News Page

Unsorted Material From 2000:

In The News Dec. 23 - 26, 2000

Palm Announces MyPalm Portal

Dec. 26, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Palm, Inc. has announced the availability of the MyPalm(TM) portal service which allows personal information management through a web clipping service.

MyPalm(TM) http://www.palm.net/
[2000/12/26]

Illinois Schools Test Palm Learning

Dec. 26, 2000, Katie Dean writes for Wired News that the Consolidated High School District 230 in Orland Park, Ill. has "rolled out 2,200 Palm IIIxe handhelds" throughout 3 high schools in a large scale experiment in education.

Consolidated High School District 230, Orland Park, Ill. http://www.d230.org/
[2000/12/26]

US Fed Websites To Be Accessible For Disabled

Dec. 22, 2000, Associated Press reports that the US Government websites will be standardized for accessibility for disabled people. Guidelines were set by the U.S. Access Board and will take effect on June 21, 2001. Accessibility standards should also make websites more usable via handheld computers.

U. S. Access Board http://www.access-board.gov/

National Organization on Disability http://www.nod.org/
[2000/12/27]

Happy Holidays!

My best wishes to all for the holiday season and the coming year!

Technical Problems Again

Due to technical problems, I did not have access to all news sources that I normally check. Due to the season, it is likely that I didn't miss anything, but I will try to check my sources again later this week.
[2000/12/24]

In The News Dec. 19 - 23, 2000

Cell Phone Contracts Confuse And Mislead

Dec. 24, 2000, Amy Zuckerman writes in her article "Those Black Holes in Your Mobile Phone Service" (The New York Times, Dec. 24, 2000) that cell phone users can find that coverage is not as seamless as expected and that unexpected roaming and long distance charges can be a problem.
[2000/12/24]

Niragongo Claims Lava Improves Wireless Internet

Dec. 24, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Niragongo Technologies Inc. claims that its new Java based Lava Platform(TM) improves wireless internet access by allowing navigation with fewer clicks.

Niragongo Technologies Inc. http://www.niragongo.com/
[2000/12/24]

Lineo Ports uClinux 2.4 Kernel To DragonBall

Dec. 22, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Lineo, Inc. has announced that it has successfully ported the uClinux(TM) 2.4 kernel to the Motorola DragonBall(TM) processor family. New features include USB support, IrDA and "quality of service" (QoS) support. Other versions of uClinux support Motorola Coldfire, ARM7TDMI, i960 and over processors.

Lineo, Inc. http://www.lineo.com/
[2000/12/24]

Computrace(R) Works

Dec. 22, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that Absolute Software claims that its Computrace(R) software aided in the recover of a laptop computer that was stolen a Toronto airport on Dec. 5, 2000. The software sends automated calls to Absolute Software.
[2000/12/24]

Franklin Announces eBookman Developers Edition

Dec. 21, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Franklin Electronic Publishers, Inc. has announced a special developer edition of the eBookMan(R) reader and multimedia content player with 16MB RAM and a special case. The platform features a proprietary 32-bit 24MHz RISC processor with MMU, USB and support for real time speech decompression, and a 240 * 200 pixel LCD display.

Franklin Electronic Publishers, Inc. Dev Zone http://www.franklin.com/devzone/
[2000/12/24]

19th Round of US FCC PCS Auction

Dec. 20, 2000, Reuters reports that the highest bids after the 19th round of US FCC auction for C and F blocks PCS wireless licences include Verizon Wireless, Salmon PCS, Alaska Native, DCC PCS Inc., Cook Inlet, VoiceStream, Black Crow Wireless, Leap Wireless, SprintCom. Inc. and Lafayette Comm.

[For more info, see the US FCC Website.]
[2000/12/24]

In The News Dec. 16 - 19, 2000

Cell Phones Not Linked To Brain Cancer

Dec. 20, 2000, Gina Kolata writes for the New York Times that the results of two studies have failed to show a link between cell phone use and brain cancer. One study supported by the National Cancer Institute will be published in The New England Journal of Medicine while the other, funded by the cell phone industry and the US Federal government will be published in The Journal of the American Medical Association.
[2000/12/20]

QRS Claims PC Card Spirometers Accurate

Dec. 20, 2000, PR Newswire reports that QRS Diagnostic has announced that its Diagnostic SpiroCard(R) and SpirOxCard(R) PC Card medical devices have passed the American Thoracic Society (ATS) accuracy tests for spirometry (performed and certified at the LDS Hospital Pulmonary Function Laboratory).

QRS Diagnostic, LLC http://www.QRSdiagnostic.com/
[2000/12/20]

Dell Drops Laptop Prices

Dec. 20, 2000, Business Wire reports that Dell has reduced prices on most of its laptop computer line, some prices dropping as much as 20%.
[2000/12/20]

Chip Sales To Continue Slow

Dec. 19, 2000, Semiconductor Business News reports that Advanced Forecasting Inc. has warned that the chip market will continue to be soft in Q1 2001.
[2000/12/20]

XHTML Basic Intended For Mobile Devices

Dec. 19, 2000, Paul Festa writes for CNET News.com that on Tuesday, the World Wide Web Consortium has approved Extensible Hypertext Markup Language Basic (XHTML Basic) which is a subset of XHTML (which in turn is based on XML). XHTML Basic is intended for small devices such as cell phones. Features not included in XHTML Basic include style sheets, scripts and events, presentation features including fonts and other text elements and frames. Forms and tables are supported but with limitations.

[See also Compact HTML (CHTML), Wireless Markup Language (WML) and W3C's "HTML 4.0 Guidelines for Mobile Access." Note that for *years* now I have written often in my reviews that it was "too soon" to put Web browsers in ROM because requirements were still changing. At this point, it is obvious that I was right. The definitions for markup languages are *still* changing.]
[2000/12/20]

Pocketmultimedia(TM) Releases Video Compression

Dec. 19, 2000 PR Newswire reports that Pocketmultimedia(TM) has announced that its "PockIt(TM)" and "UnPockIt(TM)" video compression software for Compaq iPaq(R) and and other PDAs is available through PocketGear.com and Handandgo.com. The software uses a proprietary "wavelet video encoder".

Pocketmultimedia http://www.pocketmultimedia.com/
[2000/12/20]

Technical Problems

Due to technical problems beyond my control, I don't have access to some news articles. Within the next few days I will check back through my source and see if anything significant is missed.
[2000/12/17]

In The News Dec. 12 - 16, 2000

aJile Systems Low Power Java Chip Available

Dec. 15, 2000, PR Newswire reports that aJile Systems, Inc. has announced the availability of its aJ-100 low power Java processor. The processor is now starting to ship with volume production targeted for Mar. 2001. An aJ-100EVB evaluation board is planned for January 2001. Quantity price is $17 each in quantities of 10K.

aJile Systems, Inc. http://www.ajile.com/
[2000/12/17]

SAR Shield Protects From Cell Phone Radiation?

Dec. 15, 2000, PR Newswire reports that according to "SAR SHIELD", it's product "SAR Shield" reduces radiation emitted by cellular phones by up to 89%.
[2000/12/17]

RIM To Support GPRS

Dec. 14, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Microcell Connexions Inc. and Research In Motion Limited (RIM) have announced a wholesale agreement whereby RIM will purchase airtime and services from Microcell for resale.

[The press release is a bit vague. It only mentions GPRS. It does not seem to be saying that RIM will use the GSM voice capability. Furthermore, it does not say anything about what sort of devices RIM has in mind for terminal usage.]
[2000/12/17]

OneEighty Software Claims Breakthrough Java Implementation

Dec. 14, 2000 Canada NewsWire reports that OneEighty Software Ltd. has announced that it has developed a "clean-room" implementation of Java Virtual Machine code named GENEVA that will bring Java capabilities to 8-bit embedded platforms.

OneEighty Software Ltd. http://www.180sw.com/
[2000/12/17]

SurfBoard Free?

Dec. 14, 2000, PR Newswire reports that NadaPC has announced the release of its "SurfBoard" Internet appliance which will be offered to consumers for "free" (requiring a 36 month contract for Internet services for $21.95 US/month). Weighing 2.2 lbs., the tablet device is wired in its base state but can be upgraded to wireless for in-home/near-home use.

NadaPC http://www.nadapc.com/
[2000/12/17]

In The News Dec. 9 - 12, 2000

Portelligent Product Analyses For Industry

Dec. 13, 2000, Portelligent Inc. has announced that its analyses for products in the mobile information technology fields (phones, pagers, notebook computers, PDAs, consumer electronics, digital cameras and imaging devices, set-top boxes and wireless LANs) are freely available for a limited time for industry insiders.

Portelligent Inc. http://www.portelligent.com/
[2000/12/13] [URL corrected] [2000/12/17]

AppForge Brings Visual Basic To Palm

Dec. 13, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Palm, Inc. and AppForge, Inc. have announced that Palm has obtained a license to distribute AppForge Booster(TM) runtime software which is a Visual Basic 6.0 compatible platform. Palm will distribute the software early in 2001, free of charge. The software can be downloaded immediately from the AppForge website.

AppForge, Inc. http://www.appforge.com/
[2000/12/13]

Kingston Preloads WinCE Software On 64MB CompactFlash

Dec. 13, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Kingston(R) Technology Company, Inc. has announced that it is offering 64MB CompactFlash memory cards pre-loaded with trial versions of Windows CE software for the Pocket PC from Developer One(R). The CF/64PD1 has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $150 US.
[2000/12/13]

University of Akron Law Students To Use IBM Laptops

Dec. 13, 2000, PR Newswire reports that the University of Akron has approved an agreement whereby all first year law students will use IBM laptops computer with wireless technology. The University will receive 350 laptop computers for the program (leased at about 1/2 the retail price).
[2000/12/13]

Samsung To Unveil PalmOS Smartphone

Dec. 12, 2000, Michael Kanellos writes for CNET News.com that "Samsung said Tuesday it will release a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) cell phone that contains a Palm organizer. The device is scheduled to arrive in the second quarter of 2001 in North America. Other products will follow."
[2000/12/13]

Palm Security Being Addressed

Dec. 12, 2000, PR Newswire reports that NTRU has announced its Security Toolkit for Palm(TM) handheld computers. This system implements "Rijndael", an Advanced Encryption Standard.

NTRU Security Tools For Palm http://www.ntru.com/Palm/
[2000/12/13]

Sun To Ship PalmOS Java(TM) 2 Platform, Micro Edition

Dec. 12, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Sun Microsystems, Inc. has announced that it will ship a developers release of Java(TM) 2 Platform, Micro Edition (J2ME) (TM) and the Mobile Information Device (MID) profile for the Palm OS platform.

Java Mobile Information Device Profile http://www.java.sun.com/products/midp/
[2000/12/13]

Palm Shows Version 4.0 And Mentions 5.0

Dec. 12, 2000, Ian Fried writes for CNET News.com that at the PalmSource developers conference, Carl Yankowski "detailed" the new version 4.0 PalmOS which includes 16-bit colour, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, universal serial bus (USB) and support for wireless telephony. Bill Maggs demonstrated a port of PalmOS to an ARM platform (Cirrus Logic development circuit board) which is capable of running current PalmOS programs. Yankowski also talk about PalmOS 5.0 which will support higher screen resolutions. Dates and prices were not announced.
[2000/12/13]

Microsoft Windows Media Player 7 Now Available For PocketPCs

Dec. 12, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Microsoft Corp. has announced the immediate availability of the Microsoft(R) Windows Media(TM) Player 7 for Pocket PC. The software can be downloaded from the Microsoft Website.

Microsoft Windows Media Software http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/
[2000/12/13]

DATATRAK Announces Support For Wireless Handheld Remote Data Connectivity

Dec. 12, 2000, PR Newswire reports that DATATRAK International, Inc. has announced that it is introducing the ability to implement its DATATRAK EDC(TM) software for wireless and handheld technology deployment. Initial feasibility and performance assessments were done using the Hewlett-Packard Jornada(TM) and Lucent ORiNOCO(TM) wireless modem.

DATATRAK International, Inc. http://www.datatraknet.com/
[2000/12/13]

Lessons From The Auto Industry?

This is my third "non-mobile IT" article within a very short period of time. I don't like writing on the the "business" side of the industry. I prefer to keep this a fairly pure technology resource. But the recent downturn in the industry, though in part a deliberate choice of the US Fed leads to questions of which companies show promise and which companies might fall by the side. In my last article, I noted that as a consumer, I concern myself with "recent past" reputation of a company (Canon) and its products and services. This time, I raise the question of whether management understands its market.

In this past year, two major names in the auto industry have fallen. Earlier this year was Plymouth, and yesterday, Oldsmobile. At various times over the years, my family has owned 3 Plymouth products and 3 Oldsmobile products. I have fond memories of both brands, and I will add that within this past year, I particularly liked the Oldsmobile Alero. But, though the announcement of the discontinuation of the whole Oldsmobile division surprised me, the failure of Oldsmobile to gain significant sales was not surprising at all. The short summary is that while the idea of going after the "youth market" was correct, doing so with a product line that didn't have an SUV, and the smallest car offered is the Alero, was rediculous. Furthermore, GM effectively killed Oldsmobile's youth market years ago when it decided that Oldsmobile would not compete in NASCAR's Winston Cup, and essentially limited it to IRL which is at best an embarrassing "B league" operation that no-one should want to be associated with.

By comparison, the field of mobile technology is even less a "commodity" field than the automobile field. There are still situation where one technology will work and another simply won't. Ie. only the RIM will receive live pages. Neither WindowsCE nor Palm will. On the other hand, there is no such thing as a colour RIM Blackberry. But even when there are enough functional overlaps, there are fairly large differences in functionality. Both the automobile industry and the computer industry, of which the mobile technology field is a part, require management that is perceptive and visionary. Perceptive means that they see the market and the industry accurately, and visionary means that they have an idea where to go in the future.

Far more than the automobile industry, the computer customer has to believe that it is buying a technology with a strong future. This gives the role of management as visionaries an even greater importance. When technology companies panic, they tend to replace visionary management with "efficient" conservative management. This can turn out to be a mistake. Without vision, they company may be able to fix obvious short term internal problems, but their product line will eventually run its course leaving the company with no future. It is during periods such as this, characterized by constrained growth or even shrinking market, where such mistakes are made.

A consumer is also at risk in this situation. A product from a company that dies will probably go "unsupported" with all the problems that such an event implies. So management is a concern even to the consumer and one is at risk either buying "too far out on the edge" or buying conservatively. Remember Plymouth and Oldsmobile.
[2000/12/13]

So? Buy A Computer. . . .

Around the end of Oct. 1999, I wrote "So? Don't Buy A Computer. . . ." wherein I stated that the high DRAM prices of that time frame, and indication of possible shortages of parts lead to the conclusion that it was not a good time to be buying computer products. I think that although I haven't been checking the current prices, the profit warnings of the various computer companies and chip companies, and the "first time ever" rebate on Sun servers, seems to indicate that this is probably a very good time to be buying computer equipment. Time to look around.
[2000/12/13]

In The News Dec. 5 - 9, 2000

Intel Achieves Breakthrough Transistor Technology?

Dec. 10, 2000, Associated Press reports that Intel is expected to announce the development of a transistor that is 0.03 microns wide (about 3 atoms thick).

[2000/12/10]

Palm Security Being Addressed?

Dec. 8, 2000, Ian Fried writes for CNET News.com that "NTRU plans to announce that it is moving its cryptography tools to the Palm operating system" and "Jawz plans to announce its DataGator software, which automatically encrypts all data on Palm handhelds."
[2000/12/10]

Americans Don't Need Wireless?

Dec. 8, 2000, Reuters reports that according to the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association, 38% of Americans have mobile phones, whereas in countries such as Finland and Austria, market penetration is as high as 70% (the highest in the world.
[2000/12/10]

EzBriefcase(TM) Claims To Ease Attachment Translation

Dec. 7, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Big Hammer Group Inc. claims that its "EzBriefcase(TM)" product assists information exchange for RIM, Palm and other platforms by allowing conversion of attachments from Word, WordPerfect and Rich Text to RIM, Palm or WAP.

[When I tried accessing the Website, it wasn't found. I'm posting the given Web address under the assumption that this was a temporary problem.]

Big Hammer Group Inc. EzBriefcase(TM) http://www.ezbriefcase.com/
[2000/12/10]

VTech Helio Battery Usage

An earlier version of this article was posted to PDAbuzz on Dec. 10, 2000)

I've pretty much finished the first set of batteries used under VTOS 1.3.02. Before saying more, I should point out that the Helio I'm working with has an odd hardware problem. I returned my first Helio because it had a defective case. The circuitry was working fine. This second one had a strange problem. There's a bad connection somewhere in the screen circuitry. Usually it's OK, but sometimes the screen will fade rapidly or wink off. If I squeeze the case the right way the screen comes back. It's probably just a dirty contact somewhere. I'm not going to bother sending it back. Someday I'll open it up and find out where the problem is. I don't have time right now.

I also think the battery metering needs to be re-scaled. In fact, it might be good to have 2 settings. One setting would be for Alkaline batteries and another for NiMH batteries.

One set of batteries is not really enough to get an accurate idea of battery usage, but in this case it's enough to get a general idea of how power is being used. The batteries were Rayovac Alkaline, which are sort of "2nd tier" Alkaline. They are good quality overall if bought fresh, but probably not quite as good as the top line Energizer or Duracells. The first set lasted about 5 days of generally fairly heavy usage, but I used the batteries further than I'd expect most people would find acceptable. So my preliminary estimate is that most people would get around 4 days of very heavy usage from these batteries, and perhaps 5 days from top line Duracell Ultra or Energizers. I would further guess that more typical usage would probably result in a couple of weeks of usage.

While certainly not as good as the current Palm IIIxe's (which are about the same as my Palm IIIx, which give me over a month on a set of batteries), it's better than the Hewlett-Packard Jornada 540 (which won't give me a whole day's worth of use on a charge), which is reputed to be better than the other WindowsCE PocketPC devices. In particular, I expect the iPaq to get better battery life than a Jornada 540, but I have heard some comments that this is not so. In fact, it's about the same as some of the earlier WindowsCE devices -- which is no surprise since some of those devices used the same chipset, and other chipsets of that era were giving similar performance.

Clearly it is a good idea to use rechargeable batteries in a Helio. After years of experience with rechargeable batteries, I don't see any real advantage to "built-in" rechargeable batteries over buying good rechargeables and a charger separately. In fact, the Helio has an advantage over the PocketPC devices because you can have 2 sets of batteries and recharge one set while using another. This is a serious problem with the Jornada, and while the Casio E105 - 125 series devices have removeable battery packs, as far as I know, they don't have external chargers. Moreover, buying Casio's custom battery packs is probably more expensive than "loose" rechargeable AAA cells.

Though I would prefer better battery life, I don't find the current battery life to be unliveable, providing you get some rechargeables for it. Think of the ability to use Alkalines as an emergency capability.

Lastly, as I've said before, I think that the Helio should be revised to have the ability to use external power sources. Ideally, this would support internal recharging, but that's not as important as simply being able to use external power.
[2000/12/10]

In The News Dec. 2 - 5, 2000

Itronix Announces New Windows CE Devices

Dec. 6, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Itronix Corporation has announced the availability of its latest Windows CE based devices:

fex21 based on a 129MHz Toshiba 3922 MIPS RISC processor

Husky FS4 based on the Intel StrongARM (TM) 192 MHz processor, IP67 specification case, WindowsCE

T520 wireless mobile workstation based on a 92MHz Toshiba MIPS R3912 RISC processor

Itronix Corporation http://www.itronix.com/
[2000/12/06]

US DoD Helps Save Iridium

Dec. 6, 2000, Reuters reports that the US Defense Department has awarded a two-year $72 million US service contract which will help keep Iridium Satellite LLC operational.
[2000/12/06]

Fujitsu Announces New Low Power RAM

Dec. 6, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe has introduced its MB82D01171A Application Specific RAM (ASM) based on Fujitsu's Fast Cycle RAM (FCRAM(TM)) architecture. the 16Mbit RAM features power requirements as low as 70 microamps. Samples will be available in February 2001 at $30 US per unit.

Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe http://www.fujitsu-fme.com/
[2000/12/06]

Onhandata Databases Fast Fill A Palm

Dec. 5, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Onhandata, Inc. will supply databases with a $29.95 US per year update service. The data will be available for Palm Pilots and other platforms within the month.

Onhandata, Inc. http://www.onhandata.com/
[2000/12/06]

Socket And Intrinsyc Work Together For Bluetooth

Dec. 4, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that Socket Communications and Intrinsyc have announced have collaborated on a reference platform for OEMs combining Socket's Bluetooth Personal Network Card and Intrinsyc's StrongARM 1110 based CerfBoard reference platform. Also, Socket's Bluetooth OEM module will be incorporated directly into Intrinsyc's wireless reference platform.
[2000/12/06]

Canon Copier Failure

Canon has not had a presence in the "mobile info tech" field for a long time now, however, the failure of my Canon photocopier, which follows my Canon BJC-600 printer, and the repair of my Canon video camera has given me reason to think about this event as it relates to the more general field of high technology.

On Sunday morning (Dec. 3, 2000), I went to make a copy of my weekly schedule, and my PC-25 copier failed. The bed moved to the start position and the paper move through the channel to its start position, and after making squeeking noise denoting something like a belt slipping, it all stopped. The paper jam light came on and "E2" flashed in the counter display. After clearing the paper jam and making a few more attempts, it was clear that it wasn't going to work. After about 15 years of use, it looked like the copier was dead.

The next day, I contacted Canon and found that they refused the repair because parts were no longer available. It is possible that a simple "clean up" might be enough to get it working again, and I have a spare toner cartridge which will go to waste which might make it worth the effort, but in the long run, I considered it was worth it to buy a new copier.

The computer industry is facing significant changes in perception which impact on business models. There are a lot of lessons that can be learned from this event, but the most significant is that number "15 years". Keep in mind that had the copier not failed, I had no real reason to buy a new copier. Granted, today's copiers have some advantages over my PC-25, but surprisingly, my PC-25 had some advantages over contemporary products. Overall, aside from the failure, and the fact that in some future date, the toner cartridges probably won't be available, I had no substantial incentive to buy a new copier at all. Not in the next 5 years, 10 years, or even another 15 years.

This year, for the first time, a similar lack of incentive to upgrade seems to be appearing in a significant drop in sales in the computer industry. Personally, I didn't expect this to show up until after 2000. There is still a lot of "pre-DVD/USB" equipment around that I think will be replaced by "DVD/USB" era machines. Specifically, while PCI computers around 166MHz up to 233MHz can support DVD MPEG2 with add-on cards, and some have USB support, I think the point of "minimum system" for the "DVD/USB" era is probably around "Socket Super 7" and AMD K6-2 300MHz level (wherein DVD's should be comfortably decoded by the CPU with some processing power to spare). I don't know how much of the sales drop can be accounted for by movement to thin clients and and mobile technology.

Another issue is reputation. As you might guess from the amount of Canon equipment I've owned, I've always considered Canon to be a good brand. They have had high quality equipment and excellent service at prices that have not been unjustified. Unfortunately, I have noticed that their service department seems to be overtaxed this year. In many cases, when I call, I just get bumped to an answering machine. Moreover, in this latest instance, the people I've dealt with were not as courteous as I've come to expect. They seem to be overworked. This is not a good sign. If I could have bought a different competitive brand photocopier I might have. But right now, there isn't a real competitor at all. Xerox has vacated the field for low end analog technology photocopiers and the Mita and other brands (such as Minolta) are not widely carried, which means long term support is suspect. Buying any technology, even pocket computers requires awareness of the brand's current reputation. It is particularly important to consider the last 5 years.

Another thing that occurred to me is that my new Canon PC-920 copier costs about the same as a Casio E-125 "PocketPC". I'll leave that issue for some future date.
[2000/12/04]

Helio In Canadian Stores

On Nov. 30, 2000, the VTech Helio (8MB) was advertised by Business Depot in the Toronto Star, Gift Guide Section K, p. K4 at a price of $299.00 Cdn (less $50.00 instant rebate for a final price of $249.00 Cdn). This is the first time I've seen the Helio advertised as a product of a regular Canadian retail store. I has been available from a Canadian online retailer for a while now.
[2000/12/03] revised [2000/12/04]

In The News Nov. 28 - Dec. 2, 2000

Motorola Licenses ARM Cores

Dec. 3, 2000, Business Wire reports that Motorola has announced that its has licensed ARM microprocessor cores for its DigitalDNA embedded products.
[2000/12/03]

Day-Timers To Sell Palm Handhelds

Dec. 1, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Day-Timers, Inc. and Palm, Inc. have announced an agreement whereby Day-Timers will sell Palm m100 bundled with Day-Timer(R) software and paper products. The bundle will cost $179 US.

Day-Timers, Inc. http://www.daytimer.com/
[2000/12/03]

Teletype GPS For iPaq PocketPC

Dec. 1, 2000, Business Wire reports that Teletype Co. has announced that Compaq has approved its GPS card for use with the iPaq PocketPC.
[2000/12/03]

Prolin-Shockwave Worm Rated High Risk

Dec. 1, 2000, PR Newswire reports that McAfee AVERT has announced that it is assigning the @32/ProLin@MM work known as Prolin-Shockwave as a high risk virus. This destructive mass-mailing worm sends copies of itself to all addresses in the infected user's address book. Users are advised to delete any email containing the following:

"Subject: A great Shockwave flash movie
Body of email:  Check out this new flash movie that I downloaded
just now ...  It's Great
Bye
Atttachment: CREATIVE.EXE"

[2000/12/03]

US Military Limits Growth of Wireless Industry

Dec. 1, 2000, Patrick Ross writes for CNET News.com that the US Department of Defense has reiterated its position that it needs to maintain large tracts of radio spectrum over major markets such as New York, Houston and San Francisco.
[2000/12/03]

Rogers Goes GSM/GPRS

Nov. 30, 2000, Canada Newswire reports that Rogers Wireless Communications Inc. has announced that it will "augment its existing network by overlaying a GSM (Global System for Mobile) network with integrated GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) packet data capability throughout its nationwide digital coverage area. The Company will launch [wireless packet data service and GSM digital voice service] . . . by July 1, 2001, and expand this coverage to more than 83% of Canada's population by year-end 2001."
[2000/12/03]

eMachines Brings Out Laptops

Nov. 30, 2000, PR NewsWire reports that eMachines(TM), Inc. has announced that it will bring out laptop computers under the "eSlate" product name. The "S" family will be sub-3 pound, single spindle, the "N" family will be sub-5 pound with dual spindle and the "W" family will be "all-in-one".

eMachines, Inc. http://www.e4me.com/
[2000/12/03]

VTOS 1.3.02 Upgrade Available For Helio

VTechInfo has posted software upgrade kits for the VTech Helio to its Website. The kit includes the software for the Helio device and also, upgrades to Helio Desktop 2.0 and Companion Link, necessary for supporting features which were added when VTOS was upgraded from 1.1.08 to 1.3.01. The files are in their "Support/Downloads" area.

[I downloaded the upgrade kit on Nov. 30, 2000. The file size for the single file version is about 29MB and downloading with a V.90 56kbps modem took about 1 hour, 45 minutes. I installed the Desktop and Companion Link programs in Windows 95 and upgraded a Helio from 1.3.01 to 1.3.02.]

VTechInfo Helio http://www.myhelio.com/
[2000/12/03]

In The News Nov. 25 - 28, 2000

ePhysician A to Z Drug Facts

Nov. 29, 2000, Business Wire HealthWire reports that ePhysician has announced that its "ePhysician A to Z Drug Facts with Facts and Comparisons(R)" combines wireless, handheld and Internet technologies. It is a handheld version of "Facts and Comparison's desk reference" and runs on PalmOS 3.0 or higher.

ePhysician http://www.ephysician.com/
[2000/11/29]

Computer Associates InoculateIT Now Available

Nov. 29, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Computer Associates has announced that its InoculateIT for the Palm OS platform is now available from its Website.

http://www.ca.com/products/inoculateit/palm.htm
[2000/11/29]

Wireless Web Modem for Sprint PCS

Nov. 29, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Sprint PCS has announced that the Sprint PCS Wireless Web Modem is now available for users of its CDMA system. The Modem is actually a Sierra Wireless AirCard(R) 510 which is a Type II PCMCIA card which can be used with Microsoft Windows laptop computers. The retail price is $399.99 for the Modem in Sprint PCS retail stores It will be available online in mid December, 2000.

Sprint PCS http://www.sprintpcs.com/
[2000/11/29]

Pixo OS To Use eZiText(TM)

Nov. 29, 2000, Zi Corporation and Pixo have announced that they have agreed to eZiText(TM) as an extension of the Pixo OS Platform for phones.
[2000/11/29]

NEC Suspects Problem With Transmeta Crusoe

Nov. 29, 2000, Reuters reports that according to Yomiuri Shimbun, NEC Corp. has found a possible problem with the Transmeta Crusoe chip and is likely to recall some laptop computers which use the chip. Sony is apparently looking into it as well.
[2000/11/29]

Presence And Availability Management

Nov. 28, 2000, Business Wire reports that Lucent has contributed it's initial interface specification to the "Presence and Availability Management (PAM) Forum" which is a non-profit organization formed to develop and promote a standard interface in this field.

Presence and Availability Management (PAM) Forum http://www.PAMforum.org/
[2000/11/29]

Kyocera Unveils Successor To PDQ

Nov. 27, 2000, Ian Fried writes for CNET News.com that Kyocera has officially unveiled its CDMA/PalmOS based "Smartphone". The product is the successor to the Qualcomm pdQ which Kyocera bought from Qualcomm in February. Although smaller than the original pdQ it is still 7 oz. and nearly an inch thick. The unit has 8MB memory and PalmOS 3.5. The cost of $800 US will probably be reduced by services providers to under $500 US.
[2000/11/29]

Sharp Zaurus To Come Back?

Nov. 27, 2000, Reuters reports that Sharp Corp. is planning to bring a line of PDA devices back to the US in the first half of 2001. The Zaurus product name is still used in Japan and Sharp claims to have retained 40 to 50% of the Japanese PDA market. According to Yoichi Sakai of Sharp's communications systems group, Sharp will attempt to distinguish itself from Palm by emphasizing multimedia features such as the ability to play music and movie trailers downloaded from Websites.

[Sharp Canada is more independent from Sharp in the US than is generally realized. It is possible that this move might not be carried through to Canada. Also, I believe that the product referred to in the article was probably the "eZaurus" rather than the Zaurus. -- JO]
[2000/11/29]

In The News Nov. 21 - 25, 2000

Universal Display Develops Flexible OLED Displays

Nov. 24, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Universal Display Corporation's Dr. Michael S. Weaver has presented a paper detailing new developments in high efficiency Organic Light Emitting Devices (OLED) displays including application on flexible substrates. The according to UDC, the process "lends itself to high-volume, roll-to-roll process manufacturing, promising relatively inexpensive fabrication."

Universal Display Corporation http://www.universaldisplay.com/
[2000/11/26]

Sharp Announces Zaurus MI-E1 For Japanese Market

Nov. 23, 2000, Martyn Williams writes for Infoworld.com that Sharp has unveiled its Zaurus MI-E1 handheld computer in a Palm-like case but with a keyboard which is hidden, 240 * 320 * 16-bit reflective LCD colour screen, slots for Secure Digital cards and Compact Flash cards, MPEG3 and MPEG4 software. It will be available in Japan Dec. 15, 2000 at about $455 US.

Sharp (Japan) eZaurus http://www.ezaurus.com/
[2000/11/26]

Robot Exhibition In Japan

Nov. 23, 2000, Associate Press reports that personal robots at Robodex 2000 tend towards entertainment rather than function. The following Websites are given:

Robodex 2000 http://www.robodex.org/
Sony Aibo http://www.aibo.com/
Honda http://world.honda.com/robot/
ATR Media Integration & Communications Research Laboratories http://www.atr.co.jp/
NEC Corp. Robot http://www.incx.nec.co.jp/robot/
Takara Co. http://www.takaratoys.co.jp/
[2000/11/26]

Fido In Windsor, Ontario

Nov. 22, 2000, Business Wire reports that Microcell Solutions Inc. has announced that Fido Service has begun in Windsor, Ontario.

[While a lot of Canadian people live near the US border, Windsor is particularly interesting for radio issues because it is so close to Detroit which is a particularly large US city. Here, any international frequency/jurisdiction conflicts are likely to occur at their worst. This is probably why Fido took so long to get to Windsor.]
[2000/11/26]

Aliant Announces WireFree(TM) Web In Atlantic Canada

Nov. 22, PR Newswire reports that Aliant Telecom has announced that its Cellular WireFree(TM) Web service is now available to digital cellular phone users in Atlantic Canada 15 cents per minute for Internet or email use.

Aliant Telecom http://www.aliant.ca/
[2000/11/26]

Compaq Announces Price Drops And New Products

Nov. 21, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Compaq Computer Corporation announced price drops on some portable computers and some new products for Christmas:

Presario 1400 Eddie Bauer Special Edition: metallic olive green.

Presario 1200 Series: rebates are being offered. The 12XL300 combines are rebate with price reduction.

Presario 1700 Series: rebates are being offered.

Presario 1800 Series: prices have been reduced.

Compaq Presario 1400 Eddie Bauer Special Edition http://www.compaq.com/presarioeb/
[2000/11/26]

Wireless Web Lacks Functionality?

Oct. 30, 2000, Antone Gonsalves & Barbara Darrow, in their article "IBM, Sun Duke It Out In Wireless Realm," wrote for TechWeb News "The so-called wireless Web is at a critical junction. Many users of WAP phones -- which offer browsing capability -- have been disillusioned with their lack of functionality."
[2000/11/26]

Missing News?

Due to technical problems beyond my control, my update for today may be missing some news items. I'll try to post anything significant I missed later in the week.
[2000/11/22]

In The News Nov. 18 - 21, 2000

OAG.com Offers Free Trial Of OAG Mobile

Nov. 22, 2000, PR Newswire reports that OAG.com is offering a free 90 day trial of its "OAG Mobile" with "up-to-date travel information". Supported devices include Palm III, IIIc, IIIe, IIIx, IIIxe, V, Vx and VII, Handspring Visor and Visor Deluxe, IBM Workpad, Motorola Timeport 8167 and Timeport P7389, Denso Touchpoint, Nokia 7110 and PocketPC versions of HP Jornada, Compaq iPaq and Casio Cassiopeia.

OAG.com http://www.oag.com
[2000/11/22]

Nokia Introduced 9210 Communicator

Nov. 21, 2000, Reuters reports that Nokia has introduced its 9210 Communicator. This handheld phone/computer device is conceptually similar to the 9110i, having a keyboard, but has a colour display and is based on the Symbian EPOC system. Other features includes Java support, WAP, and Internet services. Weight is 244 g. No price was quoted and availability of this GSM device is expected to be in the first half of 2001.

[Looking at the Website, the size of the devices is 158 * 56 * 27 mm and the CPU is a "32-bit ARM9-based RISC." The screen supports 4K colours (resolution is not specified). Data speed is claimed to be "up to 43.2 kbps (HSCSD)" and it has a MulitiMediaCard slot.]

Nokia 9210 Communicator http://www.nokia.com/phones/9210/index.html
[2000/11/22]

Compaq Uses ATI Rage Mobility(TM) 128(TM) In Presario 1800

Nov. 21, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that ATI Technologies Inc. has announced that Compaq Computer Corporation has selected the RAGE MOBILITY(TM) 128(TM) chipset for its latest Presario 1800 Series laptop computers.
[2000/11/22]

Taiwan Semi Claims First 0.25-Micron CMOS Image Sensor

Nov. 20, 2000, Canadian Corporate News reports that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) claims that its 3.17-Megapixel "Camera- On-A-Chip" is the first 0.25-Micron CMOS image sensor. According to TSMC, the device is immediately available. [No price was given in the announcement.]

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company http://www.tsmc.com/
[2000/11/22]

Tescina Announces DataGet Cartridge For Handspring

Nov. 20, 2000, Tescina, Inc. introduced its DataGet(R) BCD cartridge for the Handspring Visor, which they claim is "the first gauge multiplexer for any Palm OS device." List price for a DataGet BCD cartridge is $499 US with a complete system (including a HandSpring Visor) costing $699. Volume shipments are expected in 2000 Q4.

Tescina, Inc. (Dataget(R)) http://www.dataget.com
[2000/11/22]

In The News Nov. 14 - 18, 2000

TELUS Dealers To Sell Clearnet Products

Nov. 15, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that TELUS Mobility has announced that TELUS Mobility dealers will now be able to sell Clearnet PCS and Pay & Talk.
[2000/11/18]

Current State Of The Agenda Linux Pocket Computer

Actual announcement dates are a bit unclear. The following information is currently posted to the Agenda Computing Website:

Apparently, a registered developer can order an Agenda VR3 Developer Edition for $179 US. "Quantities are limited. . . ." This version includes 16MB Flash and 8MB RAM, 2 AAA batteries, a headset and a desktop cradle w/serial cable. There is no charge to sign up for the development program.

According to the Website, the Agenda VR3 will be available in January, 2001.
[2000/11/18]

In The News Nov. 11 - 14, 2000

Electric Pocket Introduces BugMe! Messenger For PalmOS

Nov. 15, 2000, Business Wire reports that Electric Pocket has announced that its new "BugMe! Messenger" service allows users to exchange handwritten, text and graphic notes between PalmOS devices and Internet email.

Electric Pocket http://www.electricpocket.com/
[2000/11/15]

Dauphin Introduces Orasis(R) Tablet Computer

Nov. 15, 2000, Business Wire reports that Dauphin Technology Inc. has introduced its Orasis(R) tablet computer with new modular expansion devices.

Dauphin Technology, Inc. (tablet computers) http://www.dauphintech.com/
[2000/11/15]

Acer TravelMate 350 Ships With Windows(R) 2000 Pro

Nov. 15, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Acer has announced that some models of its new TravelMate 350 series "ultraportable mobile PC" would ship with Microsoft(R) Window(R) 2000.
[2000/11/15]

Curious Networks Introduces MAXML

Nov. 15, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Curious Networks has introduced its patent-pending "multi-channel access XML" MAXML language which allows developers to write code once and have deployed on WML, HDML, Voice XML, WAP and Palm's PQA. "Unlike traditional development processes based on presentation, MAXML is founded on a human-information model that explains the relationships between data and how users interact with that data."

Curious Networks MAXML http://www.workshop.curiousnetworks.com/
[2000/11/15]

Palm And Shinei Announce MIDI Synthesizer For Palm

Nov. 14, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Shinei International has announced the release of the Tsunamidi MIDI player for Palm(TM) handheld computers. The add-on attaches to Palm V and Palm Vx handhelds. Shinei claims this is a "state-of-the- art, portable recording studio. The device can use 2 AA batteries or DC and has an estimated street price of $129 US.

Tsunamidi MIDI Player for Palm http://www.tsunamidi.com/

Shinei International http://www.shinei.com.sg/
[2000/11/15]

Compaq To Use InfoSpace For Wireless Pocket Devices

Nov. 14, 2000, PR Newswire reports that InfoSpace, Inc. has announced that Compaq Computer Corporation has agreed to use InfoSpace content and services for iPAQ(TM) PocketPC and iPAQ BlackBerry(TM) as part of iPAQnet(TM).
[2000/11/15]

Compaq And Xerox Demonstrate Bluetooth Wireless Printing

Nov. 14, 2000, Business Wire reports that Xerox Corporation and Compaq Computer Corporation are demonstrating Bluetooth(TM) based wireless printing from a Compaq Armada laptop computer to a Xerox DocuPrint 1210 personal laser printer using a PC Card in the laptop to a "dongle" receiver in the printer's parallel port.
[2000/11/15]

Palm Ships Wireless Connection Kit

Nov. 13, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Palm, Inc. has announced that it is shipping its Palm(TM) Mobile Internet Kit. The software kit costs $39.95 US. Mobile phone cables, which may be necessary, will be available separately. The kit includes the PalmOS(R) 3.5 OS upgrade for Palm III, IIIx and Palm V. The OS upgrade will be available separately later this week via download for $14.95 US or $19.95 US on CD-ROM.
[2000/11/15]

Bachmann Software Gives Handspring Visor Bluetooth Printing

Nov. 13, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Bachmann Software & Services has announced that it has unveiled Bluetooth(TM) wireless printing capabilities to its PrintBoy(R) software and will be demonstrating it with the Handspring Visor at COMDEX/Fall 2000.

Bachmann Software & Services http://www.bachmannsoftware.com/
[2000/11/15]

Microsoft Announces New WindowsCE Pocket PC Applications

Nov. 13, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Microsoft Corp. has announced the availability of its "Entertainment PocketPak for Windows(R) Powered Pocket PCs" which includes 10 games (Blackjack, Chess, Cinco, FreeCell, Hearts, Mindsweeper, Reversi, Sink the Ships, Space Defense, and Taipei). The software is available today at $29.95 US.

In a separate article, also on Nov. 13, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Microsoft has also released "Microsoft(R) Windows Media(TM) Player for Pocket PC Technology Preview Edition" which adds streamed wireless Windows Media-formatted audio and video capability to WindowsCE Pocket PC based devices.
[2000/11/15]

Mobility Electronics Announces EasiDoc USB 300F/FE

Nov. 13, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Mobility Electronics, Inc. has introduced its EasiDock(R) USB 300F and 300FE which combine a universal docking station, a Flash Memory reader/writer and a USB hub. Prices for the EasiDock USB 300F start at $179 US and for the 300FE start at $229. Delivery is expected in December 2000.

Mobility Electronics http://www.mobilityelectronics.com/
[2000/11/15]

Did Michael Dell Call Bill Gates Stupid?

Nov. 15, 2000, Associated Press reports that in an interview Michael Dell on Tuesday said "A lot of people might say, 'You don't do anything interesting' - but we just don't do anything stupid, we do things that work." This was apparently said around Dell's lack of support for new technologies such as those promoted by Microsoft's Bill Gates, like Web "tablets". Also, Dell does not have a Windows CE device, which has in recent years also been promoted by Bill Gates. Did he mean that Bill Gates was stupid?
[2000/11/15]

In The News Nov. 7 - 11, 2000

Mindmaker Announces FlexSpeech Beta Release

Nov. 12, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Mindmaker, Inc. has nnounced the beta release of its FlexSpeech speech recognition system. Flexspeech works under Windows NT(R), Linux or Solaris(R).
[2000/11/12]

Magellan Announces GPS Companion For Handspring(TM) Visor(TM)

Nov. 10, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Magellan Corporation has announced its new GPS Companion(TM) for the Handspring(TM) Visor(TM). The system includes a Visor Springboard(TM) card and "MAP Companion(TM)" software by MarcoSoft and "NAV Companion(TM)" software by Magellan. The "GPS Companion" kit is priced at $180 US. [No availability date was in the announcement. -- JO]
[2000/11/12]

Nextcell Announces CDPD CompactFlash Card

Nov. 10, 2000, Business Wire reports that Nextcell, Inc. has announced its PocketSpyder "Internet protocol (CDPD)" CompactFlash card. [Price and availability were not in the annoucement. Checking the NextCell Website, the device fits Type I or Type II slots in PocketPC or Palm devices. Much of the device is outside the slot, so it cannot be used in devices which have doors that must be closed. Data rate is 19.2 kbps. and it has its own 700mAH Li-Ion battery rated for around 8 hrs. use.]

Nextcell, Inc. http://www.nextcell.com/
[2000/11/12]

McAfee AVERT Warns of Navidad Internet Worm

Nov. 10, 2000, PR Newswire reports that McAfee AVERT has assigned a Medium On Watch risk assessment to the W32/Navidad@m (Navidad). It uses "MAPI (Messaging Application Programming Interface) Outlook to spread once activated." [This wording is a bit ambiguous but it seems to limit the range to Outlook users. -- JO] An attachment called "NAVIDAD.EXE" which places an "eye" icon in the system tray. According to AVERT, users should immediately delete any email containing the attachment.

[In a separate article on Nov. 11, 2000, Associated Press reports that it affects only Microsoft Windows operating system computers, and that the only harm is that it locks up computers and spreads to other computers. It can be stopped manually.]
[2000/11/12]

PC-EPhone.com Inc. Claims Do-All Wireless Product

Nov. 10, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Newlands Oil & Gas Inc. (PC-EPhone.com Inc.) claims that its PC-EPhone will be the "world's first wireless PDA with full Internet, PC, cellular phone and organizer." The company claims their product will support "a full VGA size web browser, cellular phone with stylus handset (CDMA, AMPS, PCS, GSM), Multimedia: Mpeg for WebTV, games and video and MP3 for music, interactive personal organizer, car navigation system with GPS module, Bluetooth chip for wireless, roaming communication, 4" color touch screen (256 color TFT LCD; 640x480 dots), Microsoft Pocket Internet Explorer, Word, Excel, Outlook, Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery with AC adapter" in a 5" * 4" * 1" size. The product is expected to be made by Samsung in Q1 of 2001. The PC-EPhone was developed by Cyberbank Corp. and Newlands will be the exclusive distributor. [No price was announced -- JO]
[2000/11/12]

SAGEM And Microsoft Announce WindowsCE GSM/GPRS Device

Nov. 9, 2000, PR Newswire reports that SAGEM and Microsoft announced the SAGEM WA3050 wireless PocketPC with GSM/GPRS technology.
[Price and availability were not given in the announcement. -- JO]
[2000/11/12]

BSQUARE Upgrades USB Support For Windows NT 4.0

Nov. 9, 2000, Business Wire reports that BSQUARE Corporation has announced that it has a USB upgrade for Windows(R) NT(R) 4.0 which supports WindowsCE PocketPC devices, mice, printers and keyboards and "Socket Compact Flash card." The software is available now at $79.95 US.

BSQUARE Corporation http://www.bsquare.com/
[2000/11/12]

Videogames and Pocket Computers

[The following information is from Next Generation Magazine Dec. 1995, p. 39 - 85:

CD-i: Launch 1991
CPU: 68070 @ 15.5 MHz [Note: this is NOT a RISC processor -- JO]
GPU: 24-bit CLUT, MPEG 1 cartridge option, 32,768 simultaneous colours
Memory: 1.5MB RAM
Sound: ADCPM eight channel sound

3DO: Launch in North America 1993
CPU: ARM 60 32-bit RISC @ 12.5 MHz
GPU: twin graphic processors, 16-bit on-screen from 24-bit palette
RAM: 2MB main DRAM, 1MB video VRAM, 32K(bytes?) SRAM w/battery backup
Sound: Stereo 16-bit PCM, sampling at 44.1 KHz, 16-bit custom DSP Misc: 1MB ROM

Atari Jaguar: Launch in North America 1993
CPU: MC68000 @ 13.3 MHz [Note: this is NOT a RISC processor -- JO]
GPU: Custom RISC chip [Note: I remember Atari claiming that the graphics RISC chip was not just a GPU, but could be used as the CPU, controlling the whole game. Next Gen. seems to refute this, though not directly.]
RAM: 2MB main RAM, 256K(bytes?) CD-ROM buffer RAM
Sound: 16-bit DSP with DAC
Misc: CD-ROM drive, VR headset

Sega 32X: Launch in North America Dec. 1994
CPU: 2 Hitachi RISC (1 at 23MHz and the other at 40MHz)
GPU: 32,768 colours (video is overlay over Genesis)
RAM: 512 K (bytes?)
Sound: stereo and digital audio are mixed w/Genesis

Sony Playstation: Launch in [Japan Dec. 3, 1994 -- from Dec. 99 NextGen], North America Sept. 9, 1995
CPU: 32-bit R3000A RISC @ 33 MHz (30 MIPS)
Bus bandwidth 132 MB/sec. RAM: 2MB main RAM, 1MB video RAM, 512KB Sound RAM, 256KB CD-ROM buffer RAM
Sound: 16-bit sound chip, ADCPM w/24 channels, 44.1 KHz sampling
Drives: CD-ROM
Misc: 4Mbits OS ROM, 128K (bytes?) removable cards for game saves

Sega Saturn: Launch in North America May 11, 1995
CPU: Twin Hitachi SH-2 RISC @ 28 MHz (25 MIPS each)
GPU: VDP1 (sprites, polygons & geometry), VDP2 (backgrounds), (resolutions were 352 * 244 and 640 * 224 using 32,000 colours from 24-bit palette)
RAM: 2MB main RAM, 12Mbits VRAM, 512KB Buffer RAM, 32K(bytes?) SRAM w/battery backup
Sound: 16-bit Yamaha 68EC000 @ 113MHz, 32 voices, FM synthesis, two CPU interfaces, 44.1 KHz sound, 16 channel digital mixer, 128 step DSP
Misc: 512 K(bytes?) boot ROM

[2000/11/12]

[The following information is from Next Generation Magazine Dec. 1999, p. 90 - 99:

Nintendo 64: Launch in Japan June 23, 1996, North America Sept. 29, 1996
CPU: MIPS R4300 @ 93.75 MHz
GPU: 64-bit RISC [MIPS/SGI -- JO] @ 62.5 MHz
RAM: 4 MB Rambus DRAM (on 128-bit data bus) (562.5MB/sec.), 8-bit Rambus @ 500MHz maxiumum

Sega Dreamcast: Launch in Japan, Nov. 20, 1998, North America Sept. 9, 1999
CPU: Hitachi SH4 @ 200 MHz
GPU: NEC/VideoLogic CLXi
RAM: 16MB main operating RAM, 8MB video RAM, 2MB audio RAM
Sound: Yamaha AICA sound chip
OS: "Dual Windows/proprietary OS"
Storage: Proprietary GD-ROM, 1GB capacity
Online: 56K modular modem

Sony Playstation2: Launch in Japan, Mar. 4, 2000, [North America Oct. 26, 2000 -- JO]
CPU: 128-bit "Emotion Engine" [MIPS -- JO] @ 294.912 MHz
GPU: "Graphics Synthesizer" @ 147.456 MHz
RAM: 4MB VRAM, 32MB direct
Sound: sound chip, 48 hardware channels, 2MB audio RAM
Drives: DVD-ROM (4x w/movie capability), CD-ROM (24x)
Interface: 2 controller ports, 2 memory card slots, 2 USB ports, I.link (IEEE 1394), PCMCIA slot (Type III)

[2000/11/12]

The Playstation 2 is now being sold in North America. I've been trying to decide if there's much to be learned from the game machine market. There's no doubt that they are related. While the mainstream computer market is dominated by "WinTel", neither Intel nor Microsoft is dominant in either the pocket computer industry or the videogame industry. But beyond that, I can't see much in common at this time. The following is a rough summary of developments in the videogame industry starting at the 16-bit machines, which are still closely tied to current handheld computers through the Palm devices. I didn't go back and research it, so I might be wrong about some of the details, but I think I have most of the hardware developments essentially in the right order.

When the "16-bit" videogames hit, I bought the Sega Genesis (over its main competitors, the SuperNES and CD-I) and when Sega brought out the GameGear handheld videogame, I thought that Sega had a strong future. But Sega stumbled in the movement to 32-bit technology. Looking back on it, it seems like Sega had a Hitachi jinx. The Hitachi based 32X expansion never got enough games to support the platform. I bought the expansion and felt it was actually quite good for the money. Part of the failure of Sega around this time might have been due to bad publicity regarding games violence. But looking back at that time, 3DO and Atari Jaguar and eventually NeoGeo were crowding the space and it's understandable that a merely "good" platform could fail. But my real disappointment was when the Hitachi based Sega Saturn came out and it didn't have any compatibility (forward or backward) with the 32X. If this had been done, there would have been a technology bridge for the consumer, showing respect for the buyer's investment. Interestingly, the Genesis platform either continued or was brought back at a lower price, and I saw them selling shortly before the Dreamcast came out.

In the 32-bit to 64-bit bridge era, the Sony Playstation proved that a new company could still overcome the entrenchment of Sega and Nintendo, and became the dominant platform. The Nintendo 64 has been a success, but so far, has not lived up to its potential. Bandai's MacOS based Pippin died without any real sales effort. The biggest disappointment for me was that Nintendo never brought out a CD expansion in North America. Meanwhile, Sega, still using Hitachi processors on its current Dreamcast, turned to Microsoft, and yet again made a system with no forward or backward compatibility with either the 32X or the Saturn. But though the Dreamcast has apparently achieved a reasonable level of success, it does not appear to be enough to lift Sega back into contention with Nintendo and Sony.

So today we are looking ahead to the newly introduced Playstation 2, and the coming of Microsoft's XBox and Nintendo's Gamecube. From a customer's point of view, I think that part of Sega's failure can be attributed to how rapidly they abandoned older platforms. Ironically, Sega's most successful Genesis platform respected the older Sega MasterSystem with an adapter for the older cartridges, and the Sega GameGear, which was quite successful, could also play Sega MasterSystem games with an adapter. Sega should have known better. Now Sega seems to be in the position of being abandoned by Microsoft. Not only is Microsoft's XBox completely incompatible with Sega's Dreamcast, but Microsoft seems to be abandoning the Hitachi processor in WindowsCE handheld computers.

Meanwhile, the Playstation 2 has compatibility with older Playstation games, and DVD movies. All signs point to it being a hit. Moreover, the "PS1" reincarnation of the original Playstation seems designed to be cheaper to produce, meaning that it should survive competitive price drops by Nintendo, and has the potential of become a portable system with an LCD screen expected in the coming year.

Nintendo's Gamecube though, is a strange move, typical of Nintendo. Like Sega, Nintendo appears to be on a road abandoning their old userbase. Though Sega has been worse in their 32-bit history, the MIPS based N64 abandoned the 65816 processor based SuperNES and will be abandoned by the PowerPC based Gamecube. The only consistency will be Nintendo's smooth upgrade path from the Game Boy through the Game Boy Color to the new Game Boy Advance, which will play older Game Boy and Game Boy Color games. Moreover, the Gamecube won't even play DVD movies, making it even harder to justify on an end user's crowded shelf.

As for Microsoft, they failed with MSX and MSX2. But now they own a lot of game rights, and have a real toe hold in the videogame world from sales of its Dreamcast development kit. But the short description of the XBox (being Intel based), and the coming of Embedded NT, one wonders about the future of Windows CE? And how does all this relate to ".NET"? I don't think Microsoft has a single unified direction in all this. From Microsoft's point of view, it looks like they're in the stage of running in every "likely" direction at once, and waiting to see which way the market turns. From the company's point of view, this is a smart move, ensuring that they will be in a strong position no matter what happens. But from a customer's point of view, it means that one has to beware. The fact that a Microsoft label is on anything is not going to ensure it's success or future support.

So what does this relate to mobile information devices? The closest relation is in handheld game devices, which I haven't covered above. Otherwise, the two industries are sort of like unrelated people in the same water bed. We don't really have that much to do with each other, but we pull at the same blankets and are affected by big moves. There's no doubt that the Sega Genesis use of Motorola 68K processors kept the processor profitable even after the Macs went to PowerPC, which helped fund the development of the Dragonball processor which Palm used. Also, the MIPS world has made a lot of money from Nintendo 64 and Sony Playstation, which has been used to continue to advance development of MIPS RISC devices, which are used in many handheld computers. Even 3DO sales probably helped ARM for a while, before they became popular in the StrongARM versions. But the relationship isn't one with strong cause/effect connections. It's worth a glance every now and then, but not something to spend hours on, unless you just happen to like them.
[2000/11/03]

A Few More Thoughts

I'm not a heavy videogame player. Mainly, that's a simple result of not having time for games. But even if I had more time, I just don't find them that much fun. Part of this is because we've reached the point where improvements in game play really aren't coming very fast. One of the last games I played a lot was "Virtua Racer" on Sega 32X, and I really enjoyed it. Recently, I tried NASCAR 1999 on the Nintendo 64, and though the graphics are better, I found the controls poorly scaled, making the cars too touchy for my driving. Despite the fact that so many racing simulation games were written before NASCAR 1999, and despite Electronic Arts reputation, and NASCAR's, and the technical superiority of the technology, in my opinion, it's not as particularly good a game.

Similarly, there are a lot of games that seem to be rooted in Doom, which itself can be traced back to games on 8-bit computer. In general, I don't like these games because of the graphic killing scenes -- I don't find them fun. Puzzle games, also rooted in 8-bit computer and videogames, were ok, but I've found I'm tired of the genre, and fancy 3D graphics don't help. Ironically, the most innovative idea I've heard lately is the "dancing" games genre ("Bust A Groove"), which I would have expected to be rooted in Nintendo 64. It surprised me to find that the N64 is the only major platform in North America without such a game.

Perhaps there *is* a parallel between this truth about videogames and the handheld computer industry. For all their technology, WindowsCE devices and Psion have fallen in sales, far behind technically inferior Palm devices -- for now. That really doesn't give much to learn. There is only a vague notion that some people just seem to have a better idea of what makes a good product.
[2000/11/12]

In The News Nov. 4 - 7, 2000

YOUcentric Uses Pumatech's Browse-it(TM)

Nov. 8, 2000, Business Wire reports that YOUcentric, Inc. and Pumatech, Inc. have announced that YOUcentric will incorporate Pumatech's Browse-it(TM) software in its "YOUrelate(TM) Web-based eBusiness Relationship Management solution."

YOUcentric, Inc. http://www.youcentric.com/
[2000/11/08]

TI And Microsoft Announces GSM/GPRS Chipset

Nov. 8, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Texas Instruments Incorporated and Microsoft have announced a "2.5G" GSM/GPRS chipset developed to work with Microsoft's "Stinger" smart phone platform and compatible with TI's Open Multimedia Applications Platform(TM) (OMAP(TM)). Samples are immediately available with volume production projected for the 2nd half of 2001. [Price and product name were not provided.]
[2000/11/08]

McAfee Announces Virus Protection For 3 Handheld Systems

Nov. 7, 2000, PR Newswire reports that McAfee Retail Software has announced "VirusScan Wireless" software which protects PalmOS, Microsoft PocketPC and WindowsCe and Symbian EPOC. The software is immediately available at $29.00 US.

McAfee Retail Software http://www.mcafee-at-home.com/
[2000/11/08]

Clearnet Tests Lucent Location Specific Information System

Nov. 7, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Lucent Technologies has announced that Clearnet Communications Inc. is testing Lucent's Mobile Internet Gateway system which supports location specific wireless Internet services.
[2000/11/08]

TouchStar Announces WindowsCE Based TouchPC Voyager(TM)

Nov. 6, 2000, PR Newswire reports that TouchStar Technologies, a unit of William's has announced its TouchPC Voyager(TM) handheld computer. The new device is a ruggedized product based on WindowsCE 3.0 and a 206MHz Intel SA1110 StrongARM processor. The device will be available for development in January 2001 with production quantities projected for Q1 2001. [Prices were not announced.]

TouchStar Technologies http://www.touchpc.com/
[2000/11/08]

In The News Oct. 31 - Nov. 4, 2000

IBM Cancels Crusoe ThinkPad

Nov. 2, 2000, Reuters reports that IBM Corp. has cancelled plans to use the Transmeta Corp. "Crusoe" chip in a ThinkPad to come out later this year. IBM might use the Crusoe in another device in the future.
[2000/11/05]

Motorola Announces Voice Developer Gateway

Nov. 2, 2000, Business Wire reports that Motorola has announced the availability of its Vocie Developer Gateway. which is an element of the Mobile Internet eXchange (MIX(TM)) platform family of products. It includes a VoiceXML 1.0 compliant Motorola Voice Browser, Automatic Speech Recognition and Text-To-Speech in one box.
[2000/11/05]

Motorola Loses Five In Taiwan Plane Crash

Nov. 2, 2000, Reuters reports that Motorola Inc. has said that five of its employees died in a place crash of a Singapore Airlines Ltd. jet in Taiwan on Tuesday.
[2000/11/05]

Sony Announces Voice Recorder To Print Bundle

Nov. 2, 2000, Business Wire reports that Sony Electronics has announced bundles the combine digital voice recorders (model "ICD-MS1VTP Memory Stick(R) Digital Voice Recorder" and model "ICD-R100VTP Digital Voice Recorder" with Lernout and Hauspie's Dragon NaturallySpeaking(R) version 5 software to translate voice dictation to text.
[2000/11/05]

IS/Complete Announces PalmOS Printing Utility

Nov. 2, 2000, PR Newswire reports that IS/Complete has announced its IrPrint engine which allows direct printing from a PalmOS devices from the Palm's main applications through infrared or through a cable. A number of HP, Canon, Seiko, Pentax and Citizen printers are supported.

IS/Complete, Inc. http://www.iscomplete.com/
[2000/11/05]

Dell Announces Inpiron(TM) 8000 Laptop Computer

Nov. 1, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that Dell Computer Corporation has announced its Inspiron(TM) 8000 portable computer which it claims has "desktop-like performance and outstanding multimedia capabilities. Prices start at $2,799 Cdn.
[2000/11/05]

Arthur Andersen Finds Consumers Indifferent Re. Mobile Commerce

Nov. 1, 2000, Reuters reports that according to a survey of 424 online users released by Arthur Andersen, 43% of respondents were neutral about mobile commerce, 13% were somewhat negative and 1% were very negative. According to Arthur Andersen, consumers were wary of making online purchases wirelessly due to security and reliability concerns.
[2000/11/05]

In The News Oct. 28 - Oct. 31, 2000

DoWap.ws WAP Site Host

Nov. 1, 2000, Business Wire reports that DoWap.ws LLC has announced that it has opened a website at "DoWap.ws" for developing and hosting 3rd party WAP sites based on its publishing tool "Wireless Willy". Price plans are $49.99 US for the year (in advance) or $19.99 (US) down and $4.99 per month. Edits and pages are not limited.
[2000/11/01]

Interactive Objects Introduces Dadio(TM) 2.0

Nov. 1, 2000, Business Wire reports that Interactive Objects, Inc., has introduced its Dadio(TM) 2.0 digital audio operating system intended for use in digital audio players from entry level to high end. Dadio 2.0 offers support for 16 to 320 kilobit playback of Microsoft Windows Media Player 7, FM transmission and Ogg Vorbis audio compression, which is a completely open, patent-free, audio encoding and streaming technology.

Interactive Objects, Inc. http://www.iobjects.com/
[2000/11/01]

iVoice.com To Release New Speech Products For Windows

Nov. 1, 2000, Business Wire reports that iVoice.com has announced that it will release its voice applications products for the Microsoft Speech API 5.0 (SAPI 5.0) for the Windows operating system.

iVoice.com speech software http://www.ivoice.com/
[2000/11/01]

Zi Patent Action Against Tegic To Continue

Nov. 1, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that Zi Corporation has won its appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals which overrules the summary judgement originally granted to Tegic Communications, Inc., thus allowing Zi Corporations original action against Tegic to continue.
[2000/11/01]

Simple Technology Announces 512MB CompactFlash Card

Oct. 30, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Simple Technology, Inc. has announced the availability of a 512MB Type II Compact Flash card Write speeds are up to 3.0MB per second and costs $1,599 US.

Simple Technology, Inc. http://www.simpletech.com/
[2000/11/01]

ATI Ships Mobility M4(TM) Chipset

Oct. 30, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that ATI Technologies Inc. claims that its Mobility M4(TM) is the industry's first shipping AGP 4X graphics chipset for mobile computers.
[2000/11/01]

In The News Oct. 24 - 28, 2000

Hackers Break Into Microsoft Network

Oct. 28, 2000, Reuters reports that hackers have broken into Microsoft's computers and had access to some source code for future Microsoft product under development. Microsoft has called upon the FBI to investigate.
[2000/10/29]

IS/Complete Claims Enterprise Security For PalmOS

Oct. 27, 2000, Business Wire reports that IS/Complete, Inc. has announced that its "Restrictor Enterprise v1.0" software secures a Palm devices and requires a password, even after a reset. It works with PalmOS 3.1 or later.

[Price and availability are not stated.]

IS/Complete, Inc. http://www.iscomplete.com/
[2000/10/29]

Compaq Recalls Some Laptop Batteries

Oct. 27, 2000, Reuters reports that Compaq Computer Corp. is recalling about 55,000 batteries for Armada E500 and Armada V300 computers. There is a possibility that some of these batteries might catch fire. The Compaq batteries are built by Sony and the problem does not seem to be related to batteries recalled by Dell, earlier, which are made by Sanyo.

The recalled batteries have the following date codes and serial numbers:

--TCGK 00001- 10500
--TCGK 20001- 21800
--TCGK 40001- 83100
--TCHK 40001- 44700

[2000/10/29]

Clearnet Announces 2000 Q3 Results

Oct. 27, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Clearnet has announced its 2000 third quarter financial results. The following is extracted from the unaudited report:

                        3 Months         9 Months
                     Ended Sept. 30   Ended Sept. 30
                        2000    1999    2000     1999
Total Digital
 (Mike & PCS)
 - net subscriber
   additions          58,665  56,205 171,809  156,235
 - total subscribers
   end of period     731,140 464,708 731,140  464,708
 - Average Revenue
   Per Unit
   (per month)        $56.44  $55.73  $55.80   $55.10
 - Churn, per month
   (after 30 day
   guarantee)           2.47%   1.81%   2.44%    1.64%
 - Churn, per month
   (including 30 day
   guarantee)           2.59%   1.99%   2.57%    1.80%
 - Marketing cost of
   acquisition (COA)    $576    $549    $567     $576
 - Minutes of use,
   per subscriber        327     305     327      289

Analogue:
 - Net subscriber
   additions          (2,531) (4,375) (6,716) (11,908)
 - total subscribers
   end of period      18,534  28,624  18,534   28,624
 - ARPU               $20.34  $21.85  $20.95   $21.40

Mike Population Coverage:
Sept. 30, 2000 21,200,000
Sept. 30, 1999 17,200,000

PCS Population Coverage:
Sept. 30, 2000 17,300,000
Sept. 30, 1999 14,700,000

[2000/10/29]

IBM Home Page Reader 3.0 Brings eBusiness To Blind

Oct. 26, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that IBM has announced that it's Home Page Reader 3.0 is a low cost talking Web browser with Javascript support will allow visually impaired people to participate in e-business. The software is intended for Windows 98, Millennium and Windows 2000. The suggested retail price is $149 US and the US English version will be available on Dec. 15, 2000.

IBM (for impaired) http://www.ibm.com/able/
[2000/10/29]

Dell Announces Inspiron 8000 Laptop Computer

Oct. 26, 2000, Business Wire reports that Dell(TM) has announced its Inspiron(TM) 8000 portable computer which can be outfitted with dual optical drives. Prices start at $1,899 US.
[2000/10/29]

In The News Oct. 21 - 24, 2000

Palm, Inc. and SRI Announce Grant Program

Oct. 25, 2000, Business Wire reports that Palm, Inc. and SRI International have announced the "Palm Education Pioneers" (PEP) program which will award grants of Palm(TM) handheld computers to over 100 US teachers of kindergarten to grade 12 students and their students. Palm's Mike Lorion noted that this should help to "provide equitable access to technology-based learning tools" because Palm handheld computers are "affordable, mobile and versatile."

SRI International Palm Educational Pioneers Grants http://www.palmgrants.sri.com/
[2000/10/25]

First EPOC Based Smartphone Has Jot

Oct. 25, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Communication Intelligence Corporation (CIC) has announced that the Ericsson R380 which it claims is the first EPOC based Smartphone, and is now shipping, uses CIC's Jot recognition software. CIC also announced that other CIC software ported to EPOC includes WordComplete(TM), QuickNotes(TM), and Sign-On(TM).

Communication Intelligence Corporation (CIC) http://www.cic.com/
[2000/10/25]

Thomson Consumer Electronics Canada Announces 2000-2001 Products

Oct. 24, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that Thomson Consumer Electronics Canada has announced its 2000 - 2001 product lineup which includes:

RCA-Brand eBooks

RCA REB1100, 5.5" (diagonal) monochrome LCD touch-screen, 8MB memory, 40 hour rechargeable battery, a bit over 1 lb., $629.99 Cdn.

RCA REB1200, 8.5" (diagonal) colour LCD touch-screen, 8MB memory, a bit over 2 lbs., $1,199.99 Cdn.

RCA RD2206 LYRA MP3 player, 64MB CompactFlash, & CompactFlash reader, plays WMA and G2 files, $369.99 Cdn,

RCA RD2211 "LYRA2" $429.99 Cdn.

RCA K@ZOO! Miniature MP3 Player RD1000, $229.99 Cdn.

RCA RP5007 digital voice recorder, 4MB Smart Media Card for over 1.5 hr. recording time, $69.99 Cdn.
[2000/10/25]

AMD And LSI Logic To Develop CDMA System- In- A- Package

Oct. 23, 2000, PR Newswire reports that LSI Logic Corporation and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. have announced that they have agreed to develop optimal interfaces between LSI's baseband processors and AMD's flash memory devices for CDMA applications and collaborate on developing multi-chip package (MCP) devices which will combine such products as "system- in- a- package" products.
[2000/10/25]

In The News Oct. 17 - 21, 2000

Inprise Supports Handheld Java

Oct. 20, 2000, Antone Gonsalves writes for TechWeb News that Inprise Corp. is supporting handheld computers with its "Handheld Express" extension to Borland JBuilder4 Java IDE. The new software is intended for developing Java applications for PalmOS.
[2000/10/22]

Very Fast Infrared

Oct. 20, 2000, Business Wire reports that Infineon Technologies has announced Very Fast Infrared (VFIR) technology capable of 16 Mbps. The system is compliant with the Infrared Data Association's 1.3 standard. The transceiver has a standby current of 3.0 mA and a shutdown current of under 50nA. Development kits will be available in Q1 2001.

Infineon Technologies AG, Infrared http://www.infineon.com/irdt/
[2000/10/22]

In The News Oct. 14 - 17, 2000

Limited Release Of Wireless Pen-On-Paper System

Oct. 18, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Mi-Co has announced a limited release of its "Mi-NotePad" which digitally captures and stores handwriting and sketches, and "Mi-Messages" service which transmits this data wirelessly.

Mi Corporation http://www.mi-corporation.com/
[2000/10/18]

Microcell Q3 Shows Customer Growth Over 65,000

Oct. 17, 2000, Business Wire reports that Microcell Telecommunications Inc. has announced that according to its unaudited records, it has increased its customer base by 65,134 in Q3 2000.

                             Q3      Q3
                           2000    1999

Gross Activiations      118,379
 (36% higher than 1999)
Customer growth          65,134  54,815

Total retail PCS
 customer base
 Sept. 30               787,873 459,392

[2000/10/18]

NEC To Use Crusoe

Oct. 17, 2000, Associated Press reports that according to Transmeta Corp., NEC Corp. will use Transmeta's Crusoe chip in an upcoming "LaVie MX" laptop computer. [No prices or availability dates were given.]

NEC Corp. http://www.nec-global.com/

Transmeta Corp. http://www.transmeta.com/
[2000/10/18]

Kingston Announces 2GB PC Card

Oct. 16, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Kingston(R) Technology Co. Inc. has announced a 2GB PC Card HD storage peripheral the "Datapak(TM) 2GB." Based on a 1.8" HD, this Type II PC Card has a "native storage capacity (uncompressed)" of 2GB. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price is $599 US. [Availability is not clear in the announcement.]
[2000/10/18]

Palm IIIc Price Reduction

Oct. 16, 2000, Palm Canada announced that it has reduced the list price of the Palm IIIc to $499 (CDN) - effective immediately, and also begun 2 limited promotions: The first promotion for purchasers of Palm IIIc from Oct. 16, 2000 to Jan. 8, 2001, submitting a mail-in form with the UPC from the box gets a "Palm ColourPak" which includes "3 colour styli, a CD with colour software applications, and a Palm IIc luggage tag." The second promotion, for purchasers of Palm IIIc and a Kodak PalmPix from Oct. 16, 2000 to Jan. 8, 2001, a $40 rebate cheque from Kodak. For more information call (800) 814-9824.
[2000/10/18]

TRG / Palm Drop Crash

Having run my Palm IIIx with TRG Xtra Xtra Pro board for a few months, on 2000/10/17 at about 20:00, it fell out of my pocket as I was sitting in my chair. This has happened a few times before, and I've simply dusted it off and it worked without problems. This time, it didn't. There was no apparent response from any of the buttons. The reset also didn't seem to do anything, and, after making the usual checks, I thought it was dead. The next morning, I removed the TRG board preparing to send it in for repair, and decided to try it one last time. I re-installed the batteries and the IIIx worked. I didn't think it was likely that the TRG board itself had died, so I decided to reinstall the board again. It started to work but crashed again. After re-installing it a couple more times, it began working properly. I put everything back together, and as I write this at the end of the day, it looks like that's the end of the current problem.

This experience raises some interesting issues. The most salient is that I'm now so reliant on the Palm IIIx that I think I had better buy a second unit before this one dies again.
[2000/10/18]

In The News Oct. 10 - 14, 2000

Dell Recalls Batteries

Oct. 13, 2000, Reuters reports that Dell Computer Corp. has recalled about 27,000 batteries sold with certain laptop computers because the batteries can short circuit and catch fire, even when not in use. The batteries, made by Sanyo, were used in Latitude CPiA, CPiR, CPtC, CPtS, CPtV, CPxH and CPxJ, and Inspiron 3700 and 3800.
[2000/10/15]

Suspended Particle Devices For Flat Panel Screens?

Oct. 13, 2000, Business Wire reports that Research Frontiers will be beginning a tour to demonstrate applications for its "Suspended Particle Device" light controlling technology. Canadian dates includes Oct. 24, 2000 in Toronto and Oct. 25, 2000 in Montreal.

Research Frontier http://www.refr-spd.com/
[2000/10/15]

In The News Oct. 7 - 10, 2000

ARM Announces SIMD Multimedia Extensions

Oct. 11, 2000, Business Wire reports that ARM has announced that it has added Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) extensions to the ARM(R) architecture. The new instructions are optimized for video and audio coders and ARM claims performance increases by a factor of four.
[2000/10/11]

HandyPalm Inc. Supports PalmOS And Windows CE

Oct. 11, 2000, PR Newswire reports that HandyPalm(TM) Inc. has software for diet, fitness, travel, entertainment, sports and recreation, household and family affairs, digital photography, and personal and business news for PalmOS and Windows CE.

HandyPalm(TM) Inc. http://www.handypalm.com/
[2000/10/11]

Bluetooth(TM) Develpers Conference

Oct. 10, 2000, PR Newswire reports that the Bluetooth(TM) Special Interest Group has announced "The Bluetooth Developers Conference: The Creation of a World Without Wires" will take place Dec. 5 - 7, 2000 at the San Jose Convetion Center.
[2000/10/11]

Dell(TM) Latitude(TM) LS Notebook Gets 500MHz PIII

Oct. 10, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that Dell Computer Corporation has announced that its Dell Latitude LS line of laptop computers can now be ordered with the Intel Mobile Pentium III 500MHz processor. With this processor option, prices start at $3,299 Cdn.
[2000/10/11]

Dataquest Forcasts Strong Semiconductor market

Oct. 9, 2000, Associated Press reports that according to Dataquest, worldwide semiconductor sales will see "double digit growth in the next three years." Revenues for 2000 are expected to jump to $231.6 billon US (37% over 1999), with slower growth in 2001 - 2002 and "moving into a slight downturn in 2003."

A report from European research firm GfK Group predicts that recent claims of a downturn in computer sales in Europe by Intel and Dell are more likely due to a change in market to use of AMD processors, which Dell does not use.
[2000/10/11]

In The News Oct. 3 - 7, 2000

Clearnet Announces Sanyo SCP-4500 Wireless Phone

Oct. 6, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Clearnet Communications Inc. has introduced the Sanyo SCP-4500 wireless phone featuring hands-free operation with speakerphone, voice-activated dialing and personal memo recorder functions, as well as "wireless Web" based on a built-in microbrowser and 5 line display. The suggested retail price is $179.99 (less a $30 rebate for new client activations until Dec. 31, 2000).
[2000/10/08]

Dell Announces Inspron(TM) 4000

Oct. 6, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that Dell Computer Corporation has announced the Inspiron 4000 portable computer with a choice of five removable QuickSnap(TM) colour accent designs. Prices start at $2,699 Cdn.
[Availability is not clearly stated.]

Dell Inspiron href="http://www.dell.ca/Inspiron/
[2000/10/08]

2001 CES To Feature Wireless Technologies

Oct. 5, 2000, PR Newswire reports that the 2001 International CES Jan. 6 - 9, 2001, in Las Vegas, will "showcase innovative wireless systems and products. . . ."

Consumer Electronics Show (CES) http://www.CESweb.org/
[2000/10/08]

In The News Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2000

Sony Announces 2-In-1 Phone

Oct. 4, 2000, Business Wire reports that Sony Electronics has announced its SPP-S9226 and SPP-A9276 2-in-1 cordless/corded phones. The new products combine a cordless phone with a corded phone attached to the base station. Calls can be answered or placed from either handset. The phones both include LCD displays which Sony claims are the largest in the industry and "High Powered Digital Spread Spectrum" circuitry that puts out up to 100 times more power than othe 900 MHz systems. The SPP-S9226 is expected to sell for under $150 US and the SPP-A9276 which includes a digital answering machine function is expected to sell for less than $200 US. Both are expected to be available in October.
[2000/10/04]

Mobility Electronics Announces EasiDock 5000

Oct. 4, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Mobility Electronics, Inc. has announced that it is now shipping its new EasiDock(R) 5000 to customers. This latest version of its expansion unit which attaches to "PC Card" slot supporting mobile computers uses a Patented "Split Bridge(TM)" technology which the company claims is 100 times faster than USB. The EasiDock 5000 starts at $599 US.

Mobility Electronics, Inc. http://www.mobilityelectronics.com/
[2000/10/04]

TouchStar To Distribute Casio Industrial PocketPC's

Oct. 4, 2000, PR Newswire reports that TouchStar Technologies has announced that it has agreed with Casio, Inc. to distribute Casio's industrial Pocket PC products. TouchStar also has its own line of handheld computers.

TouchStar Technologies http://www.touchpc.com/
[2000/10/04]

Simple Technology Introduces Flash Disk Module(TM) Products

Oct. 4, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Simple Technology has announced that it is entering the "embedded mass data storage market" with its "Solid-State Flash Disk Module(TM)" product which are built to 40 pin connector (2.5" IDE HD), 44 pin connector (3.5" IDE HD) and 144 pin SoDIMM specifications.
[2000/10/04]

VTech Combines PDA With Camera For Pre-Teens

Oct. 3, 2000, PR Newswire reports that VTech has announced its new Phusion(TM) personal digital assistant incorporates a digital camera capable of taking 25 exposures and transferring the photos to a personal computer. The device is targetted at children 9 years and older. The Phusion is immediately available at $119.99 US. A customized version of the Phusion will be available from "American Girl" at $139.99 US.

VTech http://www.vtechkids.com/

American Girl http://www.americangirl.com/
[2000/10/04]

Dell To Sell Handspring Visor

Oct. 3, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Gateway has announced that it will sell Handspring's Visor handheld computers in special value packages.
[2000/10/04]

LG.Philips Makes Commercial 15" TFT Screens

Oct. 2, 2000, PR Newswire reports that LG.Philips LCD Co., Ltd. has revealed that it has already begun mass production of 15" UXGA TFT LCD display screen. The new product has 1600 * 1200 pixels.

LG.Philips LCD Co., Ltd. http://www.lgphilips-lcd.com/
[2000/10/04]

Magellan Announces GPS Companion Package For Palm V

Oct. 2, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Magellan Corporation has announced its GPS Companion(TM) for the Palm V, Vx and IBM Workpad series handheld computers. The boxed set which includes software is priced at $169 US.

[The article does not say when the product will be available. This appears to be the same hardware as the Rand-McNally GPS kit for the Palm V devices.]
[2000/10/04]

In The News Sept. 26 - 30, 2000

Portable Internet City Guides On PalmOS Sees Canada

Sept. 27, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Portable Internet, Inc. has announced the availability of its "integrated city guide for PalmO/S handheld computers." Included in the supported devices are the M100 (with only 2MB memory) and Palm IIIC with its colour display. Supported has also increased by 9 new cities, including 2 in Canada.

[Checking the company's Website, the 2 Canadian cities are Vancouver and Toronto. Oddly, according to the Website, the coverage of Toronto only extends as far as the "Don Valley Parkway," which misses all of the Scarborough suburb, which is now part of the City of Toronto.]

Portable Internet, Inc. http://www.portableinternet.com/
[2000/10/01]

In The News Sept. 23 - 26, 2000

Sharp Unites ARM7TDMI With 64k Colours And Dual Buss

Sept. 27, 2000, Business Wire reports that Sharp Microelectronics of America has announced its LH79531 low power system-on-a-chip based on a 60MHz ARM7TDMI core. The device includes an LCD controller which supports up to 1024 * 768 * 64,000 colours, controlling STN, CSTN or TFT displays. Performance is enhanced by the use of a dual buss design which separates the display/SDRAM buss (32 or 16 bit wide) from the static memory buss (16 or 8 bit wide). Samples will be available Jan. 2001 with production scheduled for Q2 2001. The price is projected to be $14 each in quantities of 10,000 units.
[2000/09/27]

Comverge Allows Wireless Power Metering With Palm

Sept. 27, 2000, Business Wire reports that Comverge Technologies, Inc. has announced that its Comverge Distributed Connection (CDC) allows electric metering for buildings via wireless connection via a Palm V, as well as internet connection.
[2000/09/27]

Toshiba Announces 7.7" Low-temperature Polysilcon LCD

Sept. 27, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Toshiba Corporation has announced its LTM07C388 device which is a commercial 7.7" "low-temperature polysilicon thin-film transistor" LCD display for mid-size electronic books. Samples will be available in October with mass production expected "at the beginning of 2001." Resolution will be 150 pixels per inch (960 * 640 resolution) with up to 262,144 colours. Power consumption is "1.9W at 70cd/m2", contrast ratio is 250:1. The current sample price is 100,000 yen.
[2000/09/27]

FPD Technologies Announces Fluorescent LCD Display

Sept. 26, 2000, PR Newswire reports that FP Technologies, LLC has announced a working prototype of a new type of LCD display which uses flourescent material to change light energy from undesired colours to desired colours, instead of filtering it. This preserves the energy for a brighter display with less power use.
[2000/09/27]

Non-Commercial QNX Free

Sept. 26, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that QNX Software Systems has announced that the QNX realtime OS platform is now available for free downloading for non-commercial use at:

Free QNX System Download http://get.qnx.com/
[2000/09/27]

SAP Choses iPaq

Sept. 26, 2000, Business Wire reports that SAP has announced a strategic alliance with Compaq Computer Corp. to extend business applications to mobile workers. SAP will deploy wireless-enabled iPaq(TM) PocketPC's using SAP Mobile Workplace internally to its senior management, sales staff and consultants.
[2000/09/27]

Dell Refreshes Latitude Laptop Computers

Sept. 26, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that Dell has announced a number of new laptop computers which include features such as "built-in wireless capability." The C600 is immediately available and the C800 series will follow within 60 days.
[2000/09/2000]

Nazomi Claims 10X Java Acceleration

Sept. 26, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Nazomi Communications, Inc. has announced that its JSTAR coprocessor will bring up to 10X Java acceleration to ARM 7 and ARM 9 SOC designs.

Nazomi Communications, Inc. JSTAR Java Accelerator Coprocessor
[2000/09/27]

Gateway Refreshes Laptop Computer Lines

Sept. 25, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Gateway has announce that it has updated its Solo laptop computers with 9300 and 5300 models featuring new Intel Pentium III processors.
[2000/09/27]

Microsoft Releases Add-On Pack For Windows CE 3.0

Sept. 25, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Microsoft has announced that it has released Microsoft(R) Windows(R) CE 3.0 Add-On Pack" which is essentially an expansion of the SDK. The main components are an XML Parser, Internet Connection Sharing (ICS), Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP), Crypto API 2.0 and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) 5.0.

[2000/09/27]

Rise Technology Company Demonstrates Linux On iDragon x86 SOC

Sept. 25, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Rise Technology Company has demonstrated its iDragon System-On-Chip SCX501 at the Embedded Systems Conference, running a "tiny Linux kernel" with a Win32-like graphical user interface. The x86 based design is intended for set-top-box applications.

Rise Technology Company http://www.rise.com/
[2000/09/27]

Last Call For HP Palm-Size PC and PocketPC Refunds

For anyone who has purchased an HP Jornada 4xx Series or Jornada 54x series "Palm-Size PC" or "PocketPC" devices, and wishes a refund, the previously announced refund offer ends on Sept. 30, 2000 (in a few days). So consider it carefully right now, or don't complain later. The offer is a complete refund of the purchase price, requiring proof of purchase price (your bill of sale). Contrary to some rumours, this does NOT cover the Jornada 6xx series devices (the type with the folding lid and keyboards), nor does it cover the 8xx series.
[2000/09/27]

In The News Sept. 19 - 23, 2000

PalmOS Phage Virus

Sept. 22, 2000, Business Wire reports that Trend Micro Inc. has announced the immediate availability of protection from the "Palm OS Phage virus" which is a "proof of concept virus" which overwrites applications in the Palm device. According to Trend Micro, this is a low risk virus that has not been distributed.

[There seems to be conflict in reports of danger of this virus. According to the Trend Micro announcement programs can be damaged and restoring from backups will be necessary. In a separate article from Associated Press, Sept. 23, 2000, "The PDA can be repaired simply by shutting it off and turning it on again, and the virus is easily wiped out by deleting any file called Phage.prc." This is a significant discrepancy.]
[2000/09/24]

RealVision Announces GSM Attachment For Palm V

Sept. 22, 2000, Business Wire reports that Palm, Inc. and RealVision have announced that RealVision will provide a dual-band GSM phone "sled" attachment for the Palm V and Vx in Europe and Asia. Available in early 2001, it will sell for less than $299 US when purchased with 1-year wireless service plans.
[2000/09/24]

Ultralife Announces Standard Size Polymer Batteries

Sept. 22, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Ultralife Batteries, Inc. has announced that its standard sizes for rechargeable Ultralife Polymer(TM) cells will include UBC443483 which is 4.4mm thick and weighs 21.6 grams and a rated capacity of 725mAh., and model UBC543483 which is 5.4mm thick, 26 grams andis rated at 930 mAh. Both cells are 83mm * 34mm, and are available to qualified OEMs.

Ultralife Batteries, Inc. Polymer Cells http://www.ultralifebatteries.com/polymer.html
[2000/09/24]

Clearnet Announces Flat-Rate Wireless Internet

Sept. 21, 2000, PR Newswire report that Clearnet Communications Inc. has announced flat-rate Wireless Internet services for Clearnet PCS and Mike users. Starting Sept. 25, 2000, users with "dot com ready phones" will be able to sign up for "Surf" ($10/month) and "Surf-a-Lot" ($15/month) services. Both are "unlimited use." The difference is the array of sites that are accessible. The "Surf" service offers "online banking and investing, news and weather reports, shopping services, telephone directories and games." The "Surf-a-Lot" adds Bloomberg, canada.com and CANOE.

[According to this announcement, users of Clearnet's prepaid service "Pay & Talk" which began last month, have had prepaid wireless Internet service.]
[2000/09/24]

Motorola Timeport P8767 To Use OEL Colour Display

Sept. 21, 2000, Business Wire reports that Tohoku Pioneer Corporation and Motorola, Inc. have announced that Motorola's Timeport P8767 is the first mobile phone to use a colour Organic Electroluminescence (OEL) display developed by Tohoku Pioneer. The Timeport P8767 is shipping now in the US through national carriers. According to the announcement, OEL screens use less power than backlighted LCD screens (with the backlight on), and are not affected by cold temperatures.
[2000/09/24]

Live365 Announces Streaming MP3 Player For Windows(TM) CE

Sept. 21, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Live365 has announced a streaming MP3 Player for Windows CE devices.

Live365 http://www.live365.com/
[2000/09/24]

Handspring Announces New Models And VisorPhone

Sept. 19, 2000, Richard Shim writes for ZDnet News that Handspring's Visor Prism will have a 30MHz Dragonball processor and 8MB RAM, it will come with a lithium ion rechargeable battery and its display will support 65,536 colours. It will be a bit thicker than current Visors and will come with PalmOS 3.5 The device will be marketed as a game device and will be sold with at least 1 game priced at $449 US.

The Visor Platinum will be similar, but will come with a monochrome screen and use replaceable AAA batteries, and will be priced at $299 US.

Both products will be available on Oct. 19, 2000 and will support the VisorPhone cartridge which will not be available till November 2000.
[2000/09/22]

Sept. 20, 2000, Handspring Inc. has announced that this Fall it will release the Visor Prism which features a colour screen and the VisorPhone Springboard which will cost $499 US at full price (though most sales will be around $299 US which bought with US rate plans). The VisorPhone will convert the Prism into a GSM phone.
[2000/09/20]

In The News Sept. 16 - 19, 2000

Media Metrix Claims 7.4 Million Non-PC Internet Devices In US

Sept. 20, 2000, Business Wire reports that according to Media Metrix, in July 2000 there were 7.4 million US households who owned non-PC digital devices capable of receiving data from the Internet and other digital networks such as short messaging systems (SMS), representing a 12 percent growth over April 2000 (48% annualized). Of these, 1.4 million or about 20% of those households don't own PC's, and the growth rate of non-PC-owner households was double that of the PC-owner households.
[2000/09/20]

Intel Announces Wireless Client Architecture

Sept. 20, 2000, Business Wire reports that Intel Corporation has introduced "Intel(R) Personal Internet Client Architecture" (Intel(R) PCA) for building new wireless clients for next-generation Internet-ready cell phones and handheld devices based on Intel's StrongARM based "Intel(R) XScale(TM)" microarchitecture.
[2000/09/20]

Motorola Gets Bluetooth Certification

Sept. 20, 2000, Business Wire reports that Motorola has received certification for its PCMCIA card and USB accessories, both of which are expected to be available in the 4th quarter of this year.
[2000/09/20]

Magellan Announces 750M Portable Navigation System

Sept. 19, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Magellan Corporation has announced the release of its 750M(TM) portable navigation system which weighs less than 7 lbs. and costs $2,799 US.
[It seems to be immediately available.]

Magellan Corporation http://www.magellangps.com/
[2000/09/20]

Philips Semi Announces 36-bit Per Pixel CCD Technology

Sept. 20, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Philips Semiconductor has announced its 36-bit TrueFrame charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor technology for digital still cameras. The first product, FXA1012 will be used in HP's PhotoSmart 912 digital camera. The FXA1012 costs $50 US in quantities of 10,000/month.
[Checking the HP Website, the C912 features 2.24 Mpixel resolution based on this 2/3" CCD device, and a 3x Pentax optical zoom lens.]

HP PhotoSmart 912 Camera http://www.hp.com/photosmart/products/cameras/c912.html

Philips Semiconductors http://www.philips.semiconductors.com/
[2000/09/20]

Java For Mobile Information Devices

Sept. 19, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that Sun Microsystems, Inc. has announced that the Mobile Information Device (MID) profile is available immediately for downloading from its Website. The profile is based on Java(TM) 2 Platform Micro Edition (J2ME(TM)).

Java Mobile Information Device Profile http://java.sun.com/products/midp/
[2000/09/20]

Gateway Announces Solo 3350

Sept. 19, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Gateway has announced its new Solo 3350 ultra-light portable computer which features a magnesium alloy lid. Prices start at $2,199 US.
[2000/09/20]

Applied Science Fiction Announces Digital Dry Film Process

Sept. 19, 2000, Canadian Corporate News reports that Applied Science Fiction, Inc. has announced its new "Digital Dry Film Process (DFP) technology by which undeveloped 35mm or APS black-and-white or colour photo film is directly digitized using small amounts of a proprietary developing agent in a water-free process.

Applied Science Fiction, Inc. http://www.asf.com/
[2000/09/20]

Baltimore Technologies Provides Wireless Public Key Infrastructure For PalmOS

Sept. 18, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Baltimore Technologies has announced that it has launched a set of security development tools for PalmOS.

Baltimore Technologies http://www.baltimore.com/
[2000/09/20]

In The News Sept. 12 - 16, 2000

MCC Announces Windows CE Port Expander

Sept. 14, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that Mobile Computing Corporation has launched its "m-Xpander" port expander usable with most Windows CE computers. It allows up to 6 peripherals to be used simultaneously by a single Windows CE computer. Available in October, the price was not announced.

Mobile Computing Corporation http://www.mobilecom.com/
[2000/09/17]

What is "Good Interfacing?"

I can't discuss where this issue arose lately, but it is not a new one. I've considered it many times before. In fact, I've said what I have to say before. However, I don't think I've ever covered this in writing before, so this is new. The question is "what is a good user interface design for a pocket computer?"

Since the early days of personal computing, the goal has been to design systems more and more for people "who have never used a computer before." That was supposed to be the great advance of the Macintosh. But is has *always* been a goal. It was also the reason for the BASIC programming language. I would say that it's still important to have interfaces that are easy to learn and efficient to use, and that using non-computer metaphors is still a good goal. But realistically, who is going to buy pocket computers?

"Millions of people who have never used a computer before" is not the market. First, almost nobody in North America gets past Grade 12 without having used a computer. In fact, I have doubts if there are many who get past grade 6 without having used a computer. As for "older people", we're long past the point where the vast majority of people who want to learn to use computers haven't gotten around to it. The ones who haven't probably won't -- ever. Now, look at what's left. Of the people who are high school and older who haven't used computers, why haven't they? Most likely, they haven't because they don't want to. Those are not people who are going to want to buy a pocket computer.

So, while using "non-computer" metaphors can be useful, if the best thing you have is an idea that's rooted in "computer culture," then use it. If you want to use the words like "System" or "Programs" or "Data" then use them.
[2000/09/17]

In The News Sept. 9 - 12, 2000

Apple Introduces New iBook Line

Sept. 13, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Apple has introduced its new iBook(TM) line which features FireWire(R) ports and iMove(TM) 2 software. The iBook Special Edition now includes a DVD-ROM. Other features include:

- 366 or 466 MHz PowerPC G3 processors
- a 400 Mbps FireWire port for high speed peripherals
- CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
- AV port
ATI RAGE Mobility 128 graphics with 8MB SDRAM
The new versions are currently available and prices start at $1,499 US.
[2000/09/13]

Universal Address Book Wireless Accessible

Sept. 13, 2000, PR Newswire reports that WorkArea.com claims that its Universal Address Book provides a central storage of address information that is password protected and accessible from virtually anywhere through standard Web browsers or "wireless web-enabled" mobile phones.

WorkArea.com http://www.workarea.com/
[2000/09/13]

Compaq HLR Incorporated Into Motorola EDGE

Sept. 12, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Compaq Computer Corporation and Motorola, Inc. have jointly announced that Compaq's "Home Location Register" (HLR) will be included in Motorola's "Enhanced Data for Global Evolution" (EDGE) wireless technologies. HLR's primary task is "to ensure that wireless services follow a subscriber when he or she roams outside the home cell."
[2000/09/13]

Nat Semi And Foveon Announce 16.8 M-pixel Image Sensor

Sept. 12, 2000, Business Wire reports that Foveon, Inc. has introduced its 16.8 million-pixel CMOS image sensor device based on technology developed by National Semiconductor. Built using 0.18-micron technology it contains nearly 70 million transistors in an area roughly 2.2 cm square (slightly less than 1 square inch).

Foveon, Inc. http://www.foveon.net/
[2000/09/13]

Computer Associates Integrates Windows CE and Palm, Windows 2000 and Linux

Sept. 12, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Computer Associates International, Inc. has announced the availability of Unicenter TNG Software Delivery Option (SDO) 3.0 which automates the delivery of software and other digital across the extended enterprise, including PalmOS, WindowsCE, Windows 2000 and Linux systems.

Computer Associates International, Inc. http://www.ca.com/
[2000/09/13]

IBM Announces ThinkPad X Series

Sept. 11, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that IBM has announced it new ThinkPad X Series of "ultraportable" laptop computers. Weights as as low as 3.1 pounds. Available from Sept. 12, 2000, prices range from $3,399 Cdn to $4,599 Cdn.
[2000/09/13]

"Half Keyboard" Coming To Palm And Handspring

Sept. 11, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Matias Corporation has announced that its "Half Keyboard" products will be available in November for Palm and Handspring computers at $99 US.

Matias Corporation Half Keyboard http://www.halfkeyboard.com/
[2000/09/13]

Mobile Healthcare Alliance

Sept. 11, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that a number of technology companies including AvantGo, Inc., The California Medical Association, Certicom, ePocrates, MEDePASS, Palm, Inc., PCS Health Systems and Tunitas Group have announced the "Mobile Healthcare Alliance" (MoHCA) "to develop requirements and influence the adoption of standard practices in mobile data management to ensure professional practices and patient trust."

Mobile Healthcare Alliance http://www.mohca.org/
[2000/09/13]

Geoworks Sues Phone.com And Sanyo Over WAP

Sept. 11, 2000, PR Newswire reports that on Sept. 8, 2000, Geoworks Corporation filed a law complaint against Phone.com, Inc., Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. of Japan and Sanyo North America Corporation in the United States International Trade Commission (ITC), to block importation to the US of WAP cellular phones using Phone.com's microbrowser, based on Geoworks' U.S. Patent No. 5,327,529 protecting Geoworks' "Flex UI(TM)" technology.
[2000/09/13]

01 Communique Claims New Unified Communication Technology

Sept. 11, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that 01 Communique Laboratory Inc. claims that its "technology will enable users to access private messages and contact database information stored on their own server, from anywhere in the world. . ." using wireless technology.

01 Communique Laboratory Inc. http://www.01com.com/
[2000/09/13]

In The News Sept. 5 - 9, 2000

Sony Laptops To Use Transmeta Crusoe

Sept. 8, 2000, Associated Press reports that Sony Corp.'s latest models of VAIO laptop computers coming in mid to late October will use the Transmeta Crusoe CPU.
[2000/09/10]

HP Announces Jornada 720

Sept. 7, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Hewlett-Packard Company has unveiled it new HP Jornada 720 Handheld PC.
[See my comments below]
[2000/09/10]

IBM Announces Bluetooth LAN For Laptop

Sept. 7, 2000, Business Wire reports that IBM claims to have the "first Intel-based notebook computers with integrated wireless local area network (LAN) capabilities," and also announces Bluetooth PC Card options for its notebook computers. The ThinkPad i Series 1300 models (21U and 71U) will be available in "early fourth quarter" and the Bluetooth PC Card will be available in October at $189 US.
[2000/09/10]

Motorola Announces Telario Digital Cordless Phone and 2-Way Radio

Sept. 7, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Motorola has announced that its new Telario(TM) system combines digital cordless phone technology (based on TDMA on 1.9 GHz) and two way radio functionality with group and private session capabilities for corporate use.
[No prices or availability dates were provided in the announcement.]

Motorola Telario http://www.motorola.com/telario/
[2000/09/10]

Tescina Introduces Micrometer System For PalmOS

Sept. 7, 2000 PR Newswire reports that Tescina, Inc. has introduced "DataGet port(TM)" which interfaces a Palm Computing devices with micrometer measuring tools.

Tescina, Inc. micrometer interface http://www.dataget.com/
[2000/09/10]

Microsoft Upgrades WinCE For Handhelds

Sept. 6, 2000, Associated Press reports in its article "Microsoft To Try Handheld Again" that on Wednesday, Microsoft announced it's "Handheld PC 2000" software which is the latest update for what was called Windows CE. According to the article "a new feature will be the ability to access the user's desktop computer via the Internet. . ."

[Microsoft's formal announcement formal announcement was distributed by PR Newswire on Sept. 7, 2000. Apparently, NEC Computers and MainStreet Networks' Client Devices Group and Hewlett-Packard were the only other participants in the announcement. MainStreet will bring out its "Clio C-10xx" products based on MIPS 4121 CPUs at 168MHz in 4th quarter 2000, and NEC will have announcements "in the near future."]
[2000/09/10]

HP Unveils StrongARM Powered Jornada 720

Sept. 7, 2000, HP rarely surprises me, but this time they've done it. This move as to be seen in context. Since the beginning of the WindowsCE systems, Hitachi's SH-3 processor has been one of the two leading technologies. The other was MIPS. In general, the SH-3 seemed to be able to pull out slightly better performance than the MIPS processors, but there were many manufacturers of MIPS providing a greater array of designs, and occasionally, a MIPS processor would rise to the occasion. Philips pushed the Velos to outstanding performance both by optimizing code and by shear MHz. Casio topped the "Palmsized" world for a while with its E-100/E-105's 131 MHz speed.

But in the distance, DEC's StrongARM (now Intel) loomed. Back when the MIPS and SH-3's were struggling with 80MHz speed ranges at reasonable power cost, the StrongARM had achieved 160MHz. in the Apple Newtons. The WindowsCE world knew that if this performance gap remained, there would have to some movement to StrongARM.

When HP brought out the Jornada 820 with its 190MHz StrongARM, it was a bit of a surprise because Hitachi had brought out the SH-4, which was actually getting competitive in performance with the StrongARM. But the SH-4's 64-bit architecture is probably not well used by WindowsCE, which then limits the performance to its 128MHz clock speed (as seen in the Compaq Aero 8000). So one could understand the move. On the other hand, when it became clear that HP was phasing out the Jornada 820, and the new Jornada 540 PocketPC devices came out based on 133MHz SH-3, One expected that HP had settled back into the Hitachi camp. So with the new Jornada 720 replacing the 600 series SH-3 powered devices, I had to double check what I was reading.

Moreover, the 720 has little in common with the the 820:

Differences:
206MHz StrongARM
32MB SDRAM (51MHz)
64K colours
hardware 2D graphics accelerator
stereo sound output jack

Other specs:
CompactFlash Type I, PC-Card Type II, SmartCard slot
RJ-II modem port (V.90 56Kbps), RS-232C (USB cable optional, apparently only through docking station -- this isn't clear)
Microsoft Windows(R) for Handheld PC 2000 Version 3.0"
Current price (HP F1818A) $999 US.

With this product, and the impact of the iPaq with its 209Mhz StrongARM, one wonders what HP's next move will be?

HP Jornada http://www.hp.com/jornada/
[2000/09/10]

PCIA GlobalXChange(TM) 2000

I don't know much about this, but it sounds interesting and relevant. The conference is scheduled for Sept. 27 - 29, 2000 at Chicago, Ill.

i3 Mobile PCIA GlobalXChange 2000 Conference http://www.i3mobile.com/pcia2000/
[2000/09/10]

In The News Sept. 2 - 5, 2000

Telus Mobility Offers "i-Web(TM)"

Sept. 6, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that 3Com Corporation has announced that TELUS Mobility's "i-Web(TM)" CDMA data service is based on 3Com's "Total Control(R) 1000" system.
[2000/09/06]

Paradigm Buys Cellular/GPS Patent

Sept. 6, 2000, Canadian Corporate News reports that Paradigm Advanced Technologies, Inc. has aquired the rights of Eastern Investments, LLC to US Patent #B1 5,043,736 which is a "wireless location patent that covers the apparatus and method of transmitting position information from satellite navigation signals (such as GPS) over cellular systems to a base unit and displaying the location of a person or object so equipped."

Paradigm Advanced Technologies, Inc. http://www.powerloc.com/
[2000/09/06]

Visor Gets Second MP3

Sept. 6, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Good Technology has debuted its "SoundsGood" Springboard MP3 audioplayer for the Handspring Visor. The SoundsGood module can be used as a standalone MP3 player with the use of its "EnergyClip(TM)" accessory (sold separately) which holds a single AA battery.

- 64MB built-in memory gives over an hour of sound
- "Good Desktop" software loads songs through the Visor USB cradle
- downloadable upgrades

The "SoundsGood" is expected to ship in Oct. 2000 for $269 US. The "EnergyClip" will be available in Nov. 2000 for $39.99 US.

Good Technology http://www.good.com/

Note: Another MP3 player for the Visor is made by Innogear.

Innogear http://www.innogear.com/
[2000/09/06]

FileMaker Mobile Integrates PalmOS

Sept. 6, 2000, PR Newswire reports that FileMaker, Inc. has announced that its new FileMaker Mobile for PalmOS is an "easy-to-use companion to FileMaker Pro 5". Expected to ship this winter, it allows data transfer and synchronization with MacOS and Windows based computers running FileMaker Pro 5. Price will be under $100 US.

FileMaker, Inc. http://www.filemaker.com/
[2000/09/06]

Universal Display Touts Active Matrix OLEDs

Sept. 6, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Universal Display Corporation has announced that Michael Hack, Ph. D. will present a paper entitled "Performance of High Efficiency AMOLED Displays" on Sept. 7, 2000 at the Society for Information Displays. The paper asserts that Active Matrix Organic LEDs meet criteria for successful commercialization.

Universal Display Corporation http://www.universaldisplay.com/
[2000/09/06]

Y Media 3-Mpixel CMOS Image Sensor Has Smaller Size

Sept. 6, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Y Media Corporation has announced that its new 3.17 Megapixel C3D(TM) CMOS image sensor YM-3170A achieves this resolution in a 1/2" size by using 0.25-micron imagers, allowing more than 3 times the number of pixels than current CMOS sensors.

Y Media Corporation http://www.y-media.com/
[2000/09/06]

Psion Series 5mx Corrupts Compact Flash

Psion Series 5mx
Copyright Psion PLC 1999
EPOC Release 5, Version 1.05(250) English (UK) ASCII

After many months of using a SanDisk 20MB Compact Flash card in my Psion Series 5mx, I found that I would be needed more storage fairly soon. So today I bought a new SanDisk 48MB Compact Flash card. I transfered my data over to the new card without exceptional problem, and then decided to check the state of the 20MB card with Windows 95 "scandisk". Running scandisk, I immediately started getting errors due to corrupt folders. There were so many that I gave up trying to fix them manually and re-ran scandisk with automatic fixing. One empty folder in particular was converted to a "file". I typed that file and saw that the contents were pieces of old data files. Since this whole card was going to be reformatted anyway I deleted the file and looked further. I checked a few of the remaining HTML and TXT files, and they looked intact, though at least one HTML file seemed to be longer, with extra empty space added on to the end.

After all these months of using the Compact Flash card, I can't say for sure which programs caused the corruption. On the other hand, considering how wide-spread the problem was, I expect it's a system level problem, and possibly a driver level problem, rather than one or two specific applications.

[2000/09/06]

In The News Aug. 29 - Sept. 2, 2000

Bluetooth Digital Wireless Susceptible To Eavesdropping

Sept. 2, 2000, John Markoff writes in his article "Flaws in Digital Wireless Technology Said to Allow Eavesdropping" for the New York Times, that two researchers working for Lucent Technologies claim to have found flaws in the Bluetooth system that would allow eavesdropping on transmissions. One problem allowed the possibility of capturing the encryption key used by Bluetooth devices at the time that two devices exchange a key. The second flaw makes it possible to "obtain the identity of a Bluetooth device, making it traceable and potentially compromising the security of a user." The article also says that "[a]n independent security expert said that the Bluetooth security model was still untested and that other flaws were likely to be discovered."
[2000/09/03]

US FCC Increases Bandwidths For Home Wireless Networks

Aug. 31, 2000, Associated Press reports in its article "Wireless Network Capability Expanded" that the US FCC has increased the bandwidths of channels used for unlicensed spread spectrum data networking transmitters in the 2.4 GHz band. [Looking at the actual FCC site, the FCC is allowing this so that data rates will increase from a theoretical maximum of 2MB/sec. to 10 MB/sec. The specification is complicated and decreases maximum power for wider bandwith transmission. See ET Docket No. 99-231, "Amendment of Part 15 of the Commission's Rules Regarding Spread Spectrum Devices" adopted Aug. 22, 2000, released Aug. 31, 2000]

US FCC http://www.fcc.gov/

HomeRF Working Group http://www.homerf.org/
[2000/09/03]

2000 PalmOS Milestone: Graphics

The title may confuse Palm device fans because there have been graphics programs on Palm devices since pretty near the beginning of third party programming. Also, you'd expect that a device with a "graphics interface" was designed with priority on graphics support. But as any long time Palm programmer can tell you, it just wasn't so. The Palm API, up to PalmOS 3.3, was incomplete. The only way to write a lot of the graphics oriented programs was to ignore the "official" Palm programming practices and use "unsupported" techniques. Moreover, there have never been any official bitmapped image or vector graphics "file formats" beyond the icons used in the menus.

With the coming of PalmOS 3.5, Palm completed more of the graphics API, and now, with the M-100, there is finally an officially adopted graphics image format, at least for the new "Notepad" items. Moreover, Sony's new device apparently supports linking photo images from Phone book items. I'm not sure how official that image format and the linking capability will be, but it will be something to watch for.

The importance of these developments to Palm users should not be lost. The official claim of Palm is that Palm programs have been forward compatible pretty much since the beginning. That is to say, the earliest Palm programs still run on todays Palm computers. In reality, that's not true at all. Every upgrade of the software that I've heard of has "broken" some programs. Most of the important programs have been upgraded over time to correct for these problems. Ok, so Palm can say that what they mean is that all "properly written" Palm programs have been forward compatible. Actually, I'm not sure if that's true or not, since I was unable to delve into Palm until the Palm Professional came out. And even then I didn't really look into PalmOS until the Palm IIIx.

But it isn't really important because too many of the most wanted programs all along have had to use "black art" unsupported techniques due to the lack of officially supported capabilities. And mostly, these programming techniques were related to graphics. The corollary for this situation is that in the future, since more of the capabilities that people want are covered by the operating system and the API, programs should keep on working despite upgrades to the OS.

There are other implications too, but in general, the conclusion is that it is "a very good thing."
[2000/09/03]

In The News Aug. 26 - 29, 2000

First Palm Virus, Destructive But Not Replicating

Aug. 30, 2000, PR Newswire reports that F-Secure Corporation has announced that it has protection against the "Palm_Liberty.A" Trojan virus which is believed to be the first virus that attacks PalmOS devices. The program file is named "liberty_1_1_crack.prc" with a size of 2,663 bytes when unpacked on a PC, and loads into a Palm device as the "Liberty" application with the name "Crack 1.1". When it is activated, it attempts to delete all applications and reboot the device.

F-Secure Corporation http://www.F-Secure.com/

NOTE: On Aug. 29, 2000, in a separate release from Canadian Corporate News, Trend Micro Inc. announced that they also had anti-virus software capable of detecting and protecting against this virus.

Trend Micro Inc. Antivirus Info Site http://www.antivirus.com/vinfo/
[2000/08/30]

Consolidated Graphics Allied With Ansyr For WinCE And Palm PDF Reading

Aug. 30, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Consolidated Graphics, Inc. and Ansyr Technology Corporation have announced a strategic alliance involving PDF readers for the Palm and WinCE platforms by Ansyr. [On the Ansyr Website, Answer says that the PalmOS version will be available Sept. 4.]

Ansyr Technology Corporation WinCE and PalmOS PDF readers http://www.ansyr.com/
[2000/08/30]

Sony Palm Device

Aug. 30, 2000, Business Wire reports that Sony has introduced it's "Communication, Link Information and Entertainment" (CLIE(TM)) PalmOS 3.5 based handheld devices to the US market. It will be available for under $400 US in September. Sony's version will support a "Jog Dial(TM)" navigator for single hand usage and incorporation of pictures with the address book. Also, Sony is deveoping devices which use the Memory Stick slot, including a camera, a GPS receiver, a Bluetooth(TM) connector and a voice recorder.

Sony CLIE http://www.sony.com/clie/

Sony PDA Developers Site http://www.sonypdadev.com/
[2000/08/30]

AMD Flash Improves Performance At 1.8V

Aug. 29, 2000, Business Wire reports that AMD has announced that its new Am29DS323 32 Mbit Flash memory device brings Simultaneous Read/Write architecture to Super Low Voltage technology. The 1.8-volt device can read access as fast as 110 nanoseconds and reduces power consumption by up to 60% compared to 3V. equivalent devices. The part is immediately available at $22.40 US each in quantities of 10,000.
[2000/08/30]

29 Companies Behind Advanced Configuration And Power Interface Specification 2.0

Aug. 30, 2000, Business Wire reports that Compaq Computer Corp., Intel Corporation, Microsoft Corp., Phoenix Technologies and Toshiba Corp. have announced the publication of the "Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) version 2.0 specification. ACPI 2.0 includes support for 64-bit processor addressing, multi-processing and "device performance states." According to Business Wire, 29 companies support the specification.

ACPI 2.0 Spec. http://www.teleport.com/~acpi/
[2000/08/30]

IBM Announces ViaVoice Release 8.0

Aug. 29, 2000, Business Wire reports that IBM has announced its ViaVoice Release 8.0 products which feature such advances as USB connectivity noise-cancelling microphone, faster setup time, improved correction capabilities and expanded command and control features for voice navigating the desktop.
[2000/08/30]

Palmax Announces P6M

Aug. 25, 2000, Palmax of Taiwan has introduced its PD-131 PocketPC powered by a 131MHz NEC MIPS VR4121A with 16 or 32MB of RAM, 16 or 24MB of ROM (depending on language), 64K TFT display and Type II CompactFlash slot. Palmax has also announced that it will introduce a new WinCE PocketPC device called the P6M in Oct. 2000. The device will feature a 206MHz "Intel CPU", MMC Card, USB port and 16 level grey scale screen.

Palmax P6M http://www.palmax.net/p6msp.htm
[2000/08/30]

In The News Aug. 22 - 26, 2000

RxSheets.com Transaction With WirelessMD

Aug. 25, 2000, Business Wire reports that MedCare Technologies, Inc. and WirelessMD(TM) have announced that WirelessMD will acquire "certain assets" of RxSheets.com from MedCare Technologies, Inc. Full details were not announced.

RxSheets.com http://www.rxsheets.com/

WirelessMD, Inc. http://www.wirelessmd.com/
[2000/08/27]

CUE Announces VoiceTMC(R)

Aug. 24, 2000, PR Newswire reports that CUE Corporation has announced the introduction of "VoiceTMC(R)". This new service will broadcast real time traffic information by voice over the FM subcarrier of 60 radio stations. Traffic information is currently available in over 50 markets across the US and Canada. [There is a reference to a charge of $60 per year for "CUE TrafficNet" service, but it's not clear how these services are related in terms of price]. Receivers will include "The CUE Radio for the Handspring Visor."

Cue Corporation http://www.cue.net/
[2000/08/27]

Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) Security Flaw

Aug. 24, 2000, Associated Press reports that according to Network Associates, PGP Security software versions 5.5 and upward have a security weakness in design. This will be corrected soon.
[2000/08/27]

In The News Aug. 19 - 22, 2000

High Tech Levis

Aug. 23, 2000, Associated Press reports that the European division of Levi Strauss & Co. will be working with Philips NV to test a line of jackets equiped with mobile phones, MP3 players, remote controls and microphones.
[2000/08/23]

Intel StrongARM To Become "XScale"

Aug. 22, 2000, Business Wire reports that Intel Corp. will be renaming its StrongARM chip architecture to "XScale". Built using 0.18-micron process technology, power ranges are as low as "one ten-thousandth of a watt to 1.6 watts" with clock speeds approaching 1 GHz.
[2000/08/23]

Dell Announces Inspiron 5000e With Ultra XGA Screen

Aug. 22, 2000, Business Wire reports that Dell has announced its Inspiron 5000e laptop computer with a 15" "Ultra XGA" (UXGA) display.
[2000/08/23]

Voice Signal Claims Breakthrough Voice Recognition

Aug. 22, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Voice Signal and Sunplus Technology has announced that it has state-of-the-art voice recognition based on 8-bit micro power for toy applications for as little as $2.00 US, including processor, software license and microphone circuitry.

Voice Signal Technologies http://www.voicesignal.com/
[2000/08/23]

Gateway Announces Solo 5300 and Solo 1150 Laptops

Aug. 21, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Gateway has announced its new Solo 5300 lightweight and Solo 1150 home office laptop computers.

[2000/08/23]

New RCA-brand eBook

Aug. 21, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Thomson multimedia has announced that it will introduce the RCA-brand eBook line of dedicated electronic reading devices on Sept. 24, 2000 at "New York is Book Country" in New York City. The products are the REB1100 and REB1200.

REB1100: 5.5" monochrome screen, 8MB memory, 17 oz.

REB1200: 8.5" colour LCD screen, 8MB memory, Compact Flash memory cards, 33 oz.

Thomson Multimedia http://www.thomson-multimedia.com/
[2000/08/23]

In The News Aug. 16 - 19, 2000

TI-83 Plus Takes On Organizers?

Aug. 17, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Texas Instruments has announced that purchasers of the TI-83 Plus graphing calculator between Aug. 15, to Oct. 15, 2000 for $99 US will also be allowed to download 4 applications for free. The applications include an "Organizer" which includes schedules and email addresses.

TI-83 App Offer http://www.ti.com/calc/appoffer/
[2000/08/20]

Nat-Semi Announces New 900MHz/2.4GHz Digital Cordless Phone Chip

Aug. 14, 2000, Business Wire reports that National Semiconductor has announced its new SC14404 (handset) and SC14425 (basestation) ICs which implement 900MHz and 2.4GHz ISM band digital cordless phones. Features include "hands-free", "caller-ID" and "multi- handset" support. The SC14404 is immediately available at $13.60 US each in quantities of 1,000 and the SC14425 is immediately available at $7.60 US each in quantities of 1,000.

Nat Semi SC14404 handset chip http://www.national.com/pf/SC/SC14404.html

Nat Semi SC14425 basestation chip http://www.national.com/pf/SC/SC14425.html
[2000/08/20]

In The News Aug. 12 - 16, 2000

Swiss Bank Virus

Aug. 16, 2000, Associated Press reports that a new variant of the "Love Letter" virus currently being called "VBS/Loveletter.bd" is designed to steal passwords and online banking information of users of the "United Bank of Switzerland." It uses Microsoft's Outlook e-mail program to replicate itself.
[2000/08/16]

Compaq Resells RIM Blackberry

Aug. 16, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Compaq Computer Corp. has announced that it will sell the RIM Blackberry devices under the "iPaq BlackBerry" name.
[2000/08/16]

Telxon Announces PTC-890IM Industrial Pentium Computer

Aug. 16, 2000, Telxon Corporation has announced that its new 166MHz Pentium(R) based PTC-890IM mobile computer is immediately available. [No price was give in the announcement.]

Telxon http://www.telxon.com/
[2000/08/16]

VTech Selects PocketLinux

Aug. 15, 2000, Business Wire reports that VTech Information has announced that it has selected Transvirtual Technologies, Inc. "as provider and Linux and PocketLinux expertise for the Helio PDA product line." The two companies have agreed to work together to product a Linux based PDA device based on the Helio hardware platform and PocketLInux software platform, with a target date of Q1, 2001 for completion.

PocketLinux http://www.pocketlinux.com/

Transvirtual Technologies, Inc. http://www.transvirtual.com/

VTech PocketLinux Press Release http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/000815/ca_transvi_2.html
[2000/08/16]

Transmation Announces Palm III Based Calibrators

Aug. 15, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Transmation, Inc. has introduced Palm III based PDA Calibrators(TM). The six calibrators measure mA/pressure, mA, voltage, thermocouple, RTD and frequency. They will be available in mid-September at prices from $649 to $949 (not including Palm device). Each acts as a docking station fitting a Palm III series device with at least 2MB of RAM. Other Palm devices will be supported in the future.
[2000/08/16]

Intel Announces $149 US Dual Use Camera

Aug. 15, 2000, Business Wire reports that Intel Corporation has announced its new "Pocket PC Camera" which is intended for use attached to a desk computer as a peripheral, or taken away from the computer as a free standing camera. Containing a CCD sensor and 50 degree view angle lens, USB connection and 8MB memory, it can capture 128 640 * 480 images or 2 minutes of video. The camera is available immediately throughout the US, at $149 US.

Intel digital cameras http://www.intel.com/PCcamera/
[2000/08/16]

EdgeMatrix Announces Colour WAP Browser For Palm

Aug. 15, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that EdgeMatrix has announced that it "WAPman Color" WAP microbrowser is the only WAP microbrowser supporting colour, location and multilingual applications for Palm devices. The browser will be freely downloadable at:

EdgeMatrix http://www.edgematrix.com/
[2000/08/16]

Agenda Computing Shows New Linux Based Pocket Computer

Aug. 15, 2000, Agenda Computing, Inc. has announced that it is exhibiting and demonstrating its new Linux based Agenda VR3 pocket computer. With 8MB RAM and 2MB Flash, a 240 * 160 * 4-bit monochrome (16 level) screen, the Agenda VR3 is expected to ship in October 2000 at $149 US.

Agenda Computing, Inc. http://www.agendacomputing.com/
[2000/08/16]

In The News Aug. 8 - 12, 2000

Microsoft Changes Support Policies

Aug. 11, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Microsoft Corp. has announced major changes in support policies for some major software packages, including Windows OSes and applications such as Office 95 and Internet Explorer downloadable browsers. Instead of time limited warranties, free support is now generally give for up to 2 "support incidents." See Microsoft's Website for details for specific software.

Microsoft Support http://www.microsoft.com/support/
[2000/08/13]

Century Software Announces HTML Browser Port To StrongARM Embedded Linux Platform

Aug. 11, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Century Software Embedded Technologies has announced the port of its ViewML Internet Browser and core multimedia technologies to Applied Data Systems Graphics StronARM SA-1110 based single board computer Client platform. ViewML is a small memory model HTML 3.2 based browser.

Applied Data Systems http://www.applieddata.net/

Century Software Inc. http://www.censoft.com/
[2000/08/13]

Fonix Brings Voice To WinCE

Aug. 10, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Fonix Corporation has announced its release of Fonix Accelerated Application Solutions Technology (FAAST) 1.0 Software Development Kit (SDK) and speech framework for the Microsoft(R) Windows(R) CE operating system, bringing voice input and output technology to WindowsCE and and PocketPC platforms. FAAST is already available for Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT and Linux. FAAST for Windows CE will begin shipping in September 2000. [No prices were in the announcement.]

Fonix Corporation http://www.fonix.com/
[2000/08/13]

Xplore Technologies Announces Pentium III Tablet Computer

Aug. 10, 2000, Canada Newswire reports that Xplore Technologies(R) Corp. has introduced its Ramline(TM) Pentium(R) III PIII506 and PIII510 pen interface tablet wireless computers for rugged industrial computing. Shipments will being in the Fall 2000.

Xplore Technologies(R) Corp. http://www.xploretech.com/
[2000/08/13]

F-Secure Announces AntiVirus for EPOC

Aug. 9, 2000, PR Newswire reports that F-Secure Corporation has announced F-Secure AntiVirus for EPOC based devices.

F-Secure Corporation EPOC AntiVirus http://www.F-Secure.com/wireless/
[2000/08/13]

In The News Aug. 5 - 8, 2000

MapInfo Announces Java Tool For Handhelds

Aug. 9, 2000, Business Wire reports that MapInfo Corporation has announced that its MapInfo(R) MapXtend(TM) Java(TM) Edition developers tool for the Java platform for developing "spatially- enabled" applications for PDAs will be available this month, priced based on the number of client devices. Based on the Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition (J2ME(TM)), the first release will be on PalmOS.

MapInfo Corporation http://www.mapinfo.com/
[2000/08/09]

Magellan MAP 330(TM) GPS Receiver Has More Memory

Aug. 9, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Magellan Corporation has announced its new MAP 330(TM) handheld GPS which features 16MB of built-in memory, which Magellan claims is unique in its class. 8MB contains built-in data and 8MB is available for downloading map data. It will be available in late August at $249.99 US.

Magellan Corporation http://www.magellangps.com/
[2000/08/09]

Autodesk Announces Viewer For Handheld Computers

Aug. 8, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Autodesk, Inc. has announced immediate availability of Autodesk OnSite View for Windows CE 2.11 and PocketPC based devices. Using this software, a user can view and mark-up design drawings. It is available at $139 US at:

Autodesk, Inc. http://www.autodesk.com/estore/
[2000/08/09]

Microsoft And Association of American Publishers Fight Against E-Book Piracy

Aug. 8, 2000, PR Newswire reports that the Association of American Publishers and Microsoft Corp. have announced that they will work together to fight e-book piracy.

Microsoft Anti-E-Book Piracy http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/epub/

Association of American Publishers http://www.publishers.org/
[2000/08/09]

Palm VIIx Features Full 8MB RAM

Aug. 7, 2000, Business Wire reports that Palm, Inc. has announced nationwise (US) availability of its new Palm VIIx wireless handheld computer, which features a fully expanded 8MB of RAM (up from 2MB in the Palm VII). The estimated street price is $449 US. Services plans require a one-time activation fee of $9.99 US and monthly fees ranging from $9.99 US to $44.99 US.
[2000/08/09]

Palm Announces M100 and New Palm Vx Colours

Aug. 7, 2000, Business Wire reports that Palm Inc. has announced it's latest products, including new limited editions of the Palm Vx in "millenium blue" and "champagne" metallic finishes (only available in the US market), and its new M100 low cost model which with 2MB of RAM and new application software, will sell for $149 US.

[It is not clear to me whether Canada will be considered part of the US market for the new Vx models.]
[2000/08/09]

Brown Orifice Security Hole In Netscape Web Browser

Aug. 7, 2000, Associated Press in its article "Netscape Bug Affects Almost 1,000," reports that security experts have been warning that users of Netscape Communicator 4.74 and earlier are vulerable to a Java based attack which makes the hard drive accessible. Current code samples have been benign, but dangerous software is expected to come. Microsoft Internet Explorer and the Netscape 6.0 browsers are not vulnerable to this attack. Netscape users are safe if Java is turned off.

[The following quote says something I've telling people for a very long time, but nobody seems to be getting it:

"Rouland noted that Microsoft users who have switched to Netscape, a company whose history includes the earliest Web browsers, after the recent stream of Microsoft-related security holes in Internet Explorer and the Outlook and Outlook Express e-mail programs are finding that no computer programs are without problems.

Also on Monday, another security expert pointed out a security hole in Microsoft's Word and Excel products that can let a hacker take over the victim's computer. Microsoft officials say that they are working on the issue."
The computer industry has been a dog race chasing the rabbit of new features at the expense of safety. In general, it is too soon to trust computers linked to the Internet with your money.]

Internet Security Systems http://www.iss.net/

Slashdot http://www.slashdot.org/
[2000/08/09]

Motorola Accompli PDA/phone In China

The following website shows the Motorola ACCOMPLI A6188 which seems to be a combined PDA/cell phone, but not related to Palm.

Motorola China, Accompli A6188 http://www.motorola.com.cn/product/accompli/index.html
[2000/08/09]

In The News Aug. 1 - 5, 2000

BSMART.TO Claims First Integrated Voice And Data Browser

Aug. 6, 2000, Canadian Corporate News reports that bSmart.to Technologies Inc. claims that its MasterBrowser is the first browser with integrated two-way voice and data functionality.

bSmart.to Technologies Inc. http://www.bsmart.to/
[2000/08/06]

IBM ThinkPads Now Available With Windows 2000 Pro

Aug. 4, 2000, Business Wire reports that several versions of IBM ThinkPad portable computers are now available with Windows 2000 Professional.
[2000/08/06]

Mobile Investors

Aug. 2, 2000, Aaron Lucchetti writes for The Wall Street Journal, in his article "Fund Companies to Boost Their Wireless Services" that according to kasina LLC, nearly 2/3's of mutual-fund companies [probably limited to the US] will begin or add to existing wireless Internet services within the next year. Also, kasina predicts that nearly 1/2 of online mutual-fund investors [again, probably limited to the US] would be using mobile Web devices within 12 months. kasina LLC (Internet financial- services consultant co.) http://www.kasina.com/
[2000/08/06]

Around Town

Just today I saw the Casio EM-500 in the BatteryPlus store window. I didn't have time to make further inquiries, but I thought I'd take a moment to mention some other things I've seen lately. The HP Jornadas have been in local newspaper ads. Also, Future Shop has had a full page newspaper ad for the Handspring Visors. That answered another question that has been on my mind lately -- whether the Visor would be upgraded to PalmOS 3.5. So far, the current devices are still PalmOS 3.1. Lastly, the RIM 957 has been in newspaper ads.
[2000/08/06]

In The News July 29 - Aug. 1, 2000

Claudia Schiffer Palm Vx

Aug. 1, 2000, Palm, Inc., Claudia Schiffer and PTN Media have announced the new Palm(TM) Vx Claudia Schiffer Edition handheld computer, featuring a brushed metalic-aqua case and software selected by Claudia Schiffer, available online, for Fall 2000.

Palm Vx Claudia Schiffer Edition http://www.claudiaschiffer.com/
[2000/08/02]

Motorola Launches Talkabout T6300 Series FRS Transceivers

Aug. 1, 2000, Business Wire reports that Motorola Inc. has announced the launch of its Talkabout(TM) T6300 series portable radios. Available "nationwide" (US), beginning in September base model (T6300) features include National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio reception covering 8 channels and audible alerts, built in clock, alarm and stopwatch functions, 14 channels and 38 codes, "Eavesdrop Eliminator(TM)" scrambling, QuieT6000(TM) noise filter and VibraCall(R) Alert. Features on other models:

Talkabout T6310 (T6300 features and) built-in FM broadcast radio reception with 8 presets and stereo earphones.

Talkabout T6320 (T6300 features and) "outdoor gear package" including built-in altimeter, barometer and digital compass. (The T6320 will not be available till November).

Prices range from $129 US to $179 US.

Motorola Talkabout T6300 http://www.motorola/T6300/
[2000/08/02]

Sony Games Via Mobile Phones

Aug. 1, 2000, Sony Corp. and NTT DoCoMo are partnering to provide Sony games via wireless-Internet phones. The games to be available have not yet been chosen.
[2000/08/02]

Handspring Visor(TM) Reaches Canadian Retailers

July 31, 2000, Canada Newswire reports that Handspring, Inc. has announced that its Visor(TM) handheld computer will begin retail sales through Canadian outlets (Future Shop, Staples, Business Depot, Staples Business Depot and Bureau on Gros. Prices will be $279 Cdn. for the Visor and $379 Cdn. for the Visor Deluxe.
[2000/08/02]

In The News July 25 - 29, 2000

GoAmerica In Canadian BlackBerry(TM)

July 27, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that GoAmerica, Inc. has announced that it's proprietary Go.Web(TM) software is now available as a pre-loaded application on Research in Motion's (RIM) BlackBerry Wireless Handhelds(TM). The Go.Web service is available to users of the Rogers AT&T Mobitex Network in Canada and features Canadian oriented content with "Nation wide" delivery.
[2000/07/30]

PocketScript(TM) Brings Speech Control To iPaq

July 27, 2000, PR Newswire reports that PocketScript, Inc. has announced that its PocketScript(TM) "Speech-Driven Interface" (SDI) is now compatible with the Compaq iPaq Pocket PC.
[2000/07/30]

AirCell And Motorola Claim Bluetooth Safe For Aircraft

July 27, 2000, PR Newswire reports that AirCell, Inc. and Motorola, Inc. have claimed successful completion of an in-flight test of "Bluetooth" wireless technology. The companies claim that pilots and passengers will be able to use their wireless phones, laptop computers and other portable communications devices on the ground or in the air without interfering with other networks.

AirCell, Inc. http://www.aircell.com/
[2000/07/30]

Syscan Claims Faster Wireless Server

July 26, 2000, Canadian Corporate News reports that Syscan International Inc. has announced that it has developed an advanced wireless access server that decreases download times from the Internet by monitoring the status of the wireless channel and taking into account the specific characteristics of the end-user device.

Syscan International Inc. http://www.syscan.com/
[2000/07/30]

Incomplete Report?

Due to technical problems my report may be missing some summaries of articles. I will check my sources again tomorrow and add anything missing. However, I'm fairly certain there wasn't much that might have been relevant. So I might not find anything to add.
[2000/07/26]

I checked my usual sources and the following was the only item I thought was worth adding:
[2000/07/28]

Nat-Semi Announces RSDS Flat Panel Timing Controller

July 24, 2000, Business Wire reports that National Semiconductor has announced its new FPD87310 universal interface XGA Reduced Swing Differential Signaling (RSDS) Flat Panel Timing Controller. The device reduces output voltage levels by completely replacing TTL signals on the bus. Expected benefits to applications are lower EMI and reduced power consumption. It is available now in an 80-pin Thin Quad Plastic Flat Pack (TQFP) at $4.20 each in quantities of 1,000.

National Semiconductor FPD87310 http://www.national.com/pf/FP/FPD87310.html
[2000/07/28]

In The News July 22 - 25, 2000

Bell Mobility Adds 156,000 New Subscribers

July 26, 2000, Business Wire reports that BCE has reported its Q2 2K results and Bell Mobility subscribers were up by 156,000 new subscribers. Totals subscribers, including Aliant were about 2.34 million.
[2000/07/26]

Clearnet Adds Samsung SCH-8580 Handset

July 26, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that Clearnet Communications Inc. has introduced the Samsung SCH-8580 digital Clearnet PCS phone handset which offers voice-activated dialing, dual-mode operation and a built-in microbrowser for Clearnet's upcoming wirless Internet Services. Features include a compact form factor (8.9 * 5.1 * 2.8 cm, 128 g.), vibration ringer, up to 229 memory entries, English/French language options, voice memo, and a large screen. The price is $249.99 Cdn. (with an introductory rebate of $50. until Sept. 30, 2000), they are now available at selected retail locations across Canada.

Samsung Telecommunications America, Inc. http://www.samsungtelecom.com/
[2000/07/26]

Motorola Updates Hurricane Tracker Software For PICs

July 24, 2000, Business Wire reports that Motorola has announced that it has made available new updated Hurricane Tracker software for its Page Writer(R) 2000X and Timeport(TM) P930 and P935 personal interactive communicators (PICs). The new software alerts users to approaching hurricanes, tropical storms and tropical depressions, and displays hurricane positions on graphic screens.

Motorola Storm Tracker Software http://www.motorola.com/weather/
[2000/07/26]

RIM Alliance With Certicom

July 24, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that Certicom and Research In Motion have announced an alliance which will enable RIM to use Certicom's elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) technology in all its products, including the new RIM 957 Wireless Handheld(TM).
[2000/07/26]

In The News July 18 - 22, 2000

IBM Latest Version of ViaVoice For Mac G3 - G4

July 21, 2000, Business Wire reports that IBM ViaVoice for Macintosh, Enhanced Edition uses a noise cancelling USB microphone.

IBM ViaVoice Software http://www.ibm.com/software/voice/
[2000/07/23]

Palm M100 To Cost $149 US

July 21, 2000, Associated Press reports in its article "Palm Readying New Models Release," says that Palm Inc. is planning to introduce a new product called the M100 in August which will retail for $149 US. It will feature 4MB RAM and a new case with decorative colours in removable plates.
[2000/07/23]

Microsoft Increases Cookie Controls In Browsers

July 20, 2000, Associated Press reports in an article titled (Microsoft 'Patch' Helps Web Privacy," that Microsoft has increased its controls on receiving "cookies" in its web browser. The newest browser [Internet Explorer version 5.5 -- JO] will now alert a user to an attempt to install a "persistent" cookie, allowing the user to accept or reject it. This knews is welcomed by the privacy group "Junkbusters". The "Electronic Privacy Information Center" is still pursuing legal reform in this area.

Junkbusters http://www.junkbusters.com/

Electronic Privacy Information Center http://www.epic.org/
[2000/07/23]

Anti-Virus Companies Prepare to Protect Palm Devices

July 20, 2000, Associated Press reports in its article "Handheld Computers Becoming Popular" that two major anti-virus software companies have developed anti-virus software to cover the Palm OS devices.

McAfee Palm Anti-Virus http://www.mcafee.com/

Symantec Palm Anti-Virus http://www.symantec.com
[2000/07/23]

Electronics Bans On Airlines Supported

July 20, 2000, Associated Press reports in its article "Congress hears expert opinions: Should in-flight ban on cell phones be lifted?" that experts still support the current rules banning electronics equipment on airlines. A distinction is made between intentional emitters such as cell phones and devices similarly designed to emit radio frequencies, which are banned at all times during a flight; and unintentional emitters such as laptop computers and CD players, which are allowed to be used when a flight ascends above 10,000 feet (3,000 meters).
[2000/07/23]

Voice IO Added To nTelligence(TM)

July 19, 2000, Canadian Corporate News reports that Prospectus Group Inc. has announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mitercom to add Voice input and output capabilities to the "nTelligence(TM)" Web or wireless platform. Mitercom is an "alliance partner" of Nuance Communications.

Nuance Communications href="http://www.nuance.com/

Prospectus Group Inc. http://www.prospectus.com/

[2000/07/23]

In The News July 15 - 18, 2000

MpegTV Supports Pocket PC

July 19, 2000, PR Newswire reports that MpegTV has announced the release of the Pocket PC version of PocketTV MPEG Movie Player. Player software is available for the iPaq, Cassiopeia and Jornada products. The software is free and can be downloaded from Handango.com or from PocketTV.com.

PocketTV.com http://www.pockettv.com/
[2000/07/19]

Cell Phones To Carry Radiation Level Labels

July 19, 2000, Simon Romero writes for the New York Times, in his article called "Cellular Phones to Carry Radiation Level Label," that under a proposal by the "Cellular Telephone Industry Association," US cell phone manufacturers will begin on Aug. 1 to seek the trade group's certification regarding radiation levels emitted by their devices.
[2000/07/19]

Cell Phones To Continue Penetration

July 19, 2000, Michelle V. Rafter writes for Reuters in her article "Livewire: Cell Phones Ushering in Wireless Net Era," that cell phone penetration is expected to continue to increase due to increased capabilities such as internet data connections at speeds up to 2 Mbit/sec.

The Industry Standard (Internet business magazine) http://www.thestandard.com/
[2000/07/19]

Compaq Announces Presario 1200T-566 Laptop

July 18, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Compaq has announced its new Presario 1200T-566 laptop computer at the same price of $999 US.
[2000/07/19]

Xybernaut Announces Daylight Readable Colour LCD Displays

July 18, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Xybernaut Corporation has announced new daylight readable colour LCD flat panel displays.

Xybernaut Corporation http://www.xybernaut.com/
[2000/07/19]

Accelerated Technology Announces Real Time OS For MIPS32

July 17, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Accelerated Technology, Inc. has announced that they provide a complete Nucleus embedded "software solution" for the MIPS32 4K(TM) family of 32-bit processor cores. Support includes the Nucleus PLUS real-time kernel, Nucleus NET (TCP/IP protocol stack) and more.

Accelerated Technology, Inc. http://www.atinucleus.com/
[2000/07/19]

Palm Releases 2nd of 2 DRAM Software Patches

July 17, 2000, Business Wire reports that Palm, Inc. has released the second of two software patches designed to correct a faulty memory chip inside some Palm IIIc, IIIxe and Vx handheld devices. The new version 1.0.3 patch fulfills its commitment in its June 28th announcement to follow its original patch which was limited to the IIIc and Vx, and provide a similar patch for the IIIxe. According to Palm, more than 97% of Palm handhelds are free of the faulty 8MB DRAM chips and the faulty components are no longer being used.
[2000/07/19]

Unresearched Issues Re: Palm and HP

This is just to confirm that I have heard about the "8MB memory problem" affecting some recent Palm Computing products. If you have a Palm computer with 8MB of factory installed RAM, you should check the Palm Website. There is test software and a patch available. I have not reported this because I wanted more information about it, but I didn't have time to make phone calls about it this week.

Also, I have hard a rumour that is currently unsubstantiated that HP will be dropping their 800 Series handheld Windows CE based product. I hope to ascertain whether this is accurate sometime this week.
[2000/07/16]

Japanese Sony Palm

These are Websites with info regarding the Sony Palm device. They are Japanese websites:

Sony Palm Device (Japanese) http://www.sony.co.jp/sd/PEG/

See Also:

Mobile News (Japan) Sony PEG Article http://www.mobilenews.ne.jp/news/2000/07/1301sony.html
[2000/07/16]

In The News July 11 - 15, 2000

Fido Customer Base Expands 10%

July 13, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that Microcell Telecommunications has announced unaudited Fido subscription results for Q2 2000:

                            3 Months Ended  3 Months Ended
                             June 30, 2000   June 30, 1999

 - net subscriber
   additions in quarter             68,430             (?)
                       (+14% over Q2 1999)
 - gross activations in quarter    113,808             (?)
                       (+34% over Q2 1999)
 - total subscribers end of period 722,739         404,577
 - Churn, per month
 (after 30 day guarantee)            2.1%              (?)

[2000/07/16]

Toshiba And Other Japanese Firms To Back Linux

July 13, 2000, Reuters reports in CNET News.com that Toshiba and 22 other Japanese consumer electronics companies, including Sony, NEC Fujitsu, Hitachi, Mitsubishi Electric and TurboLinux Japan, have agreed to cooperate in developing Linux-based operating systems for "digital electronic products."

Cybiko Handheld Has Wireless Data Comm At Teen Price

July 12, 2000, Associated Press reports that Cybiko Inc.'s "Cybiko is a small black and white handheld device with pocket organizer functions and is able to communicate wirelessly up to 300'. No availability date is mentioned in the article, but the cost is $129 US.
[2000/07/16]

Certicom Working With 724 Solutions For Wireless Public Key

July 12, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that 724 Solutions Inc. and Certicom have announced that they are working together to provide a wireless Public Key Infrastructure system for the financial services industry.
[2000/07/16]

Lineo To Port Linux To Geode

July 10, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Lineo, Inc. and National Semiconductor Corp. have announced that the will co-develop Linux-based software development kits for the Geode Reference Platform.

Lineo, Inc. http://www.lineo.com/
[2000/07/16]

In The News July 8 - 11, 2000

Bell Mobility Triples Data Speed

July 12, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Forelle Systems, Inc. and Bell Mobility have announced that Bell Mobility's "Digital DATA to Go(TM)" service users will be able to run the Venturi Personal Client software with a resulting increase of data throughput up to 300%

http://www.bellmobility.ca/fasterdata/
[2000/07/12]

Clearnet Announces 2K Q2 Subscriber Results

July 12, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that Clearnet Communications Inc. has announced its preliminary unaudited subscriber results:

                            3 Months Ended  3 Months Ended
                             June 30, 2000   June 30, 1999
Digital
 - net subscriber additions         59,933          61,573
 - total subscribers end of period 672,475         408,503
 - Churn, per month
 (after 30 day guarantee)            2.53%           1.46%
Mike
 -  net subscriber additions        35,900          22,255
 - total subscribers end of period 274,175         152,830
 - Churn, per month
 (after 30 day guarantee)            2.41%           1.49%
PCS
 - net subscriber additions         24,033          39,318
 - total subscribers end of period 398,300         255,673
 - Churn, per month
 (after 30 day guarantee)            2.62%           1.44%
Analogue SMR
 - net subscriber additions        (2,248)         (3,420)

Total net subscriber additions      57,685          58,153
Total subscribers - end of period  693,540         441,502

[2000/07/12]

Psion Buying Teklogix

July 12, 2000, Psion Plc of Britain has announced an agreement to buy Teklogix International of Canada which, according to Psion's David Levin is for its "local wireless integration skills."
[2000/07/12]

US Sprint PCS Offers Motorola V8162 and V2267 Handsets

July 11, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Sprint PCS (US) has announced that its users can now use Motorola V. Series(TM) Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) handsets. According to Sprint PCS, the V8162 (available in July at $399.99 US) is the smallest and lightest (2.9 ounces) Internet-ready CDMA handset in the US. The V2267 (available in August at $99.99 US) offers styling and optional interchangeable PhoneWrap(TM) covers in a choice of colours.
[2000/07/12]

Nam Tai Electronics, Inc. Continues Expansion Of Battery Production

July 11, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Nam Tai Electronics, Inc. has announced that it is continuing to expand production of Lithium Ion battery packs for cellular phones. Initial plans for a single production line were superceded by two production lines in June and current plans are to expand to five more production lines within the next two months and projections have been made which expect 12 to 20 production lines before the end of 2001.
[2000/07/12]

eKiosk Provides Infrared Internet For Travelers

July 11, 2000, PR Newswire reports that eKiosk.com and Clarinet Systems, Inc. of San Jose, California have announced a partnership agreement to provide infrared connectivity to travelers carrying handheld and laptop devices. Palm, Psion and Windows CE are specifically mentioned as supported.

eKiosk.com Corporation http://www.ekioskdotcom.com/

Clarinet Systems http://www.clarinetsys.com/
[2000/07/12]

Handheldmed, Inc. Redesigns Website

July 11, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Handheldmed, Inc. have announced the launch of a redesigned "handheldmed.com" website. The company supports Palm OS, Microsoft Windows Powered, EPOC/Psion and wireless devices.

[This announcement doesn't really seem worth reporting. Good websites are constantly being updates. But I don't think I mentioned the company before and it appears to be a major publisher.]

Handheldmed, Inc. http://www.handheldmed.com/
[2000/07/12]

Open Source Distribution of Service Discovery Software

July 10, 2000, PR Newswire reports that "[T]he Salutation Consortium, which provides open information exchange standard called service discovery for multi-platform handheld computers, will offer its reference model Salutation Lite code through an open source arrangement." . . . "The architecture is independent of operating system, hardware platform or communications protocol. It is being tested on Window [sic] WindowsCE, and Java platforms. It has been tested on TCP/IP and IrDA protocols with mappings available for SLP and Bluetooth. . . ."

[I'm not sure what this actually does, but I don't have time to learn it right now. I'm only guessing that it is significant.]

Salutation Consortium http://www.salutation.org/
[2000/07/12]

SigmaTel Announces New Codecs

July 10, 2000, PR Newswire reports that SigmaTel, Inc. has announced its latest stereo Codecs STAC9783 and STAC9784. SigmaTel claims 103dB Signal to Noise Ratio, which it claims is the lowest in the industry.

SigmaTel, Inc. [Codec ICs] http://www.sigmatel.com/
[2000/07/12]

In The News July 4 - 8, 2000

Four Million Mobile Phones Sales In Q2 2K Europe?

July 5, 2000, "Press Association 2000" reports that "nearly four million people bought mobile phones in the last three months." The article only mentions major European services and does not seem to take in account "churn".
[2000/07/09]

First Loadable Linux Image For Helio

On about June 25, 2000, "vhl-tools" (a SourceForge project) made the first loadable Linux image available for the VTech Helio. The warnings imply that it is buggy and currently of marginal utility even if debugged. In other words, the current release is only for people interested in helping complete the system port. I would advise even application developers to ignore this current release. According to a message posted on July 5, 2000, the project leaders are looking for "Linux PDA explorers" which they define as "developers interested in exploring UI development, system software, application porting, and most everything else."

vhl-tools (SourceForge) Linux for VTech Helio http://vhl-tools.sourceforge.net/
[2000/07/09]

In The News July 1 - 4, 2000

3Com Claims Industries First Layer 3 Wireless LAN Security Solution

July 5, 2000, Business Wire reports that 3Com Corporation has announced that its AirConnect(R) 11Mbps Wireless LAN now has "seemless Layer 3 tunneling, authentication and encryption. . . . By implementing the 3Com SuperStack(R) Router 400 between the wired network infrastructure and wireless LAN workgroups, and enabling MPPE [Microsoft Point to Point Encryption] on wireless workstations. . . . Wireless LAN users simply log-on to the wireless network just as they would during dial-up remote access. Authentication against the company's RADIUS [Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service] database in a matter of seconds [sic], the user's data is encrypted between the PC and the SuperStack II Router."
[2000/07/05]

Compaq Chooses ATI RAGE Mobility-M1(TM) For Presario 1700

July 5, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that ATI Technologies Inc. has announced that Compaq has chosen ATI's RAGE Mobility-M1(TM) graphics chips for Compaq's new Presario 1700 series laptop computers.
[2000/07/05]

Magellan S@tellite Modem Obtains Approvals

July 5, 2000, PR Newswire reports that ORBCOMM Global, L.P. has announced that Magellan Corporation has obtained ORBCOMM and US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Type Approval for its S@tellite Modem(TM) OEM board. Magellan plans to make the OEM board commercially available this month.
[2000/07/05]

SSEYO "Concept Phone" Demonstrates Advanced Interactive Audio On Wireless Phone Handset

July 5, 2000, PR Newswire reports that SSEYO has announced the SSEYO Phone which brings advanced interactive audio interfacing to a wireless telephone handset.

SSEYO (multimedia wireless phone handset) http://www.sseyo.com/

Tao Group (mobile network software) http://www.tao-group.com/
[2000/07/05]

Qualcomm Announces New Free Standing Email And Web Browsing Kit For Palm

June 29, 2000, Business Wire reports that Qualcomm Incorporated has announced "Eudora Internet Suite(TM) (EIS(TM)) 1.1 for the Palm OS." This includes free standing EMail and Web browsing software (which does not require proxy servers because EMail and Websites are directly accessed through the usual Internet protocols), as well as synchronization. Some features require a payment of $29.95 US to access.

Qualcomm Eudora Internet Suite(TM) http://www.eudora.com/internetsuite/
[2000/07/05]

In The News June 27 - July 1, 2000

Micrel Claims Low-Dropout Regulator has World's Lowest Quiescent Current

June 30, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Micrel Semiconductor has announced that its MIC5231 low-dropout (LDO) power regulator features "the world's lowest ground current (650nA)," is capable of driving a 10mA load and can support designs without a separate capacitor.

[There were a number of new product announcements made by Micrel which relate to the mobile industry. If you are interested in circuit level design, this is a good time to check out the website.]

Micrel Semiconductor http://www.micrel.com/
[2000/07/02]

Compaq Presario 1400 Aims At iBook

June 29, 2000, Walter S. Mossberg writes for The Wall Street Journal that the Compaq Presario 1400 is a "Windows" laptop computer with colour and styling cues competitive against the Apple iBook and has features such as an extra scroll controller (as well as a touch pad). Prices will start range from $1,499 - $2,249 US, with availability beginning in mid-July for internet orders and retail store availability (in base configuration) in late July.

Compaq Presario 1400, 566MHz Intel Celeron, 13" passive screen, CD-ROM, 6GB HD, 2 USB ports, $1,499 US.
[2000/07/02]

ON Semiconductor Claims Industry's First Sub 1V Precision Adjustable Shunt Regulator

June 28, 2000, PR Newswire reports that ON Semiconductor has announced that its NCP100 Sub 1V Precision Adjustable Shunt Regulator is the industry's first such device to provide output voltages as low as 0.9V.

ON Semiconductor NCP100 http://onsemi.com/pub/ncp100/
[2000/07/02]

Electronic Fuel Automates Cell Phone Battery Production

June 28, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Electronic Fuel Corporation has announced that it has begun the first automated production of cells for its ZincAir(TM) line of disposable batteries at its Bet Shemesh, Israel facility. Until now, production was manual.

Electric Fuel Corporation http://www.electric-fuel.com/
[2000/07/02]

New Casio Corporate Devices Not Officially In Canada

I spoke with Casio Canada's Dan Goldring about the new corporate WindowsCE devices announced by Casio (US and Japan -- IT-70, IT-700, EG-80 and EG-800) and the current decision of Casio Canada is that the products won't be officially carried at this time. Special orders might be placed for small quantities, but the product won't have an official SKU. If there is sufficient market, then Casio Canada could pick them up at some later date.
[2000/07/01]

In The News June 24 - 27, 2000

Palm Chooses Secure Digital Card

June 28, 2000, Associated Press reports in its article "Handhelds Flourish at Computer Show" that at PC Expo, Palm Inc. has said that it will use Secure Digital Cards as its expansion system in future products, noting that 4 different expansion card systems will be available on various Palm OS based products by TRG Pro, Sony, Handspring and Palm Inc.
[2000/06/28]

Nokia And RealNetworks To Bring RealPlayer To EPOC

June 28, 2000, Reuters reports that Nokia and RealNetworks have announced that they will develop and distribute RealNetworks Inc.'s RealPlayer for Nokia's EPOC based communicators and smart phones. The RealPlayer is expected to be ready next year.
[2000/06/28]

Palm Announces Mobile Internet Kit

June 27, 2000, Business Wire reports that Palm Inc. has announced its "Palm Mobile Internet Kit" software which connects Palm devices to the internet through cell phones and accesses "Web clipping" providers, WAP sites and EMail through ActualSoft MultiMail. Infrared connectivity is supported, but cables may need to be purchased separately if necessary. Price is $50 US.
[2000/06/28]

Casio Releases 4 Corporate Pocket PC Devices

June 27, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Casio, Inc. has released four new Pocket PC devices aimed at the Corporate market. These are the IT-70, IT-700, EG-80 and EG-800. They feature "splash-proof and shock-resistant cases" and optional "Multi Dimensional Space Rotation" (MDSR) encryption.
[2000/06/28]

Franklin eBookman(R) To Use Microsoft Reader Software

June 27, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Franklin Electronic Publishers, Inc. has announced its new "eBookman" series products. Priced at $129.95 US (8 Mbytes RAM), $179.95 US and $229.95 US (16 Mbytes RAM and backlight), all feature a 240 * 200 pixel LCD display and will use Microsoft Reader software. According to the article "Franklin is collaborating with Microsoft Corporation and other industry leading technology partners, including Audible, Inc. and Pumatech, Inc., to ensure that eBookman is the best-connected ebook device to the widest selection of content available."

Franklin http://www.franklin.com/
[2000/06/28]

EasiDock 5000 Universal Dock

June 27, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Mobility Electronics, Inc. has announced its latest EasiDock(R) 5000 universal laptop docking station which features 6 plug-and-play ports, 3 PCI expansion slots, 5 drive bays and costs $599.95 US.

Mobility Electronics, Inc. http://www.mobilityelectronics.com/

Easidock http://www.easidock.com/
[2000/06/28]

LCD's Face Short Term Oversupply

June 27, 2000, Canadian Corporate News reports that Stanford Resources, Inc. has released its 10th edition of its report called "Liquid Crystal Displays." According to Sweta Dash, the director of the research, "The worldwide value of LCD market will grow from $20 billion in 2000 to $41 billion in 2006, with more than 3 billion unit shipments." [Funds in US currency.] However, the report projects that there will be an oversupply for the first half of 2000 in TFT-LCD's with decreasing prices continuing through the second half of 2000 and possibly continuing into the first quarter of 2001, but tightening supply "later in 2001."

Stanford Resource, Inc. http://www.stanfordresources.com/ [2000/06/28]

Palm OS To Support Multiple Expansion Standards

June 27, 2000, Palm has announced that it will provide "enhanced support for multiple expansion standards" such as Secure Digital (SD) Card, Sony's MemoryStick(TM) storage technology, Compact Flash and Handspring's Springboard.

Palm Enhanced Expansion Support http://www.palm.com/pr/062700.html
[2000/06/27]

Geoworks and Cell-Loc Inc. To Provide Location Based Services

June 27, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Cell-Loc Inc. and Geoworks Corporation have announced that they will will provide a new location-based mobile service late this Fall based on Cell-Loc's location sensing technology.
[2000/06/28]

Sony Unveils Four New VAIO Laptops

June 26, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Sony Electronics has introduced four new VAIO(R) laptop computers using 750MHz processors.

PCG-XG29, PCG-XG29K, PCG-F590 and PCG-F590K.

Sony Electronics computers http://www.sony.com/pc/
[2000/06/28]

AMD Mobile CPUs Saves Battery Power

June 26, 2000, Business Wire reports that AMD has announced availability of 550MHz and 533MHz version of its Mobile AMD-K6(R)-2+ CPUs which feature "AMD PowerNow!(TM) technology. AMD claims the new power saving feature can extend battery life up to 30%. The processors are available now. Prices in quantities of 1,000 units are $99 US each for the 550MHz version and $85 US each for the 533MHz version.
[2000/06/28]

Rand McNally Announces GPS Receiver For Palm IIIc(TM) and Palm VII(TM)

June 26, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Rand McNally has announced a new version of its StreetFinder(R) GPS kit for the Palm IIIc(TM) and Palm VII(TM) handheld devices including a new GPS wireless receiver. The kit will be available Sept. 2000 for $199.00 US.

Rand McNally http://www.randmcnally.com/
[2000/06/28]

IBM To Use Transmeta

June 26, 2000, Reuters reports that IBM has said that it will offer Transmeta Corp.'s Crusoe chip in ThinkPad computers by the end of next year in order to increase power saving.
[2000/06/28]

Family Radio Service A Major Breakthrough?

[2000/05/30 Revised Slightly 2000/06/03 and 2000/06/27]

[For those of you who have read this, perhaps even twice before, I apologize, but the situation has changed significantly. I did not anticipate the strong marketing push and wide availability of product which has occurred in the last month, which changes my bottom line advice.]
[2000/06/27]

May 22, 2000, McLean's Magazine p. 40 writes that Family Radio Service (FRS) has arrived in Canada, lead by Motorola's TalkAbout series products. Radio Shack calls FRS "revolutionary". That's probably an overstatement but this is what it's about:
[2000/05/30]

FRS uses 14 frequencies in the 462 and 467 MHz bands in an analog narrow band FM format. On each frequency, a number of different "Code Tone Controlled Squelch System" (CTCSS) codes are recognized. For Motorola and Cobra, there are 38 CTCSS codes, but this may not be true for other products. These are commonly called "sub-channels". Transmission power is limited to 500 mW. with a generally estimated range of up to 3.2 km under ideal conditions. According to Radio Shack sales people, there is sufficient power to cover a fairly large shopping mall (Yorkdale S.C. was an informal test site).
[2000/06/03]

The CTCSS "subchannels" are a point of confusion. As far as actual communications are concerned, there are still only the 14 "real" channels. Here's an example:

Bob, Bill and Bonnie are at a Plaza using Channel 10 and Code 10. Ken and Karen arrive but don't know about Bob, Bill and Bonnie, and decided to use Channel 10 and Code 20. During the day, Bob calls Bill and Bonnie. Since the CTCSS codes are different, Ken and Karen aren't disturbed. But if Ken tries to call Karen while Bob, Bill or Bonnie is actually transmitting, then the results are unpredictable. Karen might not hear the call, or Ken's transmission might override Bob, Bill or Bonnie, either completely, or only to one recipient. If such a conflict occurs, hopefully, one of the two groups will understand what is happening and politely arrange to move to another frequency -- perhaps channel 12. But this problem should be limited to real physical territorial overlaps. Due to the short physical range of FRS, if Ken and Karen were at another shopping mall, even as near as 1/2 mile away, the distance could be enough to allow both groups to talk, even at the same time, with little or no interference. This is a characteristic of FM transmission. Hopefully, the range limit and large number of real channels, will prevent channel conficts between groups using different subchannels from becoming a huge problem.

But then again, the range itself poses another problem. Keeping in mind that the estimate is for "ideal conditions", one should realize, that there is a good chance that it would fail to cover, for example, Disneyland, or other large "theme parks" from one end to the other. Even if the linear distance is well within the 3.2 km range, the obstructions and radio frequency noise, and dying batteries, could reduce effective range to "hundreds of feet" at best. While the range should be considerably better than the 49Mhz amateur band (used for similar handheld radios some radio control and baby monitors), only testing will tell what works in a given situation.
[2000/05/30]

One practical use for FRS might be to cover the distance from home to a local play ground. The compact size of FRS would allow a child, old enough for some responsibility, to carry the unit during play (subject to the possibility of loss or breakage), and be reminded to come home for dinner. The main advantage of FRS is that the units are very small, particularly including the compact antennae, but do cover a distance that can be useful. The main drawback to this use is the cost, since current products aren't that cheap. Also, CTCSS tones and other specific features such as send confirmation and scrambling, may not interoperate betweens different brands or even different models within a brand.
[2000/06/03]

Current products range upward from about $69.99 Cdn. each for a Motorola Talkabout FR50 with full 14 channels but no CTCSS tones at "Bell World", to $199.99 for a Panasonic KXTR325 for $199.99 (at "The Telephone Booth" and Radio Shack) or a Motorola TA289 with NiMH rechargeable battery for $289.99 at Radio Shack. These can be compared to $59.99 Cdn. for a Radio Shack "TRC-512" 5 channel 49MHz band transeiver or a $49.99 for a Radio Shack "TRC-93" 3 channel 300mW "CB" transceiver. These latter two Radio Shack products are typically sold at substantially reduced prices at various times of the year. Initially, I did not expect that the FRS products would be further discounted in the near future. But now I'm not so sure this won't happen later this year. There are a large number of stores selling FRS radios -- enough that there could be an oversupply, leading to heavy discounting later in the summer. It is possible that FRS might become a short term social phenomenon, like CB radios were back around the '70s - '80s.
[2000/06/27]

Microsoft ".NET" Pay As You Go, Pay Forever?

June 22, 2000, Reuters reports that Microsoft Corp. unveiled its new corporate strategy called ".NET" wherein Microsoft software applications will become internet based services based on extensible markup language (XML). The most important aspect is that Microsoft expects to "increasingly offer software as subscription services."

[The unanswered question here is whether that means that what you "bought" will only work as long as you keep paying a subscription price. IE. Are you only "renting" a spreadsheet, so that you have to keep paying for it to keep it working, or are they simply saying that you can subscribe to upgrades? Saying that they are "services" implies the former -- paying what is effectively a rental fee, forever.]
[2000/06/28]

In The News June 20 - 24, 2000

TI Acquiring Alantro

June 23, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Texas Instruments Incorporated has agreed to acquire Alantro Communications, a privately held company which works in the IEEE 802.11 Wireless LAN field.
[2000/06/25]

In The News June 17 - 20, 2000

Psion IrModem To Support All Major PDA's

June 21, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that Psion Incorporated has announced that its Psion 56k Travel Modem is available for Windows CE, Palm and Handspring handheld devices. The infrared based modem is available immediately and has a list price of $129 US.

Psion Travel Modem http://www.psionusa.com/PersonalMobility/Communications/index.html
[2000/06/21]

Wi-LAN To Acquire Til-TEK

June 21, 2000, Business Wire reports that Wi-LAN Inc. has announced that it has agreed to purchase TIL-TEK Antennas Inc., which it "a leading manufacturer of antenna equipment, for its design-specific antenna patents, research programs, facilities, and impressive customer base."
[2000/06/21]

S3 To Use Dolby AAC For HQ Music

June 21, 2000, Business Wire reports that S3(R)'s Rio Division (TM) has announced that it will licence Dolby Laboratories Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) technology for its digital audio players, including the Rio 600. AAC has been standardized by the International Organization for Standards (ISO) is part of the MPEG specification. It provides improved audio quality compared to MPEG Layer-3 while requiring about 30% less storage and/or bandwidth.
[2000/06/21]

AMD Claims Industry Leading Performance For New Flash Memory

June 20, 2000, Business Wire reports that AMD has announced its 32 Megabit Am29BDS323 and 64 Megabit Am29BDS643 Flash memory devices. Technical features include "Simultaneous Read/Write", "high performance Burst mode", and "Super Low Voltage technology." According to AMD, the devices operate from 40MHz to 54MHz. Burst access times are 13.5ns for the Am29BDS643 and 20ns for the Am29BDS323. Read, program and erase functions use 1.8V. Power consumption is 0.2uA in "sleep mode". AMD guarantees 20 years of data retention and over 1 million write cycles per sector.
[2000/06/21]

IBM Announces 1 GB Microdrive

June 20, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that IBM has announced a 1 GB Microdrive which can fit in a Type II CompactFlash card and are usable in handheld computer devices. Limited OEM shipments will begin in July with retail shipments expected to begin in September.

IBM 1GB Microdrive http://www.ibm.com/storage/microdrive/
[2000/06/21]

Sipex Announces Chipsize Power Supply

June 20, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Sipex has introduced its SP6680 multi-capacitor switching regulated power supply in a 10-pin MSOP package. Input can be 2.7V - 6.6V and output is +5V at 60mA. Idle current is 5uA and the temperature range is -40 degrees C to +85 degrees C. The part is currently in stock, costing $1.07 in quantities of 10,000.

Sipex Corporation http://www.sipex.com/newproducts/
[2000/06/21]

Compaq Announces New Armada M700, M300 and E500 Series Portables

June 19, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Compaq Computer Corporation has announced new versions of its Armada M700, M300 and E500 series portable computers. Features include:

Armada M700 750MHz Intel Mobile Pentium III processor

Armada E500 Intel Mobile Celeron and Mobile Pentium processors

Armada M300 600MHz mobile Pentium III processor

All feature 4 Internet buttons.
[2000/06/21]

Gateway Solo 9300 Uses 750MHz Pentium(R) III

June 19, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Gateway has announced that its Solo 9300 portable computer is now available with a 750MHz Intel Pentium III CPU. Prices start at $3,699 US.
[2000/06/21]

Compaq Donates Aero Handheld PC's To Diabetes Centre

June 14, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that Compaq Canada Inc. has announced that it has donated Compaq Aero handheld computers and software to the Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre for Children & Youth. The devices will be used in an ongoing trial for data collection and retrieval for 20 patients.

[I had to think about whether I'd report this or not. On the one hand, I always like to see charitable donations, particularly in medical fields. However, recently, a question has arisen about the donation of computer software, it's valuation and tax benefits which I'll have to address someday. This donation seems to have a substantial hardware component, which, at the least, it makes it less of an issue. However, I'm going to have to come to a decision about reporting of charitable donations in the near future. All I can say right now is that such reporting may be "inconsistent" for a while.]
[2000/06/14]

[I have found out the the handhelds donated were Aero 2100 series devices.]
[2000/06/21]

Toshiba Canada Announces New Portables

June 19, 2000, Toshiba Canada has announced new portable computers:

The Satellite(tm) 2750DVD: Intel Celeron(tm) 550MHz processor, 32MB of memory and a 12.1-inch enhanced STN colour LCD display

Satellite(tm) 2230CDS: $2,269 Cdn.

Satellite(tm) 2250CDT: Celeron(tm) 600MHz processor $2,719 Cdn

Satellite 2750DVD: Pentium(r) III 600 MHz processor, $3,399 Cdn

Satellite Pro(tm) 4340: Intel Mobile Pentium III 650MHz processor, 64MB SDRAM, a powerful S3 Savage/IX(tm) 3D graphics accelerator, 16-bit Yamaha sound system, V.90 modem, 14.1-inch Active Matrix colour display, 6x DVD-ROM drive, list price $4,999 Cdn.

Tecra(tm) 8100: Mobile Pentium III 750MHz processor, 20 billion byte hard drive, with the option of an additional hard drive, 14.1" Active Matrix colour display, 6x DVD-ROM drive, list price starts at $7,049 Cdn.
[2000/06/21]

Linux On Handhelds: Here Today -- Compaq, And More To Come -- Helio

I have two announcements regarding Linux on handheld computers. First, Compaq has announced that it is supporting Linux on its iPaq handheld computer, and there is a version available right now.

Linux On Handhelds http://www.handhelds.org/

The second announcement is that I have received confirmation from Larry Stone of VTechInfo and there is an official effort to get Linux ported to the Helio. The following is the actual discussion:

"I have read that you were looking for programmers to port Linux to the Helio. Is that an official VTech effort or just a 'hobby project'?" [Jim Omura]
"It's an officialy Helio effort slash hobby project. Actually we are very serious about the project, but we realize that there are potential 'gotchas' that could prevent it from every being a viable consumer product. We are definately serious about Linux on the Helio." [Larry Stone]

[2000/06/19]

In The News June 13 - 17, 2000

VBS/Stages WORM Targets Outlook

June 17, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Computer Associates International, Inc. has announced that a new virus it is calling "VBS/Stages WORM" is a new Visual BASIC script based email Worm which uses the Windows Scrap file to copy its code and contaminates other machines using Microsoft Windows. It changes the title of the email in order to confuse the user and also copies itself directly to any local or remote (networked) drives. The current version does not do damage to the infected machine, but overloads EMail systems. Subject names for the infected email is changed randomly, and includes:

"Fw: Life Stages", "Fw: Funny", "Fw: Jokes", "Fw: Life Stages text", "Fw: Funny text", "Fw: Jokes text", "Life Stages", "Jokes", "Life Stages text", "Funny text", "Jokes text"
[2000/06/18]

ThinAirApps Uses RSA Security

June 16, 2000, PR Newswire reports that RSA Security Inc. has announced that ThinAirApps, LLC has licensed RSA BSAFE(R) SSL-J software for incorporation into its ThinAir Server platform, which can support Palm III and V with TCP/IP connectivity or OmniSky service, Palm VII, and Research in Motion used with GoAmerica service.
[2000/06/18]

Thumbdrive USB Storage

June 15, 2000, PR Newswire reports that ei Corporation has announced the availability of its new Thumbdrive USB storage system in sizes from 16MB to 128MB. Product will be available in July at prices starting at $69.95 US.

ei Corporation http://www.eiware.com/
[2000/06/18]

Motorola, Symbol And Connect Things Inc. Target Web Shopping

June 15, 2000, Reuters reports that Motorola, Inc., Symbol Technologies Inc. and Connect Things Inc. have announced that they will invest $500 million US into a new company which will combine scanning technology and Web shopping over mobile phones and other devices.
[2000/06/18]

WAP Forum WAP Site

June 15, 2000, PR Newswire reports that WAP Forum and i3 Mobile have announced that a WAP site for the WAP Forum (June 18 - 23) will be operated by i3 Mobile.

WAP Forum WAP Site Info http://www.i3mobile.com/wapforum.html
[2000/06/18]

Handspring Opens In Japan

June 14, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Handspring, Inc. has opened its Japanese headquarters and will begin selling a Japanese language version of its Visor(TM) product throughout Japan this month.

Handspring K.K. http://www.handspring.co.jp/
[2000/06/18]

Clearnet Blunders?

On Clearnet's June 2000 bills is the following notice:

"Text Messaging from the Web will be enabled for all phones on a pay-per-use basis on July 1st. A 10 cent per message charge applies. See www.clearnet.com"

What's wrong with this? Well, I tried the text messaging service when started a Clearnet service and found that it serious potential for inadvertent or deliberate problems for clients. A message sent to a Clearnet user can be any length. If a message is "oversize", it is broken into a series of short messages. Looking at my last 10 EMail messages, they are (rounded up to the nearest "KB") 7, 2, 8, 1, 8, 7, 1, 1, 7, 4, or about 4 - 5KB. Since each 1KB is probably going to be forwarded in about 4 "short messages", that means I could expect such messages to result in 16 short messages costing about $1.60. I haven't calculated it accurately yet, but I believe I get about 4 messages per day, for 30 days per month, or about 120 messages per month, which would cost me about 16 * 120 * $0.10 = $192 per month. I my EMail address got out in public by accident, I could lose quite a bit of money.

And that's not all. The broken up parts of an EMail message don't necessarily arrive in order, and are not marked in any way to identify the order in which they should be read. The results can be gibberish. So Clearnet has given me the opportunity to pay a fortune to read gibberish, which may be sent to me by anyone, including "spammers".

This is not a service I wanted at the current pricing. That includes the lack of monthly minimum charge. The $0.10 / message itself is far too high priced. Fido sends such messages for "free". I might consider a price of $0.01 / message appropriate, but not the current price.

The result of this is that I'm considering terminating my Clearnet service. I'm not sure whether I'll do it yet. I'll have to check the competition again to make a final decision.
[2000/06/16]

In The News June 10 - 13, 2000

WIDCOMM BlueCard PCMCIA Bluetooth

June 14, 2000, WIDCOMM Inc. has announced the availability of its BlueCard which is a PCMCIA Bluetooth adapter. It comes with Windows 95, 98, NT and 2000 support software, and will be shown at the Bluetooth Congress, June 13 - 16, in Monte Carlo. [Price was not announced.]

WIDCOMM Inc. http://www.widcomm.com/
[2000/06/14]

PSC Announces Bar Code Scanner For Handspring(TM) Visor(TM)

June 14, 2000, Business Wire reports that PSC Inc. has announced that it has begun worldwide shipping of its "Momentum(TM) Bar Code Scanner" Springboard(TM) module for the Handspring(TM) Visor(TM). The module comes with built in Flash memory (256KB up to 4MB) and its own internal rechargeable battery. [Price was not announced.]

PSC Inc. http://www.pscnet.com/
[2000/06/14]

Samsung To Use Windows CE In Smart Phone

June 14, 2000, Associated Press reports that Microsoft Corp. and Samsung will work together on Samsung's new smart phones and that Samsung will use "derivatives" of Windows CE and Internet Explorer Web browser. According to Microsoft the first phones from this alliance are expected "in the second half of the year."
[2000/06/14]

Schlumberger Announces CDMA SIM Card

June 13, 2000, Business Wire reports that Schlumberger has announced its new Java based Simera Airflex Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) smart card which will work with CDMA accounts, giving CDMA users international roaming capabilities similar to those of GSM users.

Schlumberger Smart Cards http://www.slb.com/smartcards/
[2000/06/14]

IBM To Sell Linux Laptops

June 11, 2000, Associated Press reports that International Business Machine Corp. was expected to announced the availability of Linux based laptop computers. The version of Linux chosen was Caldera Systems Inc.'s OpenLinux 2.4.

[I asked my contact at IBM Canada about this today and have confirmed that IBM Canada will be selling Linux laptops in English. The two models in Canada will be a version of A20M and a version of T20. These will be available in late July. I didn't ask about pricing at this time.]
[2000/06/14]

In The News June 6 - 10, 2000

IBM Choses Lucent OriNOCO Wireless Networking

June 9, 2000, Business Wire reports that IBM has announced that it has selected Lucent Technologies' ORiNOCO(TM) 802.11b based wireless networking technology for its ThinkPad(R) portable computers. An enterprise access point costs $999 US and each laptop will need a Wireless LAN PC Card costing $179 US.
[2000/06/11]

HP Announces Mobile ProtectTools 2000

June 9, 2000, Business Wire reports that Hewlett-Packard Company has announced the availability of its HP Mobile ProtectTools 2000 Smart Card security kit which will bring smart card security to HP OmniBook users running Windows 2000.
[2000/06/11]

France Faces Headache From Bluetooth

June 9, 2000, Associated Press Reports that France faces a series problem for Bluetooth users. The 2.4 GHz frequency band is currently being controlled by the French military and is already filled with channels for telephones, radar, home security systems, rail car tracking. The cost for the French army to change is estimated by France's national frequency agency to be "hundreds of millions of dollars".
[2000/6/11]

Sony "PS One" Portable Playstation To Have TFT Screen

June 8, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that Sony Corp.'s new portable Playstation will be available in Canada in Sept. 2000 and will offer a cellular telephon networking capability. The Japanese version will debut in Japan on July 7, 2000 priced at about 15,000 Yen, and will feature a 4" TFT LCD screen.

[NOTE: This is NOT the handheld device that has been described previously but a portable version of the classic Playstation, including a 2X CD-ROM drive.]
[2000/06/11]

ChefTec Runs Restaurant With Palm

June 7, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Culinary Software Service, Inc. will show its "ChefTec PDA" system at HITEC 2000, June 20 - 22. The system is based on 2 modules (Physical Inventory Taking" and "Ordering", which upload data to desktop ChefTec Software. The software runs on Palm IIIe, Palm IIIxe and Palm IIIc.

Culinary Software Services, Inc. http://www.culinarysoftware.com/
[2000/06/11]

Nat Semi And Samsung Develop Thinner, Lighter Flat Panel Displays

June 5, 2000, Business Wire reports that National Semiconductor Corporation and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. have announced that they have developed a new series of thinner, lighter, better performing LCD flat panel displays. The companies claim "substantial power savings" and "significantly reduced EMI- radiation (Electro-Magnetic Interference)".

Samsung Electronics http://www.samsungsemi.com/

National Semiconductor http://www.national.com/appinfo/fpd/
[2000/06/11]

TRG Xtra Xtra Pro Card

TRG Products Inc. has two expansion cards for the Palm IIIx. The "Xtra Xtra" card expands RAM to the full 8MB, bringing it up to the hardware spec of the new Palm IIIex. The Xtra Xtra Pro card also expands RAM to the full 8MB, but also expands Flash memory to the full 4MB (from the standard 2MB). It also includes software to move program files (not data files) to Flash memory.

Looking back at the past year, y use of my Palm IIIx has settled into pattern that fitted well within the standard 4MB RAM. In fact, I was using about 2.5MB., of which about 1.3MB was used by AvantGo. But looking ahead, I anticipate some significantly heavier memory needs. I decided to buy the full "Xtra Xtra Pro" board. That way, I'll be able to move some 3rd party software into Flash and have the largest possible standard memory.

I ordered the Xtra Xtra Pro board on May 25, 2000. The US price with UPS "Expedited" delivery was $169.90 which was converted to $260.39 Cdn. UPS charged an extra $15.82 for brokering services (probably for payment of Provincial sales tax) bringing it to a total of $276.21. A typical price for a Palm IIIxe right now is $379.99 Cdn. (Radio Shack, Toronto), plus 15% local taxes ($57), or around $436.99 Cdn. Delivery time, including customs, was about 2 weeks.

Since the software is for PalmOS 3.1 (with a free upgrade to the PalmOS 3.3 software online), but not PalmOS 3.5, I decided not to use it yet. I'll wait for 3.5.x to be released for the Palm IIIx and whatever Flash software comes out to suppport it. But so far, with my PalmOS 3.3 software, the main RAM has worked without problems. Reloading the "last state" of my backups was no different from previous restoring operations.

Battery drain has been reported to increase with the Xtra Xtra Pro board. I won't have figures on that for a while. Apparently, some companies are still doing RAM chip upgrades for Palm IIIx which, at the least, should not significantly increase power usage (and has been advertised as increasing battery life compared to original RAM). The increased weight of the board is also negligible.

The result is that I now have a Palm IIIx with an essentially fresh screen (because I protected it with a WriteRight and the flip cover), but a slightly worn plastic case and pen, but with the full 8 + 4 MB of memory, exceeding the Palm IIIxe, but with PalmOS 3.3 software. As I write this, "Info" shows that I have 5,549KB free RAM space of 8,064KB total RAM space. If or when PalmOS 3.5.x is released for the Palm IIIx (and I expect it will be fairly soon), this will probably be the "final state" configuration I'll use, and I expect to use it for at least the next six months.
[2000/06/11]

In The News June 3 - 6, 2000

Xerox v. Palm Law Suit Dismissed

June 7, 2000, Associated Press reports that the law suit brought by Xerox Corp. against 3Com Corp. in the US, claiming patent infringment based on Xerox "Unistroke" software has been dismissed by a federal judge. According to Christa Carone of Xerox, the company is reviewing the decision to decide whether to appeal.
[2000/06/07]

Applied Data Systems Portrait Mode Windows CE

June 7, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Applied Data Systems (ADS) has introduced a Windows CE "portrait-mode" driver for the Graphics Client Plus" single board computer. This system is based on a 206MHz StrongARM. ADS also supports Linux, OS-9 and VxWorks.

Applied Data Systems http://www.aaplieddata.net/
[2000/06/07]

Bell Labs Release Open-Source Plan 9 Operating System

June 7, 2000, Business Wire reports that Lucent Technologies' Bell Labs has made its 3rd release of its Plan 9(TM) operating system available under an "open-source" agreement. The central themes of the OS are:

"-- making communications the central function of the computing system
-- naming and accessing all system resources as if they were files
-- allowing multiple views of teh distributed system to be defined as "name spaces," private hierarchies of named resources that are visible and accessible to a particular user, device, or process"

Bell Labs Plan 9 OS Distribution http://plan9.bell-labs.com/plan9dist/
[2000/06/07]

Philips Semiconductor Announces Single Chip DSP for Multimedia

June 7, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Philips Semiconductors has introduced its SAA8116 single-chip Digital Signal Processor (DSP) for photographics and multimedia applications. On chip functions include video signal processing, video compression, audio encoding and Universal Serial Bus (USB) 1.1.
[2000/06/07]

Motorola Selects PacketVideo For iDEN Multimedia

June 6, 2000, Business Wire reports that Motorola, Inc. has and PacketVideo Corp. have announced an agreement to bring PacketVideo's MPEG-4 multimedia support to the iDEN wireless network.

Packet Video http://www.packetvideo.com/
[2000/06/07]

Timofonica Virus Targets Mobile Devices

June 6, 2000, Associated Press reports that according to "F-Secure", a new virus called "Timofonica" targets handheld devices. The virus is spread on regular computers as an e-mail attachment which is resent to every e-mail address in the recipient's address book. The virus is unique because it also sends a text message to a randomly selected cell phone on the Telefonica network each time it is spread. It does not actually infect the phone itself, but is a nuisance for the cell phone users who receive the messages.
[2000/06/07]

Palm Acquires Actual Software Corporation

June 6, 2000, Business Wire reports that Palm, Inc. has announced that it has agreed to acquire Actual Software Corporation for its MultiMail(R) line of E-mail products.

Actual Software Corporation http://www.actualsoft.com/
[2000/06/07]

IBM Announces Redesigned ThinkPad iSeries

June 5, 2000, Reuters reports that International Business Machine Corp. (IBM) has announced its redesigned ThinkPad iSeries laptop computer series. The new versions feature two USB ports and prices as low as $1,199 US.
[2000/06/07]

In The News May 30 - June 3, 2000

TELUS Mobility Announces Veev

June 2, 2000 PR Newswire reports that TELUS Mobility and the Bank of Montreal have announced wireless banking services through data compatible digital phones in British Columbia and Alberta, using Bank of Montreal's Veev services. Included services include bank account balances and details, stock trades through BMO InvestorLine Direct Investing, transfers between accounts, bill payments, tracking BoM Mastercard transactions and payments, tracking investment portfolios, requesting stock, mutual fund and index quotes, create and receive stock alerts, news stories from CP and Reuters, and more. Veev uses TELUS Mobilities i-Web(TM) Microbrowser service.
[2000/06/04]

Hewlett-Packard Offers Refund For Jornada Pocket PC's

June 1, 2000, Associated Press reports that Hewlett-Packard Co. will offer a full refund for some of its latest Jornada Pocket PC computers, such as the Jornada 545 because HP's advertising claimed a display capability of about 65,000 colours but its real capability was only around 4,000 colours. After investigating, HP found that the same limitation applied to its older Jornada 420 and 430 series handheld computers.
[2000/06/04]

Fujitsu Announce 0.11 Micron ASIC Process

May 31, 2000, Business Wire reports that Fujitsu Microelectronics, Inc. has announced that it is introducing its new 0.11 micron gate length (0.11umLgate) ASIC process (0.07 micron Leff) which will be available in q3 2001. It features "shallow trench isolation", "chemical-mechanical polishing", CoSi2 in transistor and source/drain, all-layer copper- interconnect, using 5 - 8 levels of metal and low-k (k<=2.6) dialectric techniques. [I don't understand all of the issues in these claims but I think I've picked the most significant points. If not, I apologize.]
[2000/06/04]

In The News May 27 - 30, 2000

Palm Acquires AnyDay.com

May 31, 2000, Business Wire reports that Palm, Inc. has announced that it has agreed to purchase AnyDay.com, an Internet-based calendar company.

AnyDay.com http://www.AnyDay.com/
[2000/05/31]

HP Uses ATI Rage Mobility in OmniBook 6000

May 31, 2000, ATI Technologies Inc. announced that Hewlett-Packard has selected its RAGE Mobility-M1(TM) and RAGE Mobility-M(TM) graphics chipsets for HP's OmniBook 6000 portable computers.
[2000/05/31]

Nuance Claims Breakthrough Voice Recognition

May 30, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Nuance has announced its new version Nuance 7.0 "enterprise and carrier-class" speech recognition and natural language understanding server software claiming "breakthrough wireless and hands-free recognition accuracy" and support for 15 languages, and tight integration with its Nuance Verifier 2.0 voice authentication software also announced on May 30, 2000.
[2000/05/31]

Palm HotSync Server Ready

May 30, 2000, Business Wire reports that Palm, Inc. has announced that its Windows NT server based HotSync(R) Server and a Microsoft Exchange Conduit have completed beta testing and are now shipping.
[2000/05/30]

PointBase And Microware Target Mobile Wireless Data

May 30, 2000, PR Newswire reports that PointBase, Inc. has announced that it is working with Microware Systems Corporation to target the Mobile Wireless Data market with its Java based applications on OS-9(R) RTOS for cellular phones and smart handheld devices.

http://www.pointbase.com/
[2000/05/30]

DRAM Prices To Climb

May 30, 2000, Reuters reports that according to Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette, DRAM prices are expected to rise over the coming two quarters from current prices of around $6.00 US (Micron 64Mb) up to around $8.50 US by November.
[2000/05/30]

Clearnet To Use Lucent Base Stations For CDMA2000

May 30, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that Clearnet Communications Inc. has announced that it will use Lcent Technologies' Flexent(TM) CDMA Modular Cell base stations in order to upgrade to CDMA2000 3rd generation PCS services.
[2000/05/30]

3Com Licenses Palm Technology

May 30, 2000, Business Wire reports that 3Com Corporation and Palm, Inc. have announced that 3Com has licensed PalmOS technologies for its coming Internet appliance line.
[2000/05/30]

TELUS Mobility Working With Nortel On CDMA2000

May 30, 2000, PR Newswire reports that TELUS Mobility and Nortel Networks plan to work together to test CDMA2000 services.
[2000/05/30]

Calligrapher On My 5mx?

I just bought Calligrapher for the Psion Series 5, which is the version used on the Series 5mx. Unfortunately, I have installed PsiWin on my Windows 98 "test bed" computer, and that computer has gone flakey and won't boot Windows 98. In fact, it won't boot MS-DOS off a floppy either. It appears that the motherboard is gone bad. But the main loss is that I seem to be stuck with Calligrapher, which I can't load on my Psion. So why don't I just load PsiWin on my main Win 95 laptop? Well, I don't like the fact that PsiWin grabs the serial port when the computer is booted. There does not appear to be a way to shut this off. Since the laptop only has 1 serial port, which I use mainly for modem connection to the Internet, and daily for Palm synching (much more often than I'd ever use PsiWin) this is impractical. I think that eventually I might re-assign my current Linux box to Win 98 after I build my next Linux box. But this is going to take a while. With luck I might just find a way around this dilemma. We'll see.
[2000/05/30]

Having read the installation instructions in the manual, I looked at the distribution floppy today and found the single large .SIS file. The .SIS file is a package that is loaded by the usual EPOC control panel "Add/Remove" installer utility. So I copied that file to my CompactFlash and it installed without problems. I also found an updated on Atelier's website which includes some bug fixes. I don't know what bugs were fixed, but I installed the updater, bringing it up to version 1.1. Since all my programs are loaded to the C: (internal) RAM disk, I checked my usage and found that, along with other programs, I'd used up about 8 of my 16MB of memory overall. Since my data files are all on the CompactFlash, this is going to be acceptable. Since future versions of EPOC will have to become more complex and larger, particularly if vector fonts become supported, there's no doubt that future versions of the Series 5 should have more RAM (and more ROM), but I find the current Series 5mx well scaled to its capabilities.

Atelier (Psion software) http://www.atelier.tm/
[2000/05/31]

Wireless 2000 Greetings!

To all who are attending Wireless 2000 in Toronto this tomorrow (it has been going since the 29th) welcome! Unfortunately, due to family illness I won't be attending this year. I hope you all have an enjoyable and valuable experience!
[2000/05/30]

In The News May 23 - 27, 2000

FBI Chasing "Killer Resume" Virus

May 27, 2000, Associated Press reports that the US FBI is investigating the latest Microsoft Outlook virus which is being called "Killer Resume". This virus appears to be a woman's work resume named either "Explorer.Doc" or "Resume.doc". The subject line is "Resume - Janet Simons". The FBI recommends that if you receive the message, you should deactivate the "executive summary" feature in Outlook and then delete the e-mail without opening it. "The executive summary feature will select, and essentially open, an e-mail file even as the user scrolls a list of incoming messages."

[A separate release distributed by Business Wire, May 27, 2000, from F-Secure Corporation calls this virus the "Melissa.BG" virus and claims that F-Secure's anti-virus software protects against it. Likewise, another separate release distributed by Business Wire, dated May 26, 2000, from Symantec identifies the virus as "W97M.Melissa.BG" or "W97.Resume.A" and says that the attachment is called "RESUME1.DOC. According to Symantec the virus copies itself to "C:\Data\Normal.dot" and "C:\WINDOWS\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp\Explorer.doc". Symantec's Norton AV can be upgraded to cover this virus. The virus is destructive and upon closing the document, it will attempt to delete certain data and system level program files.]

US FBI National Infrastructure Protection Center http://www.nipc.gov/
[2000/05/28]

4thpass KBrowser Available For Palm VII

May 26, 2000, Business Wire reports that 4thpass has announced that its "KBrowser" WAP-compliant microbrowser is now available for the Palm VII. 4thpass claims that the KBrowser is the fastest WAP browser on the Palm platform.
[2000/05/28]

Microsoft To Increase "Services" With Mobile

May 26, 2000, Associated Press reports that Microsoft Corp. has postponed the unveiling of a new software strategy, ostensibly because its current antitrust ruling "would distract from the company's strategy announcement." According to AP, the announcement will "make Microsoft's popular software accessible through the Internet to cell phones, set-top boxes and handheld computers."
[2000/05/28]

Battery Recycling Programs Expanded

May 25, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation of Canada (RBRC), a non-profit organization is expanding its Ni-Cad recycling programs in Canada. Companies participating include Astral Photo Images, Authorized Motorola Dealers, Battery Plus, Black's Photography, Canadian Tire, Future Shop, Home Hardware, London Drugs, Makita Factory Service Centers, Personal Edge/Centre du Rasoir, RadioShack and Zellers. RBRC also plans to expand recycling to include Ni-MH, Li-Ion and small sealed lead batteries.

Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation of Canada http://www.rbrc.orb/
[2000/05/28]

In The News May 20 - 23, 2000

Parts Shortages Hit Mobile

May 24, 2000, Eric Auchard wrotes for Reuters that substantial parts shortages are affecting the whole digital electronics field but many comments point to mobile products. Products mentioned as having shortages include: Palm, Nintendo, Motorola Inc. (StarTAC cellphones), Dell Computer Corp. (notebook computers). Cell phones are singled out as "an enormous monster sucking up capacity," (per Michael Zimm of CIBC World Markets).

Delays mentioned: Nintendo Gameboy Advanced (5-6 months) due to shortages of LCD displays and other circuitry by Sharp Corp., Palm (due to competition for parts such as LCD screens and memory against cellphone makers). HP, Compaq, Casio and Sharp may also be short of displays and memory components. Shortages are now projected stretching into 2001.
[2000/05/25]

Compaq Cuts Prices On Some Notebook 100 Computers

May 23, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Compaq Computer Corporation has announced reductions on some version of its Notebook 1000 series laptop computers.
[2000/05/25]

Xybernaut(R) Announces New Models

May 16, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Xybernaut Corporation has announced new versions of its Mobile Assistant(R) IV wearable computer.

MA IV -- Model TC has faster CPU, new I/O adapter

MA IV -- Model TCS has a faster CPU, new I/O adapter, and 1" slimmer design

The New models will be available Sept. 2000.

http://www.xybernaut.com/
[2000/05/25]

In The News May 16 - 20, 2000

Motorola Announces Talkabout T900 Personal Interactive Communicator

May 22, 2000, Business Wire reports that Motorola has announced that its new Talkabout(TM) T900 personal interactive communicator (PIC). Based on Motorola's ReFLEX(TM) protocol the T900 features a full QWERTY keyboard making it able to send and receive text messages and Internet e-mail and World Wide Web information. It also features contact information for 250 entries, Optimax(R) EL backlighting, 128KBytes message storage memory and measures 3.19" * 2.15" * 0.90". It is expected to be available to consumers in June 2000 at a suggested price of $200 US. [In a separate article on May 22, 2000, Associate Press notes that the screen can display 4 lines of text containing 80 characters.]
[2000/05/22]

Compaq Announces Low Cost Presario 1200 XL-450

May 18, 2000, Reuters reports that Compaq Computer Corp. has announced that its new low cost Presario 1200 XL-450 laptop computer is available immediately for at prices starting as low as $999 US. The Presario 1200 series is currently powered by a 450MHz "AMD K62" [sic].
[2000/05/22]

Clearnet Announces Partners For Wireless Internet Services

May 18, 2000, May 18, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that Clearnet Communications has announced various partners with whom Clearnet is working with to develop infrastructure and content for wireless Internet Web access for Clearnet PCS and The Mike Network, to be launched this summer. The following have been named:

Phone.com, Inc. http://www.phone.com/

Classwave Wireless Inc. http://www.classwave.com/

i3 Mobile http://wwwi3mobile.com/

Infowave Software http://www.infowave com/

Canada.com http://www.canada.com/

Canoe http://www.canoe.com/

Digital Bridges http://www.digitalbridges.com

HMV.com http://www.hmv.com/

National Post Online http://www.nationalpost.com/
[2000/05/22]

Diversinet Joins Open Group's Mobile Management Forum

May 18, 2000, Canadian Corporate News reports that Diversinet has announced that it has joined the Open Group's Mobile Management Forum as a co-founder. Other members include IBM, Compaq, HP, Motorola and Sun Microsystems.
[2000/05/22]

Farallon Announces SkyLINE 11Mb Wireless PC Card

May 16, 2000, Business Wire reports that Farallon Communications, Inc. has announced its SkyLINE(TM) 11Mb Wireless PC Card for portable computers (including Macintosh PowerBook and Windows laptops). Based on IEEE 802.11b Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum, it will interoperate with 802.11 DSSS systems. The SkyLINE 11Mb Wireless PC Card is now available at $199.00.

Farallon Communications, Inc. http://www.farallon.com/products/
[2000/05/22]

In The News May 12 - 16, 2000

Intel And Mitsubishi To Co-Develop Cell Phone Chipset

May 16, 2000, Reuters reports that Intel Corp. and Mitsubishi Electric Corp. will announce a deal to jointly develop a chipset for third generation cell phones. Work on the chipset has already begun.

Mitsubishi Electric Corp. [cell phone chipset] http://www.mitsubishielectric.com/
[2000/05/17]

New RaveMP 2200 By Sensory Science

May 16, 2000 PR Newswire reports that Sensory Science Corporation has announced that it has commenced shipping its new RaveMP 2200 portable digital media player. It includes USB connectivity, FM radio, built-in voice recorder and SmartMedia expansion, priced at $279 US with 32MB RAM.

http://www.sensoryscience.com/
[2000/05/17]

Gateway To Ship MGI Video Software With Solo 9300 CX

May 12, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that MGI Software has announced that Gateway Computer Corporation has licensed MGI's VideoWave software and will ship it in Gateway's Solo 9300 CX portable computer starting immediately.
[2000/05/17]

In The News May 9 - 12, 2000

Gateway Announces Solo 3300 Ultra Portable

May 15, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Gateway, Inc. has announced its new Solo 3300 ultra-light portable which weighs about 3.65 lbs. Featuring a 12.1" screen, 500MHz Intel Pentium III, 64MB RAM and a 6GB HD (12MB optional) the Solo 3300 is available immediately at prices starting at $2,199 US.
[2000/05/15]

Microsoft Browser Leaks Cookies?

May 15, 2000, Reuters reports that Microsoft Corp. has acknowledged that a flaw in "the two most recent versions of Microsoft's Web browser" can allow hackers to "steal cookies." According to Microsoft's Steve Culp, "It's definitely a vulnerability" and the company has vowed to repair it.
[2000/05/15]

QuickLink Fax 2000 Allows Send And Receive FAXes Through Laptop To Cellular Phones

May 15, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Smith Micro Software, Inc. has announced that its new QuickLink Fax 2000 software will allow computer users to send and receive FAXes through cellular phones.
[2000/05/15]

Taiwan Semiconductor Announces 0.35-Micron CMOS Image Sensor

May 15, 2000, Canadian Corporate News reports that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company has announced it has developed 0.35-Micron CMOS image sensor technology enabling "system on a chip". TSMC claims to be producing over 5,000 6" wafers per month.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company http://www.tsmc.com/
[2000/05/15]

Lernout & Hauspie Develop Nak Voice Interface

May 14, 2000, Gilles Castonguay writes for Reuters that Lernout & Hauspie Speech Products NV plans to introduce its new consumer Internet voice interface system before Christmas this year. Called the "Nak" (from "nakulo", Hawaiian for "echo"), it runs on the Intel StrongARM processor on systems including Linux and Microsoft Corp.'s Windows, but is targetted for the Digital PCS market.
[2000/05/15]

Fido Offers New Talk Time Option And Packages

May 11, 2000, Microcell Solutions Inc. (FIDO) has announced three new pricing options and two new service packages:

Unlimited Evenings And Weekends

- covers every night, 20:00 - 8:00 and all through the weekend.

Canada/U.S. Long Distance

- $15/month, covers up to 200 min of long-distance calls within Canada and the US (as low as $0.075/min.) calculated by the second, with $0.10/min for use beyond the 200 min. (also calculated by the second).

International Long Distance

$5/month allows long distance calls via Fido for up to 50% less than "the new rates negotiated by the Company."

$70 for 700 minutes

(A new plan designed for business people.)

$200 for 2,000 minutes

(Another new plan designed for business people.) Time used in excess of the plan will be charged $0.10/min.
[2000/05/15]

ATI RAGE Mobility(TM) Used in Compaq Presario 1800 Series

May, 11, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that ATI Technologies Inc. has announced that its RAGE Mobility(TM) graphics chipset has been used in Compaq's new Presario 1800 Series laptop computers.
[2000/05/15]

Microforum Acquires Proprietary Wireless XML Technology

May 11, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that Microforum Inc. has announced that it has acquired certain assets from "flashCast Communications Corp." including CEPort(TM) which is a proprietary XML-based mobile content technology which allows web content to be made available to "multiple devices including palm PC's, web TV boxes and wireless equipment such as web-enabled phones and hand-held devices."

http://www.flashcast.com/
[2000/05/15]

MobilePlanet To Sell Infowave Products

May 9, 2000, Canada Newswire reports that Infowave Software, Inc. has announced that MobilePlanet is now a reseller of Infowave products. "Infowave's software provides fast wireless access to the Internet, corporate Intranets, web-based applications and email for mobile workers. . . . Infowave's customers can choose from a spectrum of mobile devices including phones, pagers, handheld computers and laptops."
[2000/05/15]

No News Updates Today

Due to circumstances beyond my control I did not have time to complete my usual news updates this weekend. I hope to complete the work soon. Meanwhile, I did a minor update of the "links" page, which confirmed or eliminated links prior to 1998, and made some other minor corrections, making it a bit more useful overall.

links01.html
[2000/05/14]

Microsoft Windows CE Website Reorganized [Was: Disappearance of Microsoft Support For Windows CE]

I finally bought the Windows 2.11 Pro upgrade for the Compaq C-Series 2010c on May 9, 2000, and after a minor problem got the unit working. The main difficulty I encountered was calibrating the touch screen. I failed many times, and removed the batteries and memory a number of times. I also applied "Soft Paq 10559". Apparently though, the problem was probably that I wasn't holding the pen to the screen long enough for the calibration routine to complete the first mark. I'm not sure how long it took. I simply decided to hold it on the mark "till the battery runs down." It didn't take that long, but it definitely took longer than I'd normally expect such a calibration to take. After the first "mark" the rest was quicker -- about as fast as I expected.

I wrote previously:

"But having completed the upgrade, I decided to download the 128-bit encryption extension so I could use it on financial websites. Going to Microsoft's Website, I found that not only has the site changed to almost completely eliminate "Windows CE", but all the old download programs seem to be gone. This is very disturbing because these devices are probably still working and being sold on the "Used" market -- which is important for the first owners because it is the only way to recoupe some value for these devices if they decide to move on. Moreover, all the old Windows CE software that Microsoft had was little more than a drop in the bucket compared to the size of their Website, so the cost saving is almost immeasurably small. I have left a message on the Compaq support website asking them for advice regarding the 128-bit encryption software. I hope to get an answer soon. But if Microsoft is truly "shutting down" support for all but the small handful of "currently products" (by definition, only a couple of products for the time being since roughly half of them are not yet available -- hence not yet "products" at all), one has to wonder about their commitment to any of their current or near future products. Hopefully this is a temporary situation caused by a reorganization of their Website. It will be worth watching."

As it turns out, the site was simply reorganized, though I so far I have been able to download some of the older Windows CE Pro programs, but not the 128-bit encryption extension. I sent EMail to Microsoft and they tested their site and replied that they could not replicate the problem (which was that when I hit the "Download Now!" button, the export licence information was displayed, but the file itself was not sent). I expect there is something odd in my settings, so I'll check my setup and try to download it again later.

The new websites for "The Operating System That Was Formerly Known As Windows CE" are:

Microsoft Windows for Pocket PC http://www.pocketpc.com/

Microsoft Windows Mobile Devices [Including older Windows CE downloads] http://www.microsoft.com/mobile/

Windows CE and Windows NT Embedded http://www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/
[2000/05/10] [revised] [2000/05/14]

In The News May 6 - 9, 2000

Toshiba Enters Pocket Device HD Field

May 10, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Toshiba America Electronics Components (TAEC) has announced that it has introduced its first 1.8" HDD. The MK2001MPL drive has a 2GB capacity and comes in an ATA compliant Type II PC Card package.

Toshiba also announced its MK2016GAP 20GB, MK1016GAP 10GB and MK6015MAP 6GB HDs. All are 2.5" 9.5mm high drives. The 10 and 20 GB drives feature 17.6Gbits per Sq. In. which Toshiba claims is the highest on the market.

http://www.sdd.toshiba.com/
[2000/05/10]

Motorola Announces Breakthrough Magnetic RAM

May 10, 2000, Business Wire reports that Motorola Labs and Motorola's DigitalDNA Laboratories have announced the development of a 3-volt nonvolatile Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory (MRAM) with address access times of less than 15 nanoseconds, and virtually "unlimited endurance" (latency). It is expected that this memory could supplant Flash memory, DRAM and "all but the fastest SRAM."
[2000/05/10]

Fido To Have Wireless Internet In Fall

May 10, 2000, Reuters reports that Microcell Telecommunications Inc. has announced that it will invest $50 - $500 million (Cdn.) in a new subsidiary called Microcell i5 Inc., and that will develop and provide wireless internet services. Microcell also announced that Fido users will begin to have customizable Internet portal services in the Fall.
[2000/05/10]

Telxon Announces PTC-2000 Windows CE Palm-Sized Computer

May 8, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Telxon Corporation has announced its PTC-2000 palm-sized computer which features a Type II PC Card slot and numerical keypad with Windows CE software.

http://www.telxon.com/
[2000/05/10]

In The News May 2 - 6, 2000

"ILOVEYOU" Virus

May 7, 2000, Associated Press reports that the FBI is still investigating the source of the "ILOVEYOU" Virus, looking at EMail records in the Philippenes. [This is a virus I'm not going to cover in detail since it has been covered widely in the traditional media.]
[2000/05/07]

Neomar WAP Browsers Coming To RIM And Palm

May 6, 2000, according to Rsponsive Database Services, Antony Bruno reported for RCR Radio Communicationson May 1, 2000, that Neomar Inc.'s WAP microbrowser will be offered by Motient included with its eLink (RIM 850) and downloadable for RIM 850 devices in current use, and RIM has agreed it include the microbrowser in devices operating on the BellSouth network. WAP on Blackberry is in closed testing. Palm Inc. is also in closed beta testing and expects to use the Neomar microbrowser on Palm III, V and VII devices in July. Neomar also provides gateway services.
[2000/05/07]

Microcell And RIM Announce Join GPRS Wireless Data Trials

May 4, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that Microcell Connexions Inc. and Research In Motion Limited have announced their intention to proceed with joint trials of high-speed mobile data services based on General Packet Ratio Services (GPRS). Live technical trials will be conducted this year.

Aladdin Systems GoBar Makes Palm "Windows-like"

May 3, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Aladdin Systems, Inc. has announced that it is shipping "GoBar(TM)" 2.2 for Palm OS(TM). The program, which was from DiGivello impliments a Windows-like interface on Palm handheld computers. It is available for $14.00 US.

Aladdin Systems, Inc. http://www.aladdinsys.com/
[2000/05/07]

WRQ Elected To Portable Computer And Communications Association Board

May 2, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that the Portable Computer and Communications Association (PCCA) has announced that WRQ Inc. has been elected to its board of directors and Emil Sturniolo will be the representative on the board. According to the announcement, the PCCA is "a nonprofit organization formed to provide a forum for all companies and individuals interested in interoperable mobile computing and communications. . . ."

Portable Computer and Communcations Associations http://www.pcca.org/

http://www.wrq.com/
[2000/05/07]

In The News Apr. 29 - May 2, 2000

Sony Announces Vaio F520

May 2, 2000, Business Wire reports that Sony Electronics has announced its latest F series laptop computer called the Vaio(R) PCG-F520. Featuring a 500MHz Pentium(R) III and Digital Video editing, it will sell for $1,800 commencing in June.

http://www.sony.com/pc/
[2000/05/03]

All Palms To Have Web Access By Year End

May 2, 2000, Reuters reports that according to Paul Yankowski, CEO of Palm Inc., all of Palm's handheld computers will be able to access the Web by the end of the year and that all Palm devices that "are not currently online" will have clip-on wirless attachments.

Yankowski also stated that Palm was still "in talks with Sony Corp. [re. cell phones] . . . for possible collaboration on new products: 'We are in a dialogue with Sony to see if there is any overlap in those areas."

[The writer of this piece seems to have a problem distinguishing between "Internet access" and "wireless Internet access". It seems probable that what is meant is that the devices will all have "wireless Web access."]
[2000/05/03]

ATI Technologies Graphics Featured In IBM A Series

May. 2, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that ATI Technologies Inc. has announced that IBM features ATI's RAGE Mobility 128(TM), RAGE Mobility-M1(TM) and RAGE Mobility-M(TM) graphics chips in the new ThinkPad A Series laptop computers.
[2000/03/05]

GPS "Selective Availability" Ended

May 2, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Magellan Corporation has announced that it is "celebrating" the first day of full accuracy GPS service thanks to the ending of "Selective Availability" announced by US President Clinton. Accuracy of GPS is now about 10X that of a day ago. Devices with accuracy within 100 meters are now accurate to within 10 meters. The company notes that its clip on product for the Palm V(TM) will enjoy such an increase in accuracy and usefulness.
[2000/03/05]

Megallan Announces Clip-On GPS For Palm V(TM)

May 2, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Magellan Corporation has announced that it has launched its OEM line of GPS receiver products for the Palm V(TM). Rand McNally has bundled a Magellan GPS clip-on in its StreetFinder(R) GPS for Palm V(TM) package. The device uses Magellan's latest 12-parallel-channel technology and is powered by 2 AAA batteries giving up to 10 hours of continuous use.

Rand McNally GPS Kit for Palm V http://www.randmcnally.com/
[2000/05/03]

IBM Announces New ThinkPad A Series And T Series Models

May 1, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that IBM has announced its ThinkPad A Series and ThinkPad T Series products. The "A" series denotes a desktop "alternative" and replaces the ThinkPad 390 models, and the "T" series denotes "Thin and light" products and replaces the ThinkPad 600 series.

ThinkPad A20p, 700MHz Mobile Intel(R) Pentium(R) III CPU, 128MB RAM, ATI Rage Mobility 128 video chip, 16MB VRAM, 18GB HD, 6X-2X DVD-ROM, 15" SXGA Plus (1400 * 1050) display, starting at $5,959 Cdn.

ThinkPad T20, 650 or 700 Intel Mobile Pentium III CPU, 128MB RAM, 8MB VRAM, 13.3" or 14.1" XGA display, 6GB or 12GB HD, CD-ROM or DVD-ROM standard, starting at $4,759 Cdn.

[There is no availability date in the announcement.]
[2000/05/03]

iPlanet Working With AirFlash To Develop Better Mobile Services

May 2, 2000, PR Newswire reports that iPlanet(TM) E-Commmerce Solutions and AirFlash, Inc. have jointly announced that they will be working together to develop "internet solutions for content, commerce and communications services."
[2000/05/03]

Compaq Announce 700MHz Armada M700 And E500

May 1, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Compaq Computer Corporation has announced the availability of the Compaq Armada M700 and Armada E500 portable computers with 700MHz Intel Mobile Pentium III CPUs.

http://www.compaq.com/products/portables/
[2000/05/03]

VTech Helio Review

My review of the VTech Helio is published in the Canada Computes! in April. The following are my comments and updates:

"VTech's Helio handheld combines software that is about as compact and efficient as the Palm OS with hardware that has the form factor of a Windows CE palm-size device."

What I originally wrote was that:

"The VTech Helio combines software about as compact and efficient as the Palm computers such as the Palm IIIx and Palm Vx, but with hardware more comparable to WindowsCE 'Palm-Size PC' devices."

Shortening my comment that the hardware was "more comparable to WindowsCE devices" down to "form factor" was not a good choice. "Form factor" usually refers to the size and shape of a device. The size and shape of the Helio is essentially the same as the Palm devices. It's the underlying circuitry that is more similar to the WindowsCE devices. In fact, as mentioned later it the article, it's essentially the same circuitry as the Philips Nino devices.

At the time I submitted the article VTech released an update from the VT-OS Version 1.1.0.3 to VT-OS Version 1.1.06. The crashing that I experienced trying to load the address data converted from my Palm IIIx was corrected and all the data was successfully loaded into the Helio.

Also, since that article was written, a handful of 3rd party games have been released. My own personal preference is a nice implimentation of "FreeCell". But that is more due to my taste than the quality of the games.

Looking back at the developments since the article was written, including the releases of the Palm IIIc and the various "Windows for Pocket PC" devices, I still feel that the Helio represents quite good value at its price.

http://www.canadacomputes.com/CC2/components/see_stories/1,1263,3241,00.html VTech Helio Review
[2000/05/03]

Mobile Technology Awards 1999

In case you were wondering, yes, I really am going to announce my awards for outstanding mobile technology for 1999. I pre-announced the probable awards on Nov. 30, 1999 and in December, but reserved the actual awards until I had a chance to review the year properly. That delay was extended because I decided to wait for the publication of a magazine article related to these awards. Now it's time.

awards99.html
[2000/05/03]

In The News Apr. 25 - 29, 2000

Corning Glass Expands Production of LCD Substrate Glass

Apr. 30, 2000, Business Wire reports that Corning Incorporated has announced that it will expand its capability to produce precision flat glass for use as LCD display substrates in Japan. Corning previously announced plans to double worldwide capacity of these products by the end of 2000.
[2000/04/30]

Matsushita To Use Fonix Speech Technology

Apr. 26, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Kyushu Matsushita Electric Co. Ltd. (Panasonic) has agreed to use Fonix speech technologies in Panasonic consumer and commercial electronics products.
[2000/04/30]

Palm, Sony, ARM and EPOC

I think the most interesting announcements I've seen in the last week were the announcements by Palm, that they would be moving into ARM, and Sony which has licenced Symbian's EPOC. In recent months, there were a number of announcements that held fragments of the picture that is now forming.

We had Ericsson announcing that it was licensing PalmOS. Then we heard that other Symbian members were signing up with PalmOS and Motorola was licencing ARM. Sony licensed PalmOS. But the close coupling of Palm and EPOC was hampered by the fact that PalmOS runs on Motorola 68K devices. Eventually, it was announced that PalmOS, at least it's upper layer, would probably be ported to ARM for use on top of EPOC's kernel. But much of the advantage of PalmOS was its large number of developers and applications, which would probably not follow PalmOS onto the ARM platform unless large sales were demonstrable.

While cell phones are popular, it was doubtful how many people might buy a particularly expensive smart phone. I don't know how many Qualcomm PDQ's have sold, but I haven't noticed many in people's hands. The Palm announcement in particular fills in a big piece of the picture, with a strong "Palm on ARM" market for developers. And the Sony EPOC announcement strengthens the market for EPOC (on ARM) developers, and brings them a handheld computer based on the same CPU, and possibly the same underlying kernel as their pocket appliance devices.

It's beginning to look like the array of devices and applications based on the EPOC kernel and ARM CPU will similar to the "Windows CE" systems. There is good and bad in this. But it will prove interesting for months to come.
[2000/04/26]

In The News Apr. 18 - 25, 2000

Sony Licences EPOC

Apr. 26, 2000, Richard Meares and Ed Cropley write for Reuters that Psion Plc has announced that Sony Corp will license Symbian's EPOC operating system for new mobile devices. According to the article, Sony will be the first licensee of the software that is not a partner in Symbian. [Actually, I believe this is wrong since OSI has an EPOC based device, and I believe that there was another Japanese licensee -- perhaps Mitsubishi or Matsushita, which is not a Symbian partner.] According to Hiroshi Yoshioka of Sony the software will be used in palmtop computers rather than in mobile phones.
[2000/04/26]

Socket and Sprint PCS Announces Digital Phone Card

Apr. 26, 2000, Business Wire reports that Socket Communications Inc. and Sprint PCS have announced and agreement whereby Sprint PCS will develop a kit to use Socket's CompactFlash Type I form factor "Digital Phone Card" with many laptop and handheld computers (including Apple PowerBook, Windows based mobile computers and the new "Windows-powered Pocket PC" devices) with their Sprint PCS mobile phone.

Socket Communications, Inc. http://www.socketcom.com/
[2000/04/26]

Sony Buys Into Fujitsu Hitachi Plasma Display

Apr. 26, 2000, Sony Corp. will buy a 15% part of Fujitsu Hitachi Plasma Display. [While plasma displays are not popular in traditional mobile applications, I expect they may be useful in automotive applications, which are "mobile".]
[2000/04/26]

LXE Announces New Rugged Handheld Computers

Apr. 25, 2000, PR Newswire reports that LXE Inc. has announced the availability of its LXtrEme(TM) MX1 series rugged handheld computers.

LXE Inc. [industrial handheld computers] http://www.lxe.com/
[2000/04/26]

Motorola Puts V4 ColdFire(R) Into MCF5407

Apr. 25, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Motorola has announced its new MCF5407 microprocessor which uses the Version 4 ColdFire(R) 68K core. Based on 0.22 micron technology, it provides 257 Dhrystone 2.1 MIPS running at 162MHz. and yields performance increases up to 10 times for applications based on MC68EC040 and MC68EC060. It includes DMA and DRAM controllers, serial and parallel interfaces and an I2C controller and it is pin compatible with the MCF5307. The suggested list price is $19.95 in quantities of 10K, in a 208-pin plastic QFP. Sampling is expected to begin in May with production in Q3 of 2000.
[2000/04/26]

Palm To Go Wireless And RISC

Apr. 24, 2000, Stephanie Miles writes for CNET News.com that according to Palm CEO Carl Yankowski, Palm will bring out products based on ARM RISC processors. Furthermore, all Palm products will eventually have "wireless" connectivity, either by Bluetooth linking to cell phones or via cradles or other add-ons.
[2000/04/26]

Gateway Adds Mobile Pentium 700MHz To Laptops

Apr. 24, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Gateway has announced Solo 9300 and Solo 2550 portable computers using Intel's 700MHz Intel Pentium III CPUs at $3,499 US and $2,399 US respectively. [These are probably "Mobile" Pentium III versions.]

http://www.gateway.com/
[2000/04/26]

QNX Announces Free Downloads and New Business Plans

Apr. 24, 2000, Canada NewsWire reports that QNX Software Systems has made a number of announcements which substantially revise its business plan, bringing it closer to an "open" system. The platform will be freely downloadable and usable for non-commercial applications and source code for many applications, driver and libraries will be released. A high degree of Linux compatibility is said to be incorporated, and the company has "launched a self-supporting QNX developer's network. . . ." The general public will be allowed to download the platform in midsummer.

http://www.get.qnx.com/
[2000/04/26]

Sun Ships Java 2 IDE

Apr. 17, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Sun Microsystems has announced that it is shipping its Forte(TM) for Java(TM), Community Edition 1.0 integrated development environment (IDE) for the Java(TM) 2 Platform.

http://www.sun.com/forte/ffj/ce/
[2000/04/26]

In The News Apr. 15 - 18, 2000

Telus Enhances Digital PCS In BC And Alta

Apr. 18, Canada NewsWire reports that Telus Mobility has announced that it has launched "Information Services" to wireless digital PCS customers in British Columbia and Alberta. Users can select information such as weather reports, stock notifications, sports scores or news headlines. It was also announced that true two-way internet access (via a microbrowser) would be coming "shortly".

http://www.telusmobility.com/
[2000/04/22]

AMD Introduces Mobile AMD-K6-III+ And Mobile AMD-K6-2+

Apr. 18, 2000, Business Wire reports that AMD has announced its new Mobile AMD-K6(R)-III+ CPU and Mobile AMD-K6-2+ CPU. Both are based on AMD's 0.18 micron technology and on-chip L2 cache.

Mobile AMD-K6-III+ is available in 500, 475 and 450MHz and has a full speed 256KB on-die L2 cache, and support for an external L3 cache of up to 1MB. The front-side bus is 100MHz, and instructions include an enhanced version of 3DNow! with DSP instructions and "PowerNow!" energy management technology.

Mobile AMD-K6-2+ is available in similar versions but with 128KB on-chip L2 cache only (no L3 support).

Both operate at a core voltage of 2.0V and dissipate as little as 3W in battery-saver mode. The processors are available in Socket 7/Super7(TM) platform-compatible 321-pin Ceramic Pin Grid ARray packages. "PowerNow!" requires specific BIOS support. All versions of the CPUs are currently available with prices (in 1,000 unit quantities) starting at $85 US for 450MHz Mobile AMD-K6-2+ up to $184 US for a 500MHz Mobile AMD-K6-III+.

Hewlett-Packard Company is using a 475MHz Mobile AMD-K6-2+ CPU in it s Pavilion 3215N laptop computer.
[2000/04/22]

Delphi Brings Link For Palm And Car

Apr. 18, 2000, Michael Ellis writes for Reuters that Delphi Automotive Systems Corp. and Palm Inc. have announced that Delphi has developed a cradle for Palm V devices to mount it in a cup-holder in a vehicle, powered through the vehicle's 12V system and making it accessible through a "Communiport Mobile Productivity Center" (MPC) voice recognition system to enter data into, or access data from the Palm device. Also announced was a non-exclusive agreement to develop further products bringing computing devices to automotive vehicles.
[2000/04/22]

The Microsoft PocketPC (nee "WinCE") Roll Out

[Some minor additions 2000/04/21]

I attended the Canadian roll out for the new handheld devices using Microsoft's Windows for Pocket PC's. I'm not going to summarize the details in my usual fashion at this time. Instead, I'm going to give some impressions and thoughts. The important websites are:

http://www.casio.com/

http://www.compaq.ca

http://www.hp.com/jornada/

http://www.symbol.com/

Elliot Katz:

"We've really learnt what matters . . . previous products resulted in "limited success" . . . "a lot of time in usability labs" . . . users want "strong PIM . . . simple to use, . . . full function . . . able to grow as customers' requirements grow."

Katz made a point of saying that the new software featured "useful colour" and not just colour used to make things look pretty.

For networking, Katz emphasized that the software supported both online and offline. Aside from AvantGo, offline is supported by cache and by synching "Favorites" through your desktop computer.

Other Notes:

"Transcriber" appears to be like Calligrapher.

The spreadsheet and word processor are now included. The spreadsheet looked particularly re-thought for pen use with an icon for data entry.

All the new units have stereo sound (except the Compaq Aero 1550 which is an upgraded "old" unit).

Fonts tend to be heavier where practical.

Casio

E-115: 131 MHz VR4121 w/32MB RAM, type I/II CF slot, Li-Ion battery.

According to Casio representatives, the E-115 has a new button on the side that was not on the E-100/E-105, so even if you upgrade the software on the older units, the new one will be better. There hasn't been any decision about an upgrade for Canada.

E-115, available end of April at the usual retail outlets at a recommended price of $899.00.
[2000/04/19]

Casio also announced three other devices to be coming later. The EM-500 is a youth market product using the new multimedia card memory system (MMC/SD) which includes a copy protection scheme. The EG-800 (colour) and EG-80 (monochrome) will be "heavy-duty corporate environment [devices] and feature water and shock resistant cases" and Lithium Polymer rechargeable batteries.
[2000/04/21]

Compaq

"Think Different" . . . new name is "iPaq Pocket PC".

206 MHz StrongARM RISC cpu, available in both colour and monochrome displays, USB support. The monochrome will be available in June. I missed the date for the colour unit.

This is the most modular of the units shown today (Symbol did not show up), though many of the accessories will not be available for some time. The main unit does not include a regular slot. Instead, adaptors are attached which can be used to hold CompactFlash cards, PC-Cards, wireless modems, etc.

Aero 1550 monochrome is now available with the new software. Upgrades for the previous Aero products are also available ($99 Cdn for 1500 series and $139 Cdn for 2100 series -- including 24MB memory).

New technology "Lithium Polymer" battery.
[2000/04/19]

The colour version uses 12-bit colour depth which yields 4K colours.

Hewlett-Packard

Jornada 540, 545 and 548: All use a 133MHz Hitachi SH-3

Much smaller, this one rivals the Palm IIIc, but seemed quite heavy. It has a real metal case. The HP seems to have the best array of included software. I saw this unit playing music while switching the backlight on and off. The other units might be able to do this as well, but I didn't have time to check. It still only has a Type I FlashCard socket.
[2000/04/21]

Symbol

Symbol did not participate, though on their website, details of the PPT2700 were posted. The unit uses a 320 * 240 monochrome screen (grey level details were not given) and is powered by an NEC VR-4181 (speed is not given) with 12MB ROM and 16MB RAM.
[2000/04/21]

Some Thoughts on the Units Demonstrated:

If I had to categorize them quickly, I'd say that the Casio is still a "consumer device," the HP is more oriented to "executives" and the Compaq is a "full company" machine.

All the screens were still 320 * 240, contrary to a rumour that was started in the Newsgroups.

Contrary to expectations, all the units did not move to the Casio control layout. The Compaq added a big 4-way controller in the middle (with a speaker in the middle, which is quite innovative), but kept the 4 usual front buttons. The HP Jornada did not impliment a 4-way controller at all, though it gained the 4 regular buttons which it didn't really have before. This can be a problem for companies trying to support all the units with generalize programs with consistent interfacing and documentation.
[2000/04/21]

Some RIM 957 Details

Thanks to Compaq, I also had a chance to see the RIM 957 and ask some questions about it. Apparently the screen is 160 * 160 * 1-bit (black and white). I asked about the processor speed and was told that it was probably 20-MHz. RIM's rep is checking into that and will write me when the information is confirmed. Also, for development, so far, there is only C/C++ and Java.
[2000/04/19]

In The News Apr. 11 - 15, 2000

Acer Announces TravelMate 600 Series

Apr. 14, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Acer America Corp. has introduced its new TravelMate 600 series 2 spindle "all-in-one" laptop computer. The TravelMate 600 includes a CD-RW drive but no floppy drive. Availability was not announced but prices were announced as starting at $2,499 US.
Acer America Corp. http://www.acer.com/
[2000/04/17]

HP Introduces New Educational Market Calculators

Apr. 13, 2000, Business Wire reports that Hewlett-Packard has announced its new HP 39G graphing calculator for high school students with over 600 functions accessed through menus for ease of use. Available in May, it will cost $89 US.

Apr. 13, 2000, in a separate report of Business World, Hewlett- Packard also announced the HP30S scientific calculator which features a 2 line display with editable command line. The HP30S is available immediately at $14US.
[2000/04/17]

Microcell Announces 2k Q1 Subscribers

Apr. 13, 2000, Canada News Wire reports that Microcell has announced its unaudited subscriber results for 2k Q1:

                            3 Months Ended    3 Months Ended
                            March 31, 2000    March 31, 1999
Gross activations                  111,132
Net additions                       69,822
 - Churn per month
   (after 30 day guarantee)           2.1%              1.8%
Total subscribers                  654,309           344,343

[2000/04/17]

IBM Announces New Records Capacity Portable HD

Apr. 12, 2000, Nicole Volpe writes for Reuters that IBM has introduced new record setting laptop computer hard drives. The TravelStar 32GH holds 32 GB. Also announced were the Travelstar 20GN (20 GB) and Travelstar 30GT (30 GB) models.
[2000/04/17]

Clearnet 2k Q1 Subscribers

Apr. 5, 2000, Clearnet announces unaudited quarterly subscriber results:

                            3 Months Ended    3 Months Ended
                            March 31, 2000    March 31, 1999
Digital
 - net subscriber additions         53,211            38,457
 - total subscribers
   end of period                   612,542           346,930
 - Churn per month
   (after 30 day guarantee)           2.29%             1.62%
Mike
 - net subscriber additions         28,154            16,480
 - total subscribers
   end of period                   374,267           216,355
 - Churn per month                    1.93%             1.56%
PCS
 - net subscriber additions         25,057            21,977
 - total subscribers
   end of period                   374,267           216,355
 - Churn per month
   (after 30 day guarantee)           2.52%             1.66%
Analog SMR
 - net subscriber additions         (1,937)           (4,133)
 - total analog subscribers         23,313            36,419

Total net subscriber additions      51,274            34,344


[2000/04/17]

No News Today

Sorry, no news updates today. I only had time for minor cleaning up. Too much "busy-ness" around here.
[2000/04/15]

RIM Announces New 957 Wireless PDA

Apr. 11, 2000, Research In Motion (RIM) has announced its new "RIM 957 Wireless Handheld(TM)". The device includes the common PIM applications and the functionality of the BlackBerry wireless pager/e-mail system. Based on a 32-bit Intel 386(TM) processor, 5 MB Intel flash memory, 512KB SRAM, keyboard and wireless modem, the 957 measures 4.6" * 3.1" * 0.70" and weighs "less than 5.3 ounces" [the announcement does not say if this includes the battery]. A WAP microbrowser is planned for deployment in the summer.

RIM also announced a new higher memory version of its "RIM 950 Wireless HandHeld" pager-size device with 4MB and new BlackBerry 2.0 software that fully supports both the RIM 950 and RIM 957.

Pricing and Availability:
RIM 957 (5MB)  US $499  (CDN $699)
RIM 950 (4MB)  US $399  (CDN $549)
RIM 950 (2MB)  US $349  (CDN $499)

BlackBerry flat-rate airtime (monthly) - US$ 39.99 (CDN$ 49.99)

The company expects to ship the RIM 957 and RIM 950 (4MB) in May. The RIM 950 (2MB) is still available.
[2000/04/11]

These are some equivalent stats for Palm VII:

Size: 5.25" * 3.25" * 0.75"
Weight: 6.7 oz. w/batteries
RAM: 2MB
Price: $449 US.

Usage Plans (monthly): 50KB $9.99 US, 150KB $24.99 US, 300KB $39.99 US and unlimited for $44.99 US.
One time setup fee: $9.99.

Currently only usable in the US.
[2000/04/11]

In The News Apr. 8 - 11, 2000

ParkerVision Granted Patent For "Direct To Data" Wireless Technology

Apr. 11, 2000, PR Newswire reports that ParkerVision, Inc. has received a US Patent for previously unannounced of the company's "Direct2Data(TM)" technology, to provide "RF filtering and direct down conversion in a single unified operation." The effect is to reduce or eliminate external filters used in current radio receiver designs, simplifying "wireless system on a chip" implimentation and should be usable on systems such as CDMA, GSM, wireless LAN and Bluetooth. The Patent is U.S. Patent 6,049,706.
[2000/04/11]

NEC Mobile Energy Announces New Type Manganese Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Batteries

Apr. 11, 2000, PR Newswire reports that NEC Mobile Energy Corporation and NEC Electronics Inc. have announced the development of a new type of laminate-manganese lithium-ion rechargeable battery cell which use a laminated film battery casing instead of aluminum or steel. According to NEC, the cells are based on proprietary "manganese-spinel-cathode material that offers a superior degree of safety against overcharging compared to cobalt-based cells" and are suited for use in cell phones and similar products. The new cells (models IML270530-2, IML270330-2 and IML350362-2) are expected to be available in North America in Q2 of this year.

http://www.nec.com/
[2000/04/11]

Microns Uses ATI RAGE Mobility-M1(TM) Graphics For TransPort(R) LT Laptop Computer

Apr. 11, 2000, Canada News Wire reports that ATI Technologies Inc. has announced that Micron Electronics, Inc. has selected ATI's RAGE Mobility-M1(TM) graphics chipset for Micron's new TransPort LT laptop computer.
[2000/04/11]

Psion To Use Opera HTML Browser

Apr. 3, 2000, Opera Software A/S has announced that Psion PLC has signed a licensing agreement to bring the Opera HTML browser to Psion's line of handheld computers. The Opera browser starting with version 3.6 features HTML 3.2 compliance with Cascading Style Sheets v. 1, JavaScript, 128-bit Secure Socket Layer (v. 2.0 and 3.0) and Transport Layer Security 1.0, making it viable for common e-business. Java is available through EPOC native Java and multiple windows are optionally supported.

Opera Software A/S http://www.opera.com/
[2000/04/10]

In The News Apr. 4 - 8, 2000

First DataBank Announces Drug Content Reference Coming For Palm Computing Platform

Apr. 7, 2000, PR Newswire reports that First DataBank Inc. has announced that it is working on a drug content reference program "for the Palm Pilot" [sic]. The first version will be available later this year, and will be followed by a version for Windows handheld devices.
[2000/04/08]

ProxyMed Announces Handheld Version Coming

Apr. 7, 2000, PR Newswire reports that ProxyMed, Inc. has announced that it will unveil a prototype of a handheld version of proxyMed.com. [It is unclear from the article whether this will be a wireless connection of locally stored data.] According to the company, the product will be available in the next few months.

http://corporate.proxymed.com/
[2000/04/08]

mobileID Announces WAP Browser For Palm Computing Platform

Apr. 6, 2000, Business Wire reports that mobileID, Inc., a wireless mobile portal has announced a free Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) browser for the Palm Computing platform.

http://www.MobileID.com/
[2000/04/08]

CorporateTime Server 5.0 Brings PDA Support To Linux

Apr. 6, 2000, Business Wire reports that Corporate Software and Technologies (CS&T) has announced that it has released CorporateTime Server 5.0 with support for Red Hat Linux. The software manages corporate calendaring and scheduling data across clients such as PDAs and mobile phones, and across a number of operating systems.

http://www.cst.ca/
[2000/04/08]

LSI Announces Single-Chip CDMA Baseband Processor

Apr. 4, 2000, PR Newswire reports that LSI Logic Corporation has announced the availability of its CBP3.0 single-chip Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) IS-95 baseband processor. LSI claims lower power consumption, higher integration and improved functionality over previous systems. The circuitry includes an ARM7TDMI microprocessor, two OAKDSPCore(R) digital signal processors, mixed-signal circuitry and standard cell logic, in a 280-pin CSP package. The circuit process is LSI Logic's G11(TM) 0.18-micron (Leff) 1.8 volt CMOS and supports a 115.2-kbps high speed date rate.
[2000/04/08]

IBM Enables Server Control From Palm Devices

Mar. 31, 2000, Reuters reports that IBM has unveiled its "System Networking, Analysis and Performance Pilot" software which allows internet based management of IBM RS/6000 B50 servers via Palm OS devices.
[2000/04/08]

In The News Apr. 1 - 4, 2000

Motorola Develops Silicon Germanium Carbon Process

Apr. 4, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Motorola Semiconductor Products has integrated an 0.35 micron silicon germanium carbon (SiGe:C) process module in its BiCMOS process platform.
[2000/04/04]

Motorola Announce i2000(TM) Digital World Phone

Apr. 3, 2000, Business Wire reports that Motorola has announced its i2000(TM) digital world phone which is the first phone to be usable on iDEN(R) and GSM networks.
[2000/04/04]

Missing Some News Items

Due to various problems, which boil down to "bad luck" I am missing most of the news for the last week. Actually, I don't think I'm missing much, and I'll try to retrieve what I can if possible.
[2000/04/04]

Microsoft Found A Monopoly

I'm just placing this short comment that, in keeping with my stated policies, I'm not covering this situation because it's well reported in the traditional business press. I recommend checking the CNNfn website.
[2000/04/04]

In The News Mar. 28 - Apr. 1, 2000

Nortel Networks Achieves cdma2000 1XRTT Functionality

Mar. 30, 2000, Canada News Wire reports that Nortel Networks has announced successful use of 3G wireless calls including, according to Nortel, the industry's first wireless packet data session using cdma2000 IXRTT. Calls made included in-building, pedestrian and vehicular calls in the Nepean suburb of Ottawa using Samsung terminals.
[2000/04/04]

In The News Mar. 25 - 28, 2000

Lernout & Hauspie To Buy Dragon

Mar. 28, 2000, Gilles Castonguay writes for Reuters that on Mar. 21, 2000, Lernout & Hausie Speech Products NV said that it would buy Dragon Systems Inc., which is also a developer of speech systems with strength in the handheld markets.
[2000/03/31]

Dataquest Reports Semiconductor Industry Grew 22% in 1999

Mar. 27, 2000, Reuters reports that according to a report by Dataquest, the worldwide semiconductor industry grew by 22% in 1999 with revenues reaching $168.6 billion US compared to $138.7 billion US in 1998. Memory revenue grew 41% in 1999.
[2000/03/31]

Motorola Unveils Mya Interface

Mar. 27, 2000, Business Wire reports that Motorola has introduced its new 24-hour, voice-driven, cyber-generated personal assistant interface called "Mya" through a 60 sec. television spot during the Oscars. Intended for use as an information interface for cell phone type products, Mya "won't be accessible for several months."
[2000/03/31]

Zi eZiText(TM) Licensed To DBTEL

Canada News Wire reports that Zi Corporation has announced that it has licensed its eZiText(TM) text input technology in Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese and English to DBTEL, to be used in GSM digital phones destined for the Taiwanese and Chinese markets.
[2000/03/31]

In The News Mar. 21 - 25, 2000

IBM And TDK Work Together On Bluetooth

Mar. 23, 2000, Business Wire reports that IBM has announced that it will work with TDK to develop Bluetooth(TM) technology for ThinkPad computers.
[2000/03/28]

Motorola PageWriter 2000x Hospital Compatible

Mar. 23, 2000, Business Wire reports that Motorola has announced that the Center for the Study of Wireless Electromagnetic Devices at the University of Oklahoma has conducted ANSI standard tests (C63.18-1997 Recommended Practice for an On-Site, Ad Hoc Test Method for Estimating Radiated Electromagnetic Immunity of Medical Devices to Specific Radio-Frequency Transmitters" and found that the PageWriter 2000x did not disrupt the operation of the equipment in the test. Eight pieces of equipment were tested, including a ventilator system, defibrillator analyzer, physio control, infant ventilator, pulse oximeter, vital signs and two patient monitors.
[2000/03/28]

In The News Mar. 18 - 21, 2000

Nat Semi Puts Digital Imaging Front End On $4.50 Chip

Mar. 21, 2000, Business Wire reports that National Semiconductor Corporation has announced that it has entered into the digital still and video camera industry with its introduction of its LM98501 single chip analog front end. The new chip features protected intellectual property in white balancing and "multiple pixel-rate offset elimination" [I'm not sure what this latter is]. Nat Semi claims low power consumption (160mW at 2.7V at maximum sample rate). Other products, including an LM98502 with reduced power consumption and other features, will follow within the year. The LM98501 is immediately available in 48-pin quad flat pack at $4.50 US each in quantities of 1,000.
[2000/03/25]

Motorola and Nokia Push 1XTREME Technology ON CDMA

Mar. 21, 2000, Business Wire reports that Motorola Inc. and Nokia have announced that they will work together to begin the standardization process of 1XTREME technology for use on CDMA systems. The companies claim that the technology allows a cost-effective migration path to provide integrated voice and data speeds up to 5.2 Mbps on a singld 1.25 MHz CDMA carrier.
[2000/03/25]

3Com And Symbol To Work Together On Wireless LAN Telephony

Mar. 21, 2000, Business Wire reports that 3Com and Symbol have announced that they will work together to integrate 3Com's NBX(R) 100 Communications System and Symbol's 802.11 based NetVision family of wireless mobile communications devices bringing full multimedia capabilities to wireless LAN based business phone systems. Products are expected to be available in the 2nd half of 2000.
[2000/03/25]

Compaq Announces Notebook 100 Low Cost Laptop

Mar. 20, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Compaq Computer Corporation has announced its Compaq Notebook 100 low cost laptop computer.

Compaq Notebook 100: 475 MHz AMD K6(R)-2 with 3DNow!(TM)Technology, 12.1" SVGA HPA or TFT display, 2X AGP graphics with 4MB or 8MB SDRAM, 24X Max CD-ROM, 5.0GB HD, v.90 56K modem, prices starting at $1,099 US.
[2000/03/25]

In The News Mar. 14 - 18, 2000

Toshiba Satellite Notebooks Shipped With Defective Intel Processors

Mar. 17, 2000, Amanda Stirpe writes for Computer Reseller News that some Toshiba Satellite 400 MHz laptop computers were shipped with defective Intel Mobile Module 1 processor cards. According to one customer, "his Toshiba Satellite 4100XDVD laptops become extremely hot and shut off without warning, resulting in about two out of every three laptops being ruined." The part is being replaced through normal service channels.
[2000/03/21]

NBTel Mobility Expands Digital PCS To Saint John And Fredricton

Mar. 17, 2000, Canada News Wire reports that NBTel Mobility has announced that its Digital PCS service which currently covers Moncton will be available in Saint John and Fredricton by early fall. NBTel is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aliant.

NBTel http://www.nbtel.nb.ca/

Aliant http://www.aliant.ca/
[2000/03/21]

IBM Develops "Self-assembling" Magnetic Materials

Mar. 17, 2000, Business Wire reports that a team of scientists at IBM Research's laboratories in New York and California have discovered chemical reactions that cause magentic particles to automatically arrange themselves ("self-assemble") into well-ordered arrays with each particle separated from other particles by the same distance. The work is described in the Mar. 17, 2000 issue of Science Magazine. According to the article, storage densities resulting from this process may someday reach 100X current levels.
[2000/03/21]

IBM Announces New ThinkPad i Series

Mar. 16, 2000, Business Wire reports that IBM has announced new models of ThinkPad i Series. The following examples are quoted from the press release. Prices are in US dollars:

"- ThinkPad i Series model 1422 is $1,499 . . .; 500MHz Mobile Intel Celeron processor, 13" HPA screen, 32MB RAM, 6GB HDD, 24X-10X . . . CD-ROM"

" - ThinkPad i Series model 1442is $1,799; 500MHz Mobile Intel Celeron processor, 12.1" TFT screen, 64MB RAM, 6GB HDD, 6X-1X DVD-ROM"

"- ThinkPad i Series model 1482 is $2,199; 500MHz Mobile Intel Celeron processor, 14.1" TFT screen, 64MB RAM, 12GB HDD, 6X-1X DVD-ROM"

Other models introduced were ThinkPad i Series model 1492, ThinkPad i Series model 1542, ThinkPad i Series model 1562, and ThinkPad i Series model 1592 (the last of which is priced at $2,699 US).
[2000/03/21]

IBM Millipede Storage Technology May Eventually Replace Magnetic Technology

Mar. 15, 2000, Business Wire reports that the IBM Research Laboratory in Zurich has developed a new molecular level storage technology which they have called "Millipede". According to Millipede Project Manager Peter Vettiger and team member Mark Lutwyche, the technology may be used for a wearable computer. Millipede is still experimental but even in its present stage is 100 times denser than any currently available hard drive.

IT Radio Network Interview Re. Millipede http://www.itradionetwork.com/
[2000/03/21]

In The News Mar. 11 - 14, 2000

JTEL CellVic PDA Coming To Bell Mobility

Mar. 14, 2000, Canada News Wire reports that Bell Mobility and JTEL Co. Ltd. have announced that JTEL's CellVic PDA will be coming to Bell Mobility. The PDA can access the Internet through a data connection to a supported handset. According to Bell Mobility and JTEL, preliminary testing has been successfully completed.

http://www.jtel.com/
[2000/03/18]

Computer Associates Warns of "Win32/Melting.Worm"

Mar. 14, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Computer Associates International, Inc. has announced a warning of a new virus found "in the field" which they are calling the "Win32/Melting.Worm". The program places a copy of itself in a Windows directory as "MeltingScreen.exe", then renames .EXE files to .BIN, and then saves a copy of itself under the original name of the renamed file. The result is a completely unusable system. Computer Associates has announced that it has an update for its "InoculateITT" virus protection program to guard against the virus.

http://www.antivirus.cai.com/
[2000/03/18]

Fido Introduces Motorola Tri-Band L7089 and Ericsson T18Z Handsets

Mar. 13, 2000, Canada News Wire reports that Microcell Solutions, Inc. (Fido) is now offering the Motorola Tri-Band L7089 handset which operates on the 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz frequencies which makes it usable on all GSM systems around the world, and the Ericsson T18z handset that supports advanced features such as voice - activated dialing and answering. The Motorola handset costs $600 Cdn. and includes smart card, battery, charger, two adapters (Europe and UK), belt clip and headset. The Ericsson T18z costs $125 and includes smart card, rapid charger and a belt clip. A limited time promotion (ending Apr. 9, 2000) includes "a free mobile accessory kit with the activation of every $40 or $100 monthly airtime package."
[2000/03/18]

HP PhotoSmart C500 Digital Camera Now Available

Mar. 13, 2000, Business Wire reports that Hewlett-Packard Company has announced that its HP PhotoSmart C500 digital camera first announced last August is now available. The 2 Megapixel "JetSend"-enabled camera can print directly on a "JetSend"-enabled printer without the need to transfer the picture to a computer first.

The camera also features a 3X optical and 2X digital zoom and 2" LCD display. It is compatible with Windws and USB Macintosh systems, and comes with a 16MB Compact Flash, video cables, TWAIN compatibility, 3 AA NiMH rechargeable batteries (and charger), and support software, for $699 US worldwide except in Japan.
[2000/03/18]

In The News Mar. 7 - 11, 2000

Dell To Replace Defective Parts In Up To 400,000 Laptops

Mar. 10, 2000, Reuters reports that Dell Computer Corp. has announced that it may need to replace defective memory chips in up to 400,000 laptop computers. Latitude and Inspiron laptops manufactured from Feb. to Nov. of 1999 are unable to resume work after being put into a low-power or sleep mode, requiring the computer to be restarted. The Micron chips have a problem due to interaction with a version of a BIOS that was used from the middle part of 1999.
[2000/03/14]

TELUS Mobility Announces New Rate Plans

Mar. 9, 2000, Canada News Wire reports that TELUS Mobility has announced new simplified cellular rate plans in Alberta and British Columbia. The new plans feature per second billing on all digital plans, more minutes included on all plans, and flat rate long distance across Canada and the US. The following is a sample:

"AnyTime $20", monthly fee $20 (+$4 access fee), includes 150 mins. anytime, incremental min. rate $.25, Canadian long distance $.25/min, U.S. long distance $.35
[2000/03/14]

In The News Mar. 4 - 7, 2000

VoiceXML Standard Completed

Mar. 7, 2000, Business Wire reports that the VoiceXML Forum has announced that it has completed the VoiceXML 1.0 specification and is reviewing it "before submitting it to the appropriate body for formal standardization." The current version can be downloaded from their Website.

[The reason for the quotation is because I would say that it's not entirely clear who would be considered the "appropriate body" for formal standardization. It really should be either ISO or ITU, but I doubt that this is what was meant. Also, clearly the "standard" isn't done. It's a draft that is expected to be final, but it's still still just a draft.]

http://www.voicexml.org/
[2000/03/11]

Tivoli Announces Tivoli Device Manager for the Palm Computing Platform

Mar. 7, 2000, Reuters reports that International Business Machines Corp.'s Tivoli unit and Palm Inc. have introduced Tivoli Device Manager for the Palm Computing platform which allows organizations to manage information on Palm devices. The system costs about $31 US per Palm device.
[2000/03/11]

Free SPARC-like Core Leon-1 Version 2.0

Mar. 7, 2000, Peter Clarke writes for EE Times that the European Space Agency has made available its Leon-1 Version 2.0 SPARC-like RISC CPU core for downloading on the Internet. The core is being distributed under GNU Library General Public License terms.
[2000/03/11]

e-Vantage Viewers Certified for Java(TM) 2

Mar. 7, 2000, Canadian Corporate News reports that Attachmate Corporation has announced that Sun Microsystems has certified its "e-Vantage Viewers for the Java(TM) 2 Platform" as a "100% Pure Java(TM) Certified" product.

http://www.attachmate.com/
[2000/03/11]

Compaq Tunes Up Armada Lineup

Mar. 6, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Compaq has announced new versions of its Armada M300, E500 and V300 laptop computer lines:

Armada M300, 500MHz Mobile Pentium(R) III w/256KB integrated L2 cache, 11.3" XGA (1024 * 768 pixels * 16M colours) CTFT screen starting at $2,649 US (450MHz Celeron version start at $2,199 US)

Armada M700, 650MHz Pentium III w/SpeedStep(TM) Technology starting at $3,699 US.

Armada E500 can now be bought with processors up to a 650MHz Pentium III with prices starting at $2,899

Armada V300 will be available with processors up to a 500MHz Intel Mobile Celeron with prices starting at $1,799 US.

All three products use industry standard Mini PCI slots for Modem and NIC.

http://www.compaq.com/products/portables/
[2000/03/11]

3Com Announces Megahertz 10/100 LAN + V.90 CardBus PC Card

Mar. 6 2000, Business Wire reports that 3Com has announced its Megahertz(R) 3CXFEM656C 10/100 LAN + V.90 Global Modem CardBus PC Card with XJACK(R). The modem function features 3Com's Exclusive Line Probing (ELP) technology which 3Com claims does a a superior job of optimizing connection speeds. 3Com claims that it is optimized for Windows 95B/98 and NT 4.0, and is ready for Windows 2000. It is available immediately worldwide at $269 US.

http://www.3com.com/mobile/
[2000/03/11]

In The News Feb. 29 - Mar. 4, 2000

Eagle River Won't Buy Iridium

Mar. 3, 2000, Reuters reports that Craig McCaw's investment group Eagle River has said that it will not buy Iridium, which is still protected by Bankruptcy proceeding.
[2000/03/07]

PrettyPark Worm Infects Windows Computers

Mar. 3, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Computer Associates International, Inc. has announced that a new worm which they are calling "Win32.PrettyPark.Worm" is currently being circulated as an EMail attachment called "PrettyPark.exe" on email messages entitled "C:\CoolProgs\Pretty Park.exe" using and icon picture from the TV show "South Park". The work infects Windows 95, 98, NT and 2000 based computers and attempts to infect other computers every 30 minutes. CA claims its antivirus software InoculateIT with current updates will protect against this virus.

http://www.antivirus.ca.com/
[2000/03/07]

TELUS Combines Wireless and Wireline Voice Mailboxes

Mar. 1, 2000, Canada News Wire reports that TELUS is now offering a combined wireless/wireline voice mailbox service in Alberta. A wireless phone voice mailbox can be combined with either a home or business phone line so that messages to either service will be accessible at a single number. The service is $5.00 per month in addition to the voice mail service.
[2000/03/07]

Pointcast Blunders

Just as "mobile" is taking off, Pointcast Inc. is dropping its original information system in favour of its newer "EntryPoint". The difference between Pointcast and EntryPoint is that most information is not downloaded to the computer in bulk. Instead individual articles are downloaded on request requiring fairly constant connection to the Internet to receive the articles to read. For mobile use, this is not convenient since current mobile systems are either intermitent due to technical limits or by end user choice. In effect, their "step forward" into a technology which they feel is better, is effectively a "step backward" because as people move "forward" into mobile, Pointcast is less usable on the new preferred mobile platform.
[2000/03/04]

In The News Feb. 26 - 29, 2000

Microsoft Releases Windows Media Player for Palm-Size PC

Feb. 29, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Microsoft Corporation has announced that "Microsoft(T) Windows Media(TM) Player for Palm-Size PCs" is immediately available for Compaq, Casio and Hewlett-Packard devices.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/
[2000/03/04]

Compaq Announces Microsoft Media Player For Aero Products

Feb. 29, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Compaq Computer Corporation has announced that Microsoft(R) Windows Media Player for Palm-Size PCs is now available as a free download for Compaq Aero 1500 and 2100 series devices.

http://www.compaq.com/promos/handhelds.html
[2000/03/04]

IBM Announces Websphere Transcoding Publisher

Feb. 29, 2000, Reuters reports that IBM has unveiled its "WebSphere Transcoding Publisher" software which customizes the content of normal Web pages to fit the devices on which they are receive. The software will be available on Mar. 31, 2000 in 10 languages, and runs on Windows 2000, Windows NT, Linux, Solaris and AIX systems.
[2000/03/04]

Compaq Announces Mobile Internet Platform

Feb. 29, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Compaq has announced its "Mobile Internet Platform" which it claims includes "advanced middleware, including Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) technology."
[2000/03/04]

Ericsson Goes WAP

Feb. 29, 2000, Amanda Stirpe writes for Computer Reseller News that Ericsson has announced that it will produce its A1228c WAP enabled CDMA phone and has begun to develop WAP based applications. It is developing a travel information application with Michelin North America's Travel Publications division.
[2000/03/04]

Mitel And Philsar Develop Bluetooth Module

Feb. 29, 2000, Canadian Corporate News reports that Mitel Semiconductor and Philsar Semiconductor and Matsushita Electronics Components Co., Ltd. (Panasonic) have announce that they have co-developed a module for Bluetooth systems. They claim improvements of 43% in transmission and 57% in reception over alternative systems.

Philsar Semiconductor http://www.philsar.com/
[2000/03/04]

Palm, Inc., Sun Microsystems and iPlanet(TM) To Develop End - To - End Wireless Systems

Feb. 29, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Palm, Inc., Sun Microsystems, Inc. and iPlanet(TM) E-Commerce Solutions have announced that they will end - to - end systems to provide "global wireless access to enterprise applications and services" using PalmOS(R) handheld computers. iPlanet will add support for Palm's Web clipping architecture and PalmOS handhelds to its iPlanet Wireless Server software.
[2000/03/04]

Motorola And Psion Cross-Licence Mobile Technologies

Feb. 29, Business Wire reports that Motorola, Inc and Psion PLC have announced that they have agreed to cross - license key technologies for Symbian EPOC - based mobile Internet devices. Psion has granted a license for its Halla processor to Motorola and Motorola has licensed its GSM cellular communication module which supports triple band GSM capabilities.
[2000/03/04]

Motorola And Cadence Unveil Flex(TM) Reference Design

Feb. 29, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Motorola and Cadence Design Systems Inc. have introduced a Flex Messaging Module reference design. The reference design is immediately available with a system evaluation kit expected to be available from Motorola in April 2000 at $2,985 US.
[2000/03/04]

Motorola Introduces FLEX Generation II

Feb. 29, 2000, Business Wire reports that Motorola, Inc. has announced the availability of "the Flex(R) Generation II decoding solution" which is a new implimentation of FLEX the G1.9 protocol. "The Generation II FLEX decoding solution is implimented by a FLEX ASIC working together with FLEXstack(TM) V4.2 software."
[2000/03/04]

QUALCOMM And Symbian Partner For CDMA Devices

Feb. 29, 2000, Peter Clarke writes for EE Times that Qualcomm and Symbian will work together to make Qualcomm's iMSM CDMA chipset family interoperable with Symbian software and platforms. Clarke also mentions that Symbian has announced three wireless information device platforms:

Pearl -- smart phone
Quartz -- pen-based communicator
Crystal -- keyboard-operated
[2000/03/04]

Dell Announce TrueMobile Wireless LAN And New Laptops

Feb. 28, 2000, Business Wire reports that Dell has announced its new TrueMobile(TM) wireless local area network product line.

Dell also announced new additions to its portable computer lines.

Latitute CPxJ650GT has a 650MHz Intel(R) Mobile Pentium(R) III processor with SpeedStep(TM) technology.

Latitude CPt S500GT with a 500MHz Intel Mobile Celeron(R) processor.

Latitute CPt S450ST with a 450MHz Intel Mobile Celeron(R) processor.
[2000/03/04]

Compaq Announces Pocket Wireless Connectivity

Feb. 28, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Compaq has made two announcement regarding wireless connectivity with pocket devices. First, Compaq has partnered with Research In Motion (RIM) and beginning in the second quarter 2000, will distribute RIM's Blackberry Mobile Email system including RIM's Blackberry pocket wireless device which is able to receive email from Microsoft Exchange based corporate messaging networks.

Second, Compaq has announced its "Aero Wireless Connectivity Suite" which allows the Aero 1500 series and 2100 series handheld computers to connect to the Internet through data-enabled cellular telephones. The kit includes a cable as well as WAP browser, Web browser and FAX software.
[2000/03/04]

Qualcomm and Microsoft To Develop CDMA Smartphones and Wireless Enabled PDAs

Feb. 28, 2000, PR Newswire reports that QUALCOMM Inc. and Microsoft Corp. have announced that they have extended their relationship and intend to work together to develop advanced wireless, multimedia-capable devices. In particular, they will develop hardware reference designs for mobile devices including smartphones based on the Microsoft(R) Mobile Explorer(TM) wireless communication platform and wireless PocketPCs using QUALCOMM CDMA Technologies' (QCT's) iMSM4100(TM) Internet Mobile Station Modem (iMSM(TM)) chipset and software.
[2000/03/04]

3Com And Samsung Partner For cdma2000

Feb. 28, 2000, Business Wire reports that 3Com Corporation and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. have announced that they will jointly deliver cdma2000 high-speed wireless networks to service providers worldwide with first deliveries later this year. The first products will be capable of speeds up to 144 kbps and future releases will increase data rates past 384 kbps. Samsung will be the system integrator and will provide the radio access network equipment including base transceiver systems and base station controllers, and 3Com will provide packet data serving nodes, packet data gateway nodes and authentication/billing servers.
[2000/03/04]

IBM To Announce New Chip Making Technology

Feb. 28, 2000, Reuters reports that International Business Machine Corp. (IBM) was expected to unveil its new chip making technology developed with Nikon of Japan called "Prevail" for Projection Reduction Exposure With Variable Axis Immersion Lenses, which etches circuits with electron beams rather than light waves, which extends chipmaking beyond the physical limits to chips with circuitry too small for light waves to produce. The technology is expected to be available for use in chip making equipment in 2003.
[2000/03/04]

In The News Feb. 22 - 26, 2000

PCMCIA Announces CardBay Standard Coming Soon

Feb. 26, 2000, PR Newswire reports that PCMCIA has announced that the 4th generation specification for the PC Card standard is nearing completion. Called "CardBay", it brings USB and IEEE 1394 serial buses to the PC Card format, building on the existing "CardBus" standard.

http://www.pcmcia.org/
[2000/02/29]

Motorola Announces WAP Handsets

Feb. 24, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Motorola has announced new WAP enabled handsets. Additions were made to the Talkabout(TM), Timeport(TM) and V. series(TM) lines including a "GSM tri-band GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) WAP enabled phone." [Details of individual models were not provided in the announcement.]
[2000/02/29]

Sony CMD-Z5 GSM Handset Uses Microsoft Mobile Explorer

Feb. 24, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Microsoft Corp. and Sony-Digital Telecommunication Europe have announced that the Sony CMD-Z5 GSM mobile phone will use Microsoft's Mobile Explorer(TM) browser which supports WAP 1.1 and HTML. According to Sony the handset also uses the T9(TM) input system by Tegic Communications Inc. to speed text input.
[2000/02/29]

Nat Semi Announces GSM Transceiver Chips

Feb. 24, 2000, Business Wire reports that National Semiconductor Corporation has announced the LMX3411 single chip GSM transceiver devices for use in GSM 1800, 1900 and E-GSM versions, and two new mobile phone handsets using this chip. The LMX3411 chip is available in sample volumes with production quantities expected to begin shipment in May 2000 at $19.60 US each in quantities of 1,000.
[2000/02/29]

Microsoft Unveils Internet Explorer for Pocket PC At CeBIT

Feb. 24, 2000, Microsoft has previewed the Microsoft(R) Internet Explorer for the Pocket PC. According to Microsoft, Pocket PC's which were first shown at CES in January are expected to ship in the first have of this year.
[2000/02/29]

Research In Motion Allied With Nortel

Feb. 24, 2000, Susan Taylor writes for Reuters that Research In Motion has agreed with Nortel to develop next-generation wireless Internet services and computing devices. Nortel will spend $25 million (Cdn.) towards this effort.
[2000/02/29]

Palm Demonstrates BlueTooth At CeBIT 2000

Feb. 24, 2000, Palm, Inc. has been demonstrating a snap on BlueTooth module at CeBIT 2000.
[2000/02/29]

Nat Semi and Ericsson Show Ericsson Screen Phone HS210

FEb. 24, 2000, Business Wire reports that National Semiconductor Corporation and Ericsson have announced that they will show Ericsson's Screen Phone HS210 wireless voice and data Internet appliance at CeBIT 2000. The device is based on the Nat Semi Geode GXLV based WebPad design and uses a Linux operating system.
[2000/02/29]

Sony Licences More Companies For Memory Stick

Feb. 24, 2000 Reuters reports that Sony Corp. has claimed to have added 19 companies as licensees for its Memory Stick storage device format. The companies reflect a strong automotive market including General Motors, and its divisions (Adam Opel AG, Holden, Saab and Vauxhall), Hitachi Ltd., Mitsubishi Electric Corp., Compaq Computer Corp., Samsung Electronics Co., Texas Instruments Inc., Volkswagen AG and Audi AG.
[2000/02/29]

Symbian Unveils Quartz Handheld Computer Reference Design

Feb. 23, 2000, Associated Press reports that Symbian has unveiled its new handheld computer reference design called Quartz. Motorola is expected to be the first to use the new design standard in a device, in the spring of 2001.

Feb. 23, 2000, in a separate article from Canada News Wire, the Motorola launch is estimated as second quarter, 2001.

[As always, I am interested in finding out whether Motorola's device will be based on ARM or M-CORE. There is no clarification.]

Symbian Software Development Kits http://www.symbiandevnet.com/
Symbian http://www.symbian.com/
[2000/02/29]

AER Energy Claims Improved Capacity Zinc-air Cell

Feb. 23, 2000, PR Newswire reports that AER Energy Resources, Inc. has announced roughly double capacity (860 watt hours per litre) for its latest prototype zinc-air cell. According to AER a prototype cell smaller than AA size can contain the same energy of an alkaline C cell.

http://www.aern.com/
[2000/02/29]

CYNET, Inc. Claims 21,600 baud AMPS Cellular Modem

Feb. 22, 2000, PR Newswire reports that CYNET, Inc. has announced that it is marketing Teliran Electronics, Ltd.'s "Complete Wireless Cell/Modem" renamed "CYNET Complete Wireless Cell/Modem" as the only currently available V.34 cellular modem. The PCMCIA Type III card modem is capable of 21,600 baud [sic] wireless over an AMPS cellular network and 33,600 baud [sic] landline.

http://www.cynetinc.com/
[2000/02/29]

In The News Feb. 19 - 22, 2000

Palm, Inc. Announces Palm IIIc

Feb. 22, 2000, Canada News Wire and Business Wire report that 3Com subsidiary Palm, Inc. has announced it's new Palm IIIc(TM) handheld computer.

Palm IIIc: 256 colour TFT screen, 8MB RAM, PalmOS version 3.5 in FlashRAM, 6.8 oz., rechargeable battery,

OS features include Agenda view, quicker access to menu views, and context sensitive command strokes, password security improvements, address record duplication

The Palm IIIc is available immediately at $449 US ($679 Cdn).

Palm, Inc. http://www.palm.com/
[2000/02/26]

Palm, Inc. Announces Palm IIIxe

Feb. 22, 2000, Canada News Wire and Business Wire report that 3Com's subsidiary Palm, Inc. has announced its new Palm IIIxe handheld computer. The Palm IIIx features include 3MB RAM, Palm OS 3.5 in Flash memory and a new darker case colour. Priced at $249 US ($379 Cdn), it is available immediately.
[2000/02/26]

SyncML Initiative To Develop First Universal Data Synchronization Standard

Feb. 22, 2000, Business Wire reports that IBM, Lotus, Motorola, Nokia, Palm, Inc., Psion and Starfish Software have announced the founding of the SyncML Initiative, to develop and promote an open industry specification for universal data synchronization for remote data and personal information across multiple networks, platforms and devices. SyncML will be an XML-based data synchronization protocol. SyncML will influenced by XML, MIME, vCard and iCalendar standards.

SyncML Initiative http://www.syncml.org/
[2000/02/26]

AP Says CeBit Has Gone Mobile

Feb. 22, 2000, Associated Press reports that Mobile communication will be central for "Center for Office and Information Technology" ("CeBit") 2000. Technologies to watch are WAP, Bluetooth and Internet security.
[2000/02/26]

3Com Licenses Extended Systems Bluetooth Support For Palm

Feb. 22, 2000, Business Wire reports that Extended Systems has announced that 3Com has licensed its Bluetooth technology for use in Palm, Inc. products.
[2000/02/26]

TI Claims Fastest And Lowest-Power DSPs

Feb. 22, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Texas Instruments has introduced new digital signal processor (DSP) cores which TI claims are the fastest and lowest powered in the world. TI claims its new TMS320C64x(TM) core ("C64x") is 10x faster than today's fastest DSP, operating at 1.1 GHz (1,100 MHz) and can handle nearly 9 billion instructions per second. The TSM320C55x(TM) ("C55x") requires only 15% of the power of the most efficient DSP currently available, but give 5x the performance.

http://www.ti.com/newdspcores/
[2000/02/26]

Palm Unannounced News

First, the biggest news is from Radio Shack regarding the latest equipment from 3Com Palm itself. I have an advertising brochure available in their stores regarding sales that end March 25, 2000. The latest prices for Palm are not special prices, but are going to be the regular in store prices (prices in Cdn. funds):

There are pictures of the new products but not much information.

Also, I have seen the Qualcomm "pdQ" advertised at Baka Wireless in the Toronto Star (Feb. 16, 2000, p. A3). This handset, which features Palm III functionality with a CDMA phone, has been around for some time now, but this is the first I've seen it actually advertised in the Toronto area. It is available for Bell Mobility service at $849 Cdn. with a 2.5 hr. talk time / 40 hr. standby battery. [I expect that if I check the Bell Mobility Website, I would find it there also.]
[2000/02/22]

Neopoint For Bell Mobility

Also in the Baka Wireless ad in the Toronto Star (Feb. 16. 2000, p. A3) is the NeoPoint handset on the Bell Mobility CDMA network which has Internet functionality, at $499 Cdn. [I don't know what software system this is based on. I'll try to find out later.]
[2000/02/22]

In The News Feb. 15 - 19, 2000

Nat Semi Announces 3 Technology Battery Charger Chip

Feb. 16, 2000, Business Wire reports that National Semiconductor Corporation has announced its LM3647 Universal Battery Charger chip which provides management for charging Ni-Cad, Ni-MH and Li-Ion technology batteries in a single chip. The chip is available immediately at $2.84 US each in 1,000 unit quantities, in a 20-pin "small-outline" package.

[The only major battery type not covered is rechargeable alkaline.]

http://www.national.com/pf/LM/LM3647.html
[2000/02/22]

What Happened To Windows 2000?

I finally got a press release regarding the release of Windows 2000 (official launch Feb. 17, 2000). Toshiba Canada was on the ball, though even their release arrived late. However, since every laptop mfr. that has a "WinTel" laptop is going to have Windows 2000 available, I've decided that I'm not going to try to list them all. In general, Windows 2000 is available on the more expensive "enterprise" oriented products.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/
[2000/02/19] revised [2000/02/22]

CeBIT 2000 This Week

I don't usually maintain a calendar of up coming events but CeBIT is going to be a major event for the mobile information technology field. It starts on Feb. 24 and ends on Mar. 1. The announcements have already started. Expect a lot more.
[2000/02/19]

In The News Feb. 12 - 15, 2000

Apple Announces New iBook Special Edition And 500MHz PowerBook Laptops

Feb. 15, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Apple has unveiled two new laptop computers. The new iBook Special Edition features 64MB RAM, a 6GB HD and a a 366MHz PowerPC G3 CPU, in a "Graphite" coloured case. The latest PowerBook now comes with up to a 500MHz PowerPC G3 CPU, 2 FireWire(R) ports and support for Apple's AirPort wireless networking.
[2000/02/19]

IBM Working With Symbian

Feb. 15, 2000, Business Wire reports that IBM and Symbian have announced a joint development agreement for the creation of wireless enterprise applications for users of Symbian based Smartphones and Communicators. The new effort will be aimed at applications that allow online/offline work rather than the current online-only browser oriented applications. IBM messaging and database middleware extensions will be embedded on on top of the Symbian platform.
[2000/02/19]

Motorola' Lexicus Announces Input Technology Suite For EPOC

Feb. 15, 2000, Business Wire reports that the Lexicus Division of Motorola, Inc. has announced the availability of its input technology suite which includes "iTAP(TM)" (Intelligent Keypad Text Entry system), natural handwriting and speech recognition, on the Symbian EPOC platform.
[2000/02/19]

Zi To Bring Oriental Languages To EPOC

Feb. 15, 2000, Reuters reports that Zi Corp. has announced that it will be working on Symbian's EPOC system. [The announcement is a bit vague, but Zi is experienced in Chinese, Japanese and Korean language interfacing, including telephone keypad entry systems.]
[2000/02/19]

Gateway Announces New Processor Options For Solo Laptops

Feb. 14, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Gateway has announced that Solo 2150, 2550 and 9300 laptops can now be ordered with Intel Celeron 450MHz CPUs. Also announced is the option of a 450MHz Intel Pentium III in the Solo 2150. Gateway also announced that Windows 2000 can now be ordered for some of its desk, laptop and server computers.
[2000/02/19]

HP Announces Processor Upgrades For OmniBook Laptops

Feb. 14, 2000, Business Wire reports that Hewlett-Packard Company has announced that its HP OmniBook 4150 laptop computer can now be ordered with a 450MHz Intel Celeron CPU or a 500MHz Intel Pentium III CPU, and the HP OmniBook XE2 can be ordered with 450 or 500MHz Intel Pentium III or 450MHz Intel Celeron CPUs.
[2000/02/19]

My Last MacOS Upgrade?

Yesterday I upgraded my Mac Performa 6360 to MacOS 9. This upgrade may be the last OS upgrade I make on the Mac. Apple's last official word was that MacOS for pre-G3 Macs would end either with this version or perhaps with one last upgrade to a "MacOS 9.5" version. But "MacOS X" would not be made available for the pre-G3 Macs. That includes all the PowerMacs that were made pre-Jobs.

I have no current plans to upgrade to a later Mac. If I see a substantial advantage in MacOS X, then I might change my mind, but so far there is no evidence of any functional advantage (apart from the possibility of bug fixes and corrections of existing design deficiencies). Instead, apart from some Windows upgrades, I am planning to move my "main computing" systems substantially into Linux variations.

When I moved my main computing from Windows to MacOS a few years ago the Mac was important for me in terms of maintaining a perspective over the industry by being grounded in more than just the most common systems but also their largest rivals. It is clear that Linux has supplanted MacOS in the role of "2nd most important OS family." Moreover, unlike MacOS, there is actually a chance worth considering that Linux might someday even supplant Windows as the next dominant mainstream OS. I would not say it's a huge chance, but it's not as minute a chance as is the case for MacOS. It is enough of a chance that it makes it even more imperative for me to make these changes now -- keeping me ahead of the wave.

Anyway, it's been fun bouncing around the Mac community, and I won't be leaving it behind completely. I'll keep using the Performa for a long time to come. But there's not much doubt now that it's time to move on.
[2000/02/19]

In The News Feb. 8 - 12, 2000

Dataquest Says Nokia Leading Handset Maker

Feb. 8, 2000, Reuters reports that according to a report by Dataquest Inc., Nokia lead the mobile phone field in 1999 with 26.9 percent of the market. [The article does not say whether this is dollar volume or unit sales, nor does it clearly identify the next largest vendor.]

[2000/02/15]

Words

Profess

" . . . 5. To make profession of (some art or science); to declare oneself expert or proficient in; to make (a thing) one's profession or business . . ."
Shorter OED 3rd.

Responsible

" . . . 1. Correspondent or answering to something . . . 2. Answerable, accountable (to another for something); liable to be called to account . . . b. Morally accountable for one's actions; capable of rational conduct . . . 3. U.S. Answerable to a charge . . . 4. Capable of fulfilling an obligation or trust; reliable, trustworth; of good credit and repute . . . 5. Involving responsibility or obligation . . ."
Shorter OED 3rd.

Professionalism is misunderstood in most of the business world. Unless there is legal limitation, anybody engaged in business can call themselves "professional" simply because they are paid to do what they do. But the word implies more. In cases of legal restrictions it also requires more. For the most part, the requirements for professional accreditation include standards of ability. This is where the word "responsible" becomes involved. One of the meanings of the word "responsible" has to do with an ability -- "Capable of fulfilling an obligation or trust." Another way to say this is "ability to respond." If you "declare your self proficient", then you are saying you are "able to respond" or simply that you are capable of taking on a responsibility.

It seems to me that while most of us have occupations, few of us are professionals.

[2000/02/14]

Palm Reduces Prices

Feb. 9, 2000, Palm Computing announced price reductions on all it current Palm computing devices, effective immediately. The following are the new suggested retail prices in Canadian dollars:

[2000/02/12]

In The News Feb. 5 - 8, 2000

HP Announces Pricing And Configurations For Windows 2000

Feb. 8, 2000, Business Wire reports that Hewlett-Packard Company has announced prices and configuration for Windows 2000 products including OmniBook laptop computers.
[2000/02/12]

Rogers Claims First North American Call Using 3G Wireless

Feb. 8, 2000, Canadian Corporate News reports that Rogers AT&T claims to have made the first North American call using EDGE 3rd generation wireless technology.
[2000/02/12]

IBM Demonstrates Interlocked Pipelined CMOS Circuits

Feb. 7, 2000, Business Wire reports that IBM Research has announced development of experimental circuitry based on its "Interlocked Pipelined CMOS" design that runs at 3.3 - 4.5 GHz. which can run on about half the power of standard high-performance circuitry The main feature of the circuitry is the use of a distributed "clock" function.

Gateway Announces Solo 1100 Portable Under $1,200 US

Feb. 7, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Gateway has announced its new Solo(R) 1100 laptop computer with an Intel Celeron 433MHz CPU with prices starting at $1,199 US.
[2000/02/12]

Iridium Refinanced

Feb. 7, 2000, Reuters reports that a group of investors lead by Craig McCaw is expected to bring at least $20 million US of emergency financing to Iridium World Communications Ltd.
[2000/02/12]

Palm And Adobe Announce PDF To Be Brought To Palm

Feb. 7, 2000, Business Wire reports that Adobe Systems and Palm Computing, Inc. have announced that Adobe's Portable Document Format (PDF) will be brought to the Palm platform.
[2000/02/12]

3Com Claims Development of CDMA Data Capacity Boost

Feb. 7, 2000, Business Wire reports that 3Com Corporation has announced that it is developing a "next-generation interworking function (IWF) for Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) service providers that will enable significant increases in call capacities." The 3Com(R) Total Control(R) 1000 Platform IWF high density gateway is scheduled to be available in late May 2000. According to Ovum (an independent research and consulting company), by the year 2003, one of every four wireless subscribers worldwide, will also be a wireless data subscriber ("Third Generation Mobile: Market Strategies," Ovum, Oct. 1999). 3Com claims that Total Control 1000 will yield 10X the call capacity (it's not clear what that is being compared to).
[2000/02/12]

IDC Claims Internet Appliances To Surpass PC's In 2002

Feb. 7, 2000, Therese Poletti writes for Reuters that according to International Data Corp. (IDC), that shipments of internet appliances will exceed personal computers by 2002. Sales in 1999 were 11 million units at a value of $2.4 billion US, including Sega Dreamcast, WebTV, Palm VII, Web terminals, e-mail terminals and screenphones. IDC projects sales in 2004 to reach 89 million units at a value of $17.8 billion US.
[2000/02/12]

Be Internet Appliance OS

Feb. 7, 2000, Therese Poletti writes for Reuters that Be Inc. is aiming its latest OS effort called BeIA at the Internet appliance market. The company claims that BeIA will have a small footprint, instant on capability and multimedia support, claiming support by RealNetworks Inc (RealSystem G2) and Macromedia Flash, and the Opera Software A/S Web browser. Be has been working with Intel to optimize the OS for Pentium III and Celeron. Hitachi plans to use BeIA in telecom devices. Compaq has also committed to use BeIA in any appliances it develops. Meanwhile, BeOS 5 will be given away free.
[2000/02/12]

Motorola Licenses LightSurf ePhoto Wireless Digital Photography Architecture

Feb. 7, 2000, PR Newswire reports that LightSurf Inc. has announced that Motorola has licensed its LightSurf ePhoto wireless digital photography architecture.
[2000/02/12]

Missing Articles?

Due to a problem with my Compaq computer, I have lost a number of articles which I had not read. I cannot be sure if I missed anything relevent. Hopefully I will be informed about anything of interest that happened.
[2000/02/08]

In The News Feb. 1 - 5, 2000

Phone.Com Announces Version 4.1 of Wap Microbrowser

Feb. 5, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Phone.com, Inc has announced that version 4.1 of its UP.Browser microbrowser for Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) 1.1 is ready to begin testing for WAP certification.

http://www.phone.com/
[2000/02/08]

HP Announces Price Cuts

Feb. 3, 2000, Business Wire reports that Hewlett-Packard Company has announced price cuts on OmniBook laptop computers:

HP OmniBook 900 with 400MHz Pentium II has been reduced by about 23% to $1,999 US.

HP OmniBook 4150 with 400MHz Pentium II has been reduced by about $15.3% with prices starting at $2,199 US.
[2000/02/08]

Dell Inspiron(TM) 5000 Laptop Has Large Screen

Feb. 2, 2000, Dell Computer Corporation has announced its latest Inspiron(TM) 5000 laptop computer which offers screens from 14.1 inch XGA up to a "15-inch SXGA+" screen, 1.48" thickness and 6.75 pounds, 466MHz Intel Mobile Celeron processor and prices starting at $1,899 US. [Availability was not clearly stated in the article.]
[2000/02/08]

IBM Discovers New "Quantum Mirage" Method Of Data Transportation

Feb. 2, 2000, Business Wire reports that IBM has announced that its scientists have discovered a new method of transporting information on the atomic scaled which uses the wave nature of electrons. IBM calls this phenomenon "quantum mirage" effect because it is based on "project[ing] information about one atom to another spot where there is no atom."

http://www.almaden.ibm.com/almaden/media/image_mirage.html
http://www.research.ibm.com/
[2000/02/08]

Viventus Brings WAP To Filemaker Pro

Feb. 2, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Viventus AS of Norway has announced that its "Filemaker Pro Tool-Kit" now allows WAP interfacing for cellular phone data access.

[This was a bit difficult to understand because they used the word "solutions" in the mistaken belief that it actually means something. Maybe this is a good reason to avoid buying a product? After all, if they can't write clear advertising copy, what will their documentation be like?]

http://www.viventus.com/
[2000/02/08]

Samsung Develops Linux Handheld

Samsung has apparently developed a handheld computer based on an ARM RISC CPU and a version of the Linux Operating System. Details on their website are sketchy, but it is a multimedia device about the size of a Compaq 1500 series, but with a colour screen and apparently a broadcast radio receiver. The Website invites potential dealers to make inquiries.

http://www.sem.samsung.co.kr/eng/product/digital/pda/index.htm
[2000/02/05]

In The News Jan. 29 - Feb. 1, 2000

Compaq Announces PCI-Only Deskpro Computers

Feb. 1, 2000 PR Newswire reports that Compaq Computer Corporation has announced nine Deskpro EP Series PC's which do not come with the legacy ISA bus slots. The only general purpose card slots are PCI. The new models will be available in February with prices starting at $989 US including at 15" V500 monitor.

[Although this is not a mobile computer, it is a long anticipated and historical move. I'm not sure right now how much this might affect Windows/Intel laptop computers]
[2000/02/05]

Transmeta To Distribute Mobile Linux

Feb. 1, 2000, Paula Rooney writes for Computer Reseller News that Transmeta will distribute "Mobile Linux" which will be a ROM-based Linux OS developed for small devices.
[2000/02/05]

Flextronics To Acquire Palo Alto Products International

Feb. 1, 2000, Robert Ristelhueber writes for EE Times that Flextronics International has agreed to acquire Palo Alto Products International, an industrial design team known for its designs of the original Palm Pilot in 1996 and the Palm III and Palm VII devices.
[2000/02/05]

Casio and Vodafone To Develop Mobile Multimedia Handheld Computers

Feb. 1, 2000, M2 Communications reports that Vodafone AirTouch Plc and Casio Computer Co. have announced a world-wide agreement to jointly develop mobile handheld multimedia computers.
[2000/02/05]

Psion To Work With Motorola On Wireless Portable Devices

Jan. 31, 2000, Psion PLC and Motorola, Inc. have announced that they have signed an agreement to co-develop a range of "mobile Internet access devices" based on the next generation of Symbian technology for use on cellular networks in European, North American, Asian and other markets worldwide. Products developed under this non-exclusive agreement will be marketed separately by Motorola and Psion and will carry the logos of both companies. [There was no mention of whether they would be based on the ARM processor or another processor. At the time that Motorola bought a part of Symbian, it was announced that EPOC would be ported to the M-CORE.]
[2000/02/05]

In The News Jan. 25 - 29, 2000

NTT To Provide Wireless Music Downloads In Japan

Jan. 28, 2000, Anthony Cataldo writes for EE Times that NTT Mobile Communications (Docomo) and Matsushita Communications Industrial have announced plans to form a joint venture called Air Media which will establish a wireless music distribution network which will let users download music onto Secure Digital Card (SD Card) portable phones and audio recorders. The music will be distributed first over Docomo's 64Kbps Personal Handyphone Service and later over Wideband CDMA, which is expected to be launched in Japan by the Spring of 2001.
[2000/02/01]

Qualcomm To Buy SnapTrack

Jan. 27, 2000, Qualcomm Inc. has said that it will buy SnapTrack Inc. which has developed a system for locating cellular phone users by using satellite technology. The technology is will allow Qualcomm to conform to US regulations which come into affect in 2001 to assist 911 systems.
[2000/02/01]

In The News Jan. 22 - 25, 2000

3Com Announces 11Mbps Wireless LAN

Jan. 25, 2000, Business Wire reports that 3Com Corporation has announced it's AirConnect(TM) 11Mbps Wireless LAN. The system is IEEE 802.11b based and has been submitted to the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA) for compatibility certification ("Wi-FiTM").

The AirConnect topology is based on access points which support up to 63 simultaneous wireless PCs. An access point costs $1,195 US and each PC Card costs $219 US. A starter kit with an access point and 3 PC Cards costs $1,795 US. The access point and PC cards are immediately available. Later this spring 3Com plans to offer an AirConnect PCI Card for desk computers.
[2000/01/29]

Sierra Wireless To Supply CDMA Data Products To Sprint PCS

Jan. 25, 2000, Canadian Corporate News reports that Sierra Wireless has announced a contract of at least 24 months during which Sierra Wireless will supply Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) PC Cards to Sprint PCS. The standard Type II card will allow direct dialing over the CDMA system from the computing device.
http://www.sierrawireless.com/

http://www.sprintpcs.com/
[2000/01/29]

NEC Announces Laptops Using Mobile AMD-K6-2-P CPU

Jan. 24, 2000, Business Wire reports that AMD has announced laptop computers using Mobile AMD-K6(R)-2-P CPUs. NEC is using a 400MHz version for its VersaPro R series in the Japanese commercial market and the LaVie U series in the Japanese consumer market.
[2000/01/29]

McAfee Warns of Microsoft Visio Virus

Jan. 21, 2000, PR Newswire reports that McAfee's Anti-Virus Emergency Response Team has discovered two virii targeted at Microsoft's Visio. These are:

V5M/Radiant.A which infects Visio 5 files. If the file is closed in a certain way, other files open in the same session are infected.

V5M/Unstable.A infects Visio 2000 documents. Files infected display a message on the 31st of each month.

These virii can be stopped by turning off macros. Updates for McAfee anti-virus software will be available at:

http://www.mcafeeb2b.com/

Also, in a separate release, Computer Associates announced free anti-virus software to protect from the Radiant Angel virus:

http://www.antivirus.cai.com/
[2000/01/29]

In The News Jan. 18 - 22, 2000

AMD Increases Speed Of AMD-K6-2E Embedded Processor

Jan. 19, 2000, Business Wire reports that AMD has increased the speed of its AMD-K6(TM)-2E embedded processor with 400MHz standard power (AMD-K6-2E/400AFR) and 350MHz low-power (AMD-K6-2E/350AMZ) versions. The low-power version uses a reduced core voltage of 1.9V with a maximum power consumption of 11 Watts, and an extended temperature range of 85 deg. C., and I/O voltage of 3.3V. The 400MHz standard power version currently priced at $61 US in quantities of 1,000, and the 35MHz low-power version is priced at $69 US in quantities of 1,000, both in 321-pin ceramic pin grid array packages using C4 flip-chip interconnection technology.

http://www.amd.com/products/lpd/k62e/k62e.html
[2000/01/25]

Transmeta Unveils Crusoe Chip Aimed At Mobile Apps

Jan. 19, 2000, Associate Press reports that Transmeta Corp. has announced its Crusoe chip is software based and will manage power consumption based by using on-the-fly evaluation of programs and adjusting CPU speed according to need. Prices range from $65 US for a 333MHz version to $329 US for a 700MHz version with "low end" processors currently available.
[2000/01/25]

Motorola Miniature Fuel Cell

Jan. 19, 2000, Business Wire reports that Motorola Labs and Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a new miniature fuel cell based on methanol and oxygen from the air. Energy density is estimated as "10 times that of conventional rechargeable batteries."

http://www.education.lanl.gov/resources/fuelcells/
[2000/01/25]

In The News Jan. 15 - 18, 2000

Intel Introduces Mobile Pentium(R) III

Jan. 18, 2000, Reuters reports that Intel Corp. has introduced its mobile Pentium(R) III cpu with "SpeedStep" technology (code named Geyserville) which allows the computer to run at one frequency when unplugged but at a faster speed when the power cord is plugged in. The first versions of this processor have maximum speeds of 600 and 650 MHz.
[2000/01/22]

Compaq Announces Portables With Mobile Pentium(R) III

Jan. 18, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Compaq Computer Corporation has announced Armada, Prosignia and Presario laptop computers using Intel Mobile Pentium(R) III CPUs. Presario 1800 with Mobile Pentium III are available immediately with Armada M700 and E500, and Prosignia 190 and 170 models following within this quarter.
[2000/01/22]

Gateway Announces Solo Laptops With Mobile Pentium III

Jan. 18, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Gateway has announced that its new Solo 2550 and Solo 9300 laptop computers using Intel's Mobile Pentium(R) III CPUs are now available.
[2000/01/22]

HP OmniBooks With Mobile Pentium(R) III's Announced

Jan. 18, 2000, Business Wire reports that Hewlett-Packard Company has announced that its line of OmniBook laptop computers (XE2, 4150 and 900 series) now use Intel Mobile Pentium(R) CPUs.
[2000/01/22]

TI Announces New Bipolar CMOS Technology

Jan. 18, 1999, PR Newswire reports that Texas Instruments has announced a new bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS) process incorporating silicon-germanium (SiGe) technology to enhance its radio frequency products giving better noise performance, linearity and battery efficiency at cellular and PCS frequencies.

http://www.ti.com/sc/docs/apps/wireless/index.htm
[2000/01/22]

Compaq Reduces Some Laptops

Jan. 17, 2000, Reuters reports that Compaq has reduced prices on some laptop computers. An example is the Armada 7800 with 366MHz Mobile Pentium II, reduced from $3,499 US to $2,799 US.
[2000/01/22]

Motorola Introduces Motorola Messaging Server 2.1

Jan. 17, 2000, Business Wire reports that Motorola, Inc. has introduced its new Motorola Messaging Server 2.1 software for developing wireless messaging applications for PageWriter(R) 2000X, Timeport(TM) 930 and Timeport(TM) 935 interactive communicators. The new version provides support for MAPI and POP3.

http://www.motorola.com/pw-solutions/
[2000/01/22]

US Handset Sales 1999

Jan. 17, 2000, PR Newswire reports that according to The Strategis Group's report "U.S. Wireless Handsets: Marketshare and Trends" Nokia was the top manufacturer of cellular phone handsets for 1999 (not including iDEN) with 34.5% of all analog and PCS sales. The largest portion of Nokia sales were TDMA. Motorola was the 2nd largest with 23.1% of the market, but the largest portion of Motorola sales were analog. Qualcomm was the 3rd largest with 12.0% of total sales and the largest number of CDMA phones. Total cellular and PCS sales in the US for 1999 was 43.3 million units. The Strategis Group predicts 50.5 million units sold in the US for 2000. Contributing to this is a finding that current users are replacing handsets with newer ones in less than 3 years.
[2000/01/22]

In The News Jan. 11 - 15, 2000

Fido Subscribers Up 125,000 In 1999 Q4

Jan. 14, 2000, Microcell Telecommunications Inc. has announced its Q4 results for 1999. Microcell claims 125,095 new customers in the quarter representing a 23% increase in new net activations compared to the same quarter in 1998.

                       Q4 Ending Total For
                   Dec. 31, 1999      1999

Gross Activations        161,943   413,077
% over Dec. 31 '98            37%       57%
Total Subscribers                  584,487
% Increase over 1998
(Dec. 31, 1998=282,174)                107%
Ave. Mnthly Churn Rate       2.3%      2.1%


[2000/01/18]

Motorola And IBM Partners In Wireless Telematics Efforts

Jan. 13, 2000, Business Wire reports that IBM and Motorola are working together to bring "end to end" wireless telematics systems to the automotive industry. The range of services will probably include such things as emergency calling for roadside help, Internet access, dynamic navigation with real-time traffic routing, security and anti-theft protection, and entertainment systems.
[2000/01/18]

Analysts Project 2 Years of High Chip Prices

Jan. 12, 2000, Associate Press reports that analysts at VLSI Reserch Inc., Dataquest and IC Insights project chip shortages for roughly the next two years, resulting in higher priced consumer products and changes in product specifications such as less standard memory.
[2000/01/18]

In The News Jan. 7 - 11, 2000

Clearnet Announces Q4 Subscription Numbers

Jan. 11, 2000, Canada News Wire reports that Clearnet Communications Inc. has announced its subscription results for 1999 Q4:


                                "3 Months Ended     3 Months Ended
                              December 31, 1999  December 31, 1998
                              -----------------  -----------------
 Digital
  - net subscriber additions             94,623             65,770
  - total subscribers end of period     559,331            308,473
  - Churn, per month
    (after 30 day guarantee)               2.10%              1.66%
 Mike
  - net subscriber additions             33,786             26,352
  - total subscribers end of period     210,121            114,095
  - Churn, per month                       1.84%              1.44%
 PCS
  - net subscriber additions             60,837             39,418
  - total subscribers end of period     349,210            194,378
  - Churn, per month
    (after 30 day guarantee)               2.26%              1.79%

 Analogue
  - SMR net subscriber additions          (3,374)            (7,468)

 Total net subscriber additions           91,249             58,302"

[2000/01/15]

Semiconductor Slump Possible for 2K Q2

Jan. 11, 1999, J. Robert Lineback writes for Semiconductor Business News that Advanced Forecasting has taken a contrary position against most other analysts and claims an 80% probability of a slump in semiconductor sales in 2000 2Q, allowing that it might be specific to certain market segments. Bill McClean of IC Insights forecasts a 22% growth in semiconductor revenue, and VSLI Research predicts a 25% increase in chip revenue in 2000.
[2000/01/15]

First Round To Xerox In Patent Suit Against 3Com (Palm)

Jan. 10, 2000, Reuters reports that The Patent and Trademark Office has ruled that the Xerox Patent for its "unistrokes" handwriting system is valid, thus allowing Xerox's case against 3Com to continue.
[2000/01/15]

TI And Ericsson Working On DSP-based Multimedia Wireless Handset

Jan. 10, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Texas Instruments Incorporated and Ericsson has announced that Ericsson will use TI's DSP-based Open Multimedia Application Platform (OMAP) in its next generation wireless Internet handsets, and other devices.

http://www.ti.com/sc/

http://www.ericsson.com/
[2000/01/15]

In The News Jan. 4 - 7, 2000

Microcell Announces Roaming In China

Jan. 7, 2000, Canada News Wire reports that Microcell Connexions Inc. has announced that it has reached a two way roaming agreement with China Mobile Communications Corp.
[2000/01/11]

HP Announces New Pavilion N3200 Laptops Using High Speed AMD CPUs

Jan. 6, 2000, Business Wire reports in separate articles that AMD and Hewlett-Packard Company (HP) have announced that HP's new Pavilion laptop computers are available with both Intel and AMD processors. Along with 500MHz Intel Pentium III in the HP Pavilion N3290, HP also offers a 433MHz Mobile AMD K6-2-P processor in the HP Pavilion N3210 cmoputer, and a 475MHz Mobile AMD K6-2-P processor in the HP Pavilion N3270 and N3250 computers. All are expected to be available later this month with prices starting at $1,199 US for the N3210.

[2000/01/11]

Motorola Adds New CDMA Timeport(TM) And TalkAbout(R) Phone Series

Jan. 6, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Motorola Inc. has introduced new three new dual-band, dual-mode digital wireless phones which operate on CDMA 800MHz, CDMA 1900MHz and AMPS networks. The new models are Timeport P8367, TalkAbout T8367 and ST7868W.
[2000/01/11]

Motorola Announces New Dual Mode CDMA V Series Phones

Jan. 6, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Motorola has announced two compact, Web-ready V Series CDMA phones: The V8160 covers CDMA 800MHz and AMPS networks and the V8162 covers CDMA 1900MHz. Both weigh about 3.0 oz. and can provide up to 150 minutes of digital talk time or up to 125 hours of standby time.
[2000/01/11]

Motorola Announces Smaller, Lighter Iridium/Cellular Phone

Jan. 6, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Motorola, Inc. has announced its new Satellite Series 9505 Iridium(R) phone which is 23% smaller and 17% lighter than previous models, and can take a "cellular cassette" for operation on local cellular networks.

http://motorolasatellite.com/
[2000/01/11]

Motorola Introduces New Pagers for 2000

Jan. 6, 2000, Business Wire reports that Motorola, Inc. has announced new additions to its pager lines. The Talkabout T350 word message pager has a one line scrolling display, the Talkabout T900 two way pager can have internet connectivity. The Timeport P935 two way pager can share enterprise E-Mail addresses, and has IrDA-compliant infrared for communcation with compatible devices such as the Palm Computing handheld computers.

http://www.motorola.com/pagers/
[2000/01/11]

Motorola Announces T6000 Two-Way Radios

Jan. 6, 2000, PR Newswire reports that Motorola, Inc. has announced its new TalkAbout T6000 series two-way radios. Operating on the US FCC Family Radio Service band, these radios have features such as digital compass, thermometer, altimeter/barometer and FM stereo radio. Suggested retail prices range from $129 - $179 US.
[2000/01/11]

Rogers Announces 1999 Q4 Results

Jan. 6, 2000, Canada News Wire reports that Rogers Cantel Mobile Communications Inc. has announced its preliminary subscriber results for the 4th quarter of 1999 (ending on Dec. 31, 1999).

Q4 Results:
Gross Subscriber
 Additions            273,000 (72,100 or 35.8% above Q4 1998)
Average monthly
 churn Q4               2.37% (compared to 2.06% in Q4 1998)
Net Cellular
 Subscriber Additions 144,400 (up 41,100 or 39.8% in Q4 1998)
Prepaid subscriber
 Additions             74,200 (51.4% of additions,
                               compared to 56.7% in Q4 1998)

Full Year:
Net Cellular
 Subcription Additions 415,500 (up 230,000 or 124.0% from
                                185,500 net additions in 1998)
Total Cellular
 Subscribers
 at End of Year        2,153,100
 Digital PCS             880,000 (41%)
 Prepaid Cellular        291,700 (13.5%)

Paging:
Net Subscriber
Additions Q4              32,000 (up 24,300 or 4X Q4 1998)
Average Monthly
 Churn Rate Q4             2.40% (compared to 3.06% in Q4 1998)
Including Purchase of
 Shaw Paging
 Total Subscribers
 Dec. 31, 1999           450,000

Total Wireless
 Customers
 Dec. 31, 1999               2.6 million (up 30.4% over
                                          Dec. 31, 1998)

[2000/01/11]

Microsoft Previews "Pocket PC" Software

Jan. 6, 2000, Microsoft is previewing the next version of Windows CE which will no longer bear that name. The future versions of current Windows CE product lines will be "Pocket PC".
[2000/01/11]

Nat Semi Announces Qubit To Build WebPAD

Jan. 6, 2000, Business Wire reports that National Semiconductor Corporation has announced that Qubit Technology has selected the National(R) Geode(TM) WebPAD(TM) reference platform as the basis for its Wireless Web Tablet. Qubit expects the product to be available in the second quarter of 2000.
[2000/01/11]

America Online E-Mail Comes To Compaq Aero

Jan. 5, 2000, Business Wire reports that America Online, Inc. and Compaq Computer Corporation have announced that AOL will develop software to allow AOL members to use Compaq Aero devices to send and receive AOL e-mail. The software will be downloadable from AOL at no charge.
[2000/01/11]

Motorola Demonstrates GPRS In Singapore

Jan. 5, 2000, Business Wire reports that Motorola, Inc.'s Network Solutions Sector (NSS) has demonstrated its general packet radio service (GPRS) system with WAP on the GSM communications networks in Singapore.

http://horizongprs.motorola.com/
[2000/01/11]

In The News Jan. 1 - 4, 2000

[Nothing. Best Wishes For the New Year!]


[2000/01/08]

In The News Dec. 28, 1999 - Jan. 1, 2000

Motorola And Glenayre Expand ReFLEX Development Collaboration

Dec. 29, 1999, PR Newswire reports that Motorola Inc. and Glenayre Technologies Inc. have announced that the companies have entered into a series of agreements to collaborate on further development of ReFLEX(TM) two-way messaging technology. In particular, Motorola's Generic Over The Air Programming (GOTAP) interface has been licensed to Gleyayre.

http://www.glenayre.com/
[2000/01/04]

Y2K And Me

The count of Y2K problems I ran into has actually been fairly small. So far, the only persisting problem I know about is that my Samsung NoteMaster 486S/25N requires my setting the date when I turn it on. I also expect that one or two of my "old DOS boxes" might need the same treatment, but I haven't even turned them on yet this year. The biggest surprise was that my Sharp PC-3000 handheld computer, which is a 1991 vintage device, is still pretty much keeping time. It lost a day somewhere, but it has done that before even without any special date. Likewise my Linux "486DX4/100" box glitched at some point so that the date and time were wrong, but I reset the date and turned it off and back on to see if the problem would persist, but the date came back correctly. I don't know whether that BIOS is compensated or whether Linux is, but as far as I can tell, it's going to be OK. Again, I don't know whether the date glitched across Dec. 31, or whether it happened at some other time. I think that it has also had date problems even without the 2000 date. I could check it, but it's not that important to me.

Some news people are asking the inevitable question of whether "it was worth it" to spend all the money. It's a stupid question. Of course it was worth it. There were problems discovered and fixed. Over the course of the past two years in particular, we heard about some of them. Yes, there were failures and blackouts, but they happened in carefully controlled situations at times which were not critical, and with the ability to correct them immediately. And, as represented by my own computers, not all the corrections are done yet. But the critical stuff is mostly done, and I expect there will be problems that will be left for years to come, and hopefully, most of them will be so negligible that we will barely notice them. What is important now is to learn from this situation. I've already said what I feel is worth learning about this computer industry. Ask yourself what you've learned.
[2000/01/04]

Millenium: The Changing of the Guard?

Think of it as an attitude problem. The computer industry has grown up with poor business practices based on excuses. "We have competition moving to fast so we don't have time to completely debug." "We can't release of source code because we'd lose our competitive advantage." But as of 2000, we have reached a point where change is possible.

Most of the common programs like word processors and spreadsheets and even HTML Web browsers, which are relatively new, have been developed as much as they need to be in terms of basic functionality. We have reached a point where most software development on the major systems is really just minor refinements. There are a few conclusions to which this points, but a couple of them are that first, there is little excuse for *not* cleaning up the remaining bugs, and addressing the remaining issues of bad design or poor packaging (such as documentation), and second, that even in very mature programs there can still be need for maintenance which points to the advantages of "open source" business models.
[2000/01/02]

PointCast 2.5 Y2k Problem?

The turning of the Millenium has not gone smoothly for either of my main computers. In the evening of New Year's Day, I tried to update PointCast on my Windows 95 based Compaq 1130 laptop computer and during the update it crashed. It's hard to say whether I had a Y2k problem or not because PointCast has, on rare occasion crashed before on this computer. This time it crashed late during an update, and ironically, while updating PointCast's own "Connections" channel.

The version that crashed was 2.5.2232 using WSOC32.DLL 66,560 97/06/25 11:14. This is an old version of PointCast, and the current version is 2.6 (specifically 2.6.251/W954-00). I made the following report to PointCast and downloaded and installed 2.6:

The browser crashed during updating of the
PointCast channel (your own channel].  The following are
Win 95 reports:

PCN32 caused an invalid page fault in
module PCNHTP32.DLL at 0137:1001bf12.

Registers:
EAX=0082c10a CS=0137 EIP=1001bf12 EFLGS=00010246
EBX=00000001 SS=013f ESP=0066ecf4 EBP=00000001
ECX=756f2074 DS=013f ESI=0082c100 FS=13af
EDX=00000000 ES=013f EDI=0000003e GS=0000

Bytes at CS:EIP:
88 01 8b be 80 00 00 00 47 3c 0a 89 be 80 00 00 

Stack dump:
0000003e 0082c100 00000001 00000001
1001c2e7 0082c100 0000000a 00811600
0082c100 1001c3ed 0082c100 0000003e
0082c100 1001c44a 0082c100 10025937

WSOCK32.DLL 66,560 97/06/24 11:14

The installation itself did not go smoothly. I completely removed the old version of PointCast (which was actually installed as 2.0 and updated automatically). When the new version was installed, it installed itself as the current screensaver and activated the screensaver function, which I normally keep disabled. Whenever I install new software I "Defrag" the drives to ensure best loading speed. When I tried to "Defrag" the HD after this latest change, the screensaver started up resulting in a very frustrating, and potentially dangerous conflict situation with Defrag restarting itself a number of times due to changes in the HD content caused by the PointCast screensaver's activities. I later deactivated the screensaver and checked the HD with Scandisk. Although I found no damage, this is not an acceptable situation.

PointCast has survived over the years because it had no real competition. It's annoying use of animated advertising, and this, frankly arrogant modifying of a user's system without warning are the sort of practices that users dislike -- and they have had years to correct it. Today, there are significant competitors. These days, I get most of my "news" using a Palm IIIx and AvantGo. I still use PointCast to cover some specific topics, but it's not really necessary. I could remove it completely really, but it's still convenient for me to organize my reading across a number of systems. But I think it's about time that PointCast thought more about doing things they way end users want them too, rather than assuming they what was good enough in the past will be continue to be acceptable.
[2000/01/02] revised [2000/01/04]

MasterJuggler Pro Security Issue?

I've already written about the problems I've had with the Macs, resulting in my upgrade. One issue that has been on my system for years now without my realizing it was regarding "MasterJuggler Pro." On the one hand, the program has functioned reliably since I started using it, around 1996. I decided to re-install it from scratch in case the installer had an better version for PowerPC use. In fact, it didn't. But during the re-installation, it has become apparent that MJPro version 2.0 doesn't have a parameter file. As far as I can tell, it might actually be a "self-modifying" file. That is to say, the data regarding which files are open might actually be stored on the disk as a part of the executable's file. This is not a good practice from a security viewpoint because it is too difficult to tell if the program has been infected by a virus. I have written to Alsoft about this issue and await their reply. Meanwhile, I have downloaded the latest update which brings me to MasterJuggler Pro 2.0.3, which is MacOS 9.0 compatible.
[2000/01/02]

Y2K Compatibility Spending Estimates

I'm trying to get reliable estimates for spending on Y2K compatibility related expenses. Canada News Wire reports that IDC Canada has estimated the following sending levels (US$):

Canada            $15 - $20 billion
Worldwide to date $280 billion
US to date        $133 billion

Dec. 31, 1999, Louise Elliot wrote for the Toronto Star that "more than $300 billion has been spent worldwide to smooth the transition to 2000," but she did not cite the source, or even say whether she meant Canadian or US dollars. Since the source is Canadian, it is presumed to be Canadian dollars. In that case it's a much lower estimate than the IDC Canada figure -- which means that the two numbers don't conflict.
[2000/01/01] revised [2000/01/02]

In The News Dec. 25 - 28, 1999

Semiconductor Capital Spending To Grow In 2K

Dec. 28, 1999, Reuters reports that Lehman Brothers said on Tuesday that it estimated 1999 worldwide semiconductor capital spending, which includes equipment and "brick and mortar" projects, to have grown over 1998 sales to about 24% ($29.4 billion US), and that spending in 2000 will probably grow another 25%, primarily in the US and Japan.
[2000/01/01]

Motorola Allows Public Access To Telematics Protocol

Dec. 22, 1999, Business Wire reports that Motorola has announced that it is allowing public access to its Application Communication Protocol Version 3 (ACP V3) specifications. According to Motorola, this previously proprietary protocol ". . . provides location-specific security, information, productivity, and in-vehicle entertainment services to drivers and their passengers."

http://www.acp-telematics.org/
http://www.telematics.motorola.com/
[2000/01/01]

Qualcomm Sells Handset Business To Kyocera

Dec. 22, 1999, AP Online through COMTEX reports that Qualcomm Inc. has announced that it is selling its mobile phone manufacturing unit to Kyocera Corp.
[2000/01/01]

Current Unsorted Material. WARNING! VERY LARGE PAGE.

Unsorted Material From 1999. WARNING! VERY LARGE PAGE.

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