease-of-use enterprise solution.
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CNet has reports that Microsoft will be porting its SQL Server database to Windows CE. This move is expected to make it easier to integrate Windows CE into the enterprise by offering a more standard set of programming tools across all Windows platforms. Microsoft's announcement follows aggressive moves into the Windows CE mobile database market by Sybase and Oracle.
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Data General Corporation has announced the availability of the WiiN-PAD, a state-of-the-art wireless Windows CE Handheld PC tailored for doctors, nurses, administrators, and other healthcare professionals. This tablet-style device features a full-size eight-inch diagonal color DSTN LCD display and a choice of RF, LAN, and modem communication options.
In other news...
JetForm has unveiled JetForm Pocket Form 4.0, the latest version of its acclaimed Windows CE electronic forms software. Integrated with JetForm InTempo, JetForm's e-process workflow engine, and JetForm Central, its document output solution, JetForm Pocket Form provides users with the ability to access database information to populate mobile forms and extend e-processes to remote users.
In other news...
Intermec Technologies Corporation has announced the first product in its new line of Windows CE-based Data Collection PCs™. The 5020 is the first Windows CE-based PC specifically designed for data collection in the manufacturing, warehousing and distribution industries, and has attracted the support of 75 leading software developers.
In other news...
HP has announced the JetSend Mobile Printing Solution for Windows CE Handheld PCs, a no-cost downloadable software utility that enables Handheld PCs to send print jobs to any JetSend/IR-enabled printer without the need for drivers, producing monochrome and color print jobs up to 10 times faster than conventional methods. The JetSend Mobile Printing Solution utility can be downloaded from the new JetSend website at http://www.jetsend.hp.com starting from June 28.
In other news... Press Release provided by Socket Communications
NEWARK, CA, June 7, 1999 — Socket Communications Inc. (OTC: Bulletin Board SCKT and SCKTW; Pacific Stock Exchange SOK) today announced an agreement to supply Unisys Corporation (NYSE:UIS) with a custom, ruggedized version of Socket's Low Power Ethernet PC Card for use with the Unisys SourceNDP Network Document Processor, a low-cost, compact check capture station based on Microsoft's Windows CE operating system. The shoebox-size SourceNDP allows financial institutions, banks and retail outlets to scan checks on-site and forward images of checks to centralized processing facilities. This can dramatically accelerate the availability of funds while slashing courier costs. Socket's Ethernet card plugs into the PC Card slot built into the SourceNDP, allowing the device to be shared by multiple users and to communicate directly to the enterprise network without a dedicated PC. Small size, low cost, a simplified user interface and network capability all make the new SourceNDP a groundbreaking product for Unisys, whose document processing solutions currently handle more than half the world's checks.
"By developing a custom, ruggedized version of their Ethernet PC Card, Socket helped us take advantage of both the SourceNDP PC Card slot and the network connectivity of Windows CE," said Ruth Reaser, product manager for Unisys. "Socket's expertise in Windows CE and PC Card technology made them a great partner to help us create a new check processing market by addressing the needs of small sites such as branch offices and retail stores."
"We are delighted that Unisys chose Socket to provide a plug-in card intended for as mission critical an application as check processing," said Peter Phillips, marketing director for Socket Communications. "It's gratifying that a leader in the financial systems market recognizes our experience in designing and manufacturing industrial-strength plug-in cards for Windows CE-based computers and appliances."
The Ethernet PC Card for the SourceNDP Network Document Processor is available from Unisys Direct. For details, visit the Unisys Direct website at www.unisysdirect.com or call Unisys Direct at 1-800-448-1424.
About Unisys:
Unisys has more than 33,000 employees helping customers in 100 countries apply information technology to solve their business problems. Unisys solutions are based on a broad portfolio of global information services including electronic business, systems integration including custom and "repeatable" application solutions, outsourcing, Microsoft Windows NT services, network services, and multivendor maintenance and support, coupled with enterprise-class servers and associated middleware, software and storage. Repeatable solutions are focused on key vertical markets including financial services, transportation, telecommunications, government, publishing, and other commercial markets. The company is headquartered in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, in the Greater Philadelphia area. For more information on the company, access the Unisys home page on the World Wide Web at www.unisys.com. Investor information can be found at www.unisys.com/investor.
About Socket Communications:
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 adapters for enhancing Windows CE-based computers by adding networking, bar code scanning, data communication, and wireless Internet connectivity. Socket developed the world's first Ethernet PC Card in 1992 and in 1997 developed the first Ethernet PC Card to be certified by Microsoft for Windows CE. For details about Socket's complete product family, visit Socket's web site at www.socketcom.com or call Socket at 1-800-552-3300.
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ConceptKitchen has launched the PenCap Stylus, an innovative PenCap replacement that lets users of handheld computers instantly convert most disposable pens into a stylus and back again. Featuring a scratch resistant tip that easily slips over pencils and pens, including brand names like Bic, Pilot and Uni-Ball, the PenCap Stylus comes in a convenient 4-pack. It can be ordered from the ConceptKitchen website for US$9.95.
In other news...a Press Release provided by Puma Technology
Puma & Office 2000
Puma Technology to Support Microsoft Office 2000
Microsoft Office 2000 Users to Benefit From Puma's Award-Winning Mobile Solutions for the Enterprise
SAN JOSE, Calif., June 7 -- As we enter into a new era with a host of exciting opportunities in the technology arena, Puma Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: PUMA) today announced that it will extend its line of mobile device management and synchronization software solutions to support the recently introduced Microsoft Office 2000. Puma plans to enable synchronization, custom viewing, and remote access to critical Microsoft Office 2000 data through its Intellisync(R), Satellite Forms(TM) and Intellisync Anywhere(TM) product lines.
"In our commitment to continually update and extend our product lines to support the ever changing needs of the industry, Puma is looking forward to supporting this dynamic new offering by Microsoft," said Puma President and CEO Brad Rowe. "With the introduction of Microsoft Office 2000, corporations will be able to more effectively deliver and access vital business information and resources. Because synchronization is a key component of that process, Puma will bring its unique solutions for both the PC environment and the enterprise to mobile workers and corporations using Microsoft Office 2000. As a result, customers will greatly benefit from increased productivity while away from the office, reduced support costs, labor savings, and a high return on investment."
Puma Delivers key mobile solutions for Office 2000
Puma's products are a premiere software solution that utilizes and augments the benefits of Microsoft Office 2000. Upon availability of Microsoft Office 2000, Puma's popular Intellisync software will enable data synchronization with a wide range of Handheld PCs such as Windows CE-based devices and Personal Information Management (PIM) software such as Microsoft Outlook 2000 and Microsoft Pocket Outlook. Intellisync uniquely meets the needs of mobile professionals who require robust and seamless integration of PIM software and groupware with Microsoft Office 2000. In the following months, users of Microsoft Office 2000 will also benefit from customized viewing of data and remote access to mission-critical data due to Puma's support of this new product line. Puma's Satellite Forms software, a premiere rapid application development tool, will mirror the new custom forms and fields capabilities in Microsoft Outlook 2000 on handheld devices. Future versions of Intellisync will support synchronization between handheld devices and custom Microsoft Outlook 2000 forms at either the desktop or server level. "Our goal with Microsoft Office 2000 is to provide customers with the tools to streamline the process of sharing information with others," said Robb Spalding, Microsoft Office product manager. "We are pleased to work with Puma Technology, who plays a key role in this development through extending the collaboration environment of Microsoft Office 2000, with its unique synchronization software offering and its comprehensive solutions for the corporate enterprise."
About Puma Technology -- Empowering The Mobile Enterprise(TM)
Puma Technology, a leading provider of mobile device management and synchronization software, enables consumers, mobile professionals and information technology officers in the corporate enterprise to harness the full capabilities of handheld organizers/computers, "smart phones" and other wireless personal communication platforms. The Puma Technology(R) Intellisync software platform is the global standard for synchronization and control of the critical connection between handheld devices and vast stores of information found in corporate databases, the Internet and individual desktops. Puma is the only company that provides an end-to-end PDA management solution that addresses virtually every scenario for synchronization, total customization of device-based applications, centralized backup, security, information flow control, notification, and browsing of critical information. The company's Intellisync platform enables the management and development of software to make handheld devices true extensions of the corporate server, the Intranet and individual desktops. The Intellisync platform enables mobile access to up-to-the-minute, accurate, "anytime, anywhere" information and has been adopted worldwide by individuals, companies, mobile device manufacturers, telecommunications carriers and on-line contact, calendar and event services. The company, headquartered in San Jose, Calif., maintains a web site at www.pumatech.com.
NOTE: Puma Technology, Puma Technology logo, Intellisync, Satellite Forms, Intellisync Anywhere, and Empowering the Mobile Enterprise are trademarks of Puma Technology, Inc. that may be registered in some jurisdictions. All other product or company names are trademarks of their respective owners.
SOURCE Puma Technology -0- 06/07/99 /CONTACT: Nadia Jamshidi, or Kathy O'Connell, 408-727-0351, or nadiaj@mcgpr.com, or kathyo@mcgpr.com, both of McGrath/Power Public Relations, for Puma Technology/ /Web site: http://www.pumatech.com/ (PUMA)
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Socket Communications has published the first edition of its new quarterly newsletter, the Battery Friendly Bulletin, on its website. The Bulletin contains some fascinating information about forthcoming products from the company. These include the In-Hand Scan™ Card CF+, which integrates a state-of-the-art DSE-923 laser scanner engine from Symbol in a CompactFlash Card for barcode reading, and Digital Phone Cards, which let you connect your Windows CE device into a digital PCS phone, and create an instant all-digital connection to your office network or the Internet.
In other news...
At the Windows CE Developers' Conference, Harel Kodesh, vice president of Microsoft's Productivity Appliance Division, announced ActiveSync 3.0, a new version of Windows CE Services that promises to greatly improve the process of synchronizing a Windows CE device with a desktop or notebook PC.
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The fourth annual Windows CE Developers Conference is taking place in the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, from June 6 to 9. Over 2000 attendees are expected to attend the conference, which features more than 60 technical sessions covering topics such as developing embedded systems with Windows CE, developing state-of-the-art applications for PC Companion devices using Windows CE.
In other news...
ArtSoft has announced the availability of ArtSMark, a software utility that allows you to bookmark frequently used application windows on your Handheld or Palm-size PC.
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Socket Communications, Inc. has announced an agreement with Zebra Technologies Corporation, a worldwide leader in bar code printing solutions, to provide connectivity products for bar code labeling based on Socket's low power plug-in adapters.
The Bar Code Printer Connection Kit is expected to be available in mid 1999 and will feature an adapter that can be plugged into a Windows CE-based Handheld PC or Palm-size PC or a Windows 9x/NT notebook. The ruggedized cable, specially designed for Zebra or Eltron printers, will be permanently fixed to the adapter card and will plug securely into the portable bar code label printer. Compatible printers include the Zebra PA400™ and PT400™ and the Eltron P2222™ and P2242™.
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Hewlett-Packard has announced a special free V3 Pac mail-in bundle for people who purchase an HP Jornada 420 Palm-size PC before 30 June. The bundle includes a 16MB CF memory card and three software applications, HP Voice Contacts, HP Vibrant Color Display Driver (64K Color), and Image Expert CE from Sierra Imaging. The offer applies to US customers only.
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Following the announcement that Next-generation WebTV set-top boxes will be based on Windows CE, WebTV Networks appears to be shifting their business model. WebTV presently is growing its subscription base by 20,000 new users per month by providing a simple format for accessing the web for people who don't have a PC or are inexperienced with internet usage. The new hardware will offer faster processing speed and new web based features including email capability.
The WebTV set-top boxes being based on the Windows CE operating system leaves room for WebTV Networks to move to a more service oriented business model. Allowing them to broaden their customer base and partnership potential. It also indicates Microsoft's further interest in increasing the support and development of the platform. Presently Philips and Sony manufacture a Plus and Classic version of the set-tops available for $199 and $99USD.
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