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