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- Spb Software House Releases Spb Insight - a Full-Text Pocket PC News Reader

- Skweezer Selected by Ask.com for New Ask Mobile Search

- Skweezer Selected by Bloglines to Improve Mobile Experience

- PlanMaker 2006 for Pocket PCs enters public beta test phase

- Spb Software House releases Spb Finance 2.6 with Microsoft Money 2007 synchronization support.

- SoftMaker Office 2006 for Windows released

- New website for PDA Developers

- Spb Software House Releases Spb Diary 2.0

- Demand for Mobile Access to Social Networking Sites Growing

- Skweezer Nominated for Smartphone & Pocket PC Magazine's Best Software Awards

April 2004

Sprint and Sierra Wireless Introduce Sprint PCS Connection Card for Nationwide Wireless Connectivity on Enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network  Wednesday, April 28 2004

Sprint (NYSE: FON) and Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR - TSX: SW) today announced commercial availability of the Sprint PCS Connection Card by Sierra Wireless (PC 3300) for use on the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network. Optimized for superior laptop performance, the Sprint PCS Connection Card model PC3300 offers mobile customers fast and reliable wireless data access to the Internet, email and other corporate applications from any laptop computer that uses Windows® 98SE/2000/ME/XP or Tablet XP and is equipped with a PCMCIA Type II PC Card slot.

The Sprint PCS Connection Card model PC3300, is the first and only wireless PC card integrated with Sprint PCS Connection ManagerSM Software, jointly developed by Sierra Wireless and Sprint. In addition to managing connectivity to Sprint’s wide-area 3G network, the software allows users to conveniently manage connections to Wi-Fi ZONESTM compatible with Sprint PCSSM Wi-Fi Access – Sprint’s high-speed wireless Internet service, available in an ever-growing list of airports, convention centers, hotels, shopping malls and other public venues – through one software interface. With the software, customers can travel across the country, detect Wi-Fi ZONES compatible with Sprint service and quickly connect to the Internet or their company networks with the use of a third-party Wi-Fi card or a laptop with embedded Wi-Fi technology.

The new Sprint PCS Connection Card is now available at a suggested retail price of $229.99 from Sprint Stores, Sprint business channels including the Sprint PCS direct sales force, the Sprint PCS Business SolutionsSM Program and online at www.sprintpcs.com.

“Sprint is committed to offering technologically advanced wireline and wireless solutions that help our business customers achieve maximum productivity even while on the go,” said Phil Bowman, vice president of integrated solutions, Sprint Business Solutions. “The Sprint PCS Connection Manager Software provides a powerful productivity tool that enables users to take advantage of wireless connectivity with the Sprint PCS Connection Card by Sierra Wireless (PC 3300) through the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network, or conveniently access high-speed Wi-Fi ZONES across the country through the notebook’s Wi-Fi capability.”

Rugged in design with a flip-up Dipole antenna, the Sprint PCS Connection Card by Sierra Wireless (PC 3300) provides enhanced signal sensitivity and maximum coverage to mobile professionals. Customers using a notebook computer can wirelessly access the Internet and corporate applications at data speeds averaging between 50 and 70 Kbps, with peak speeds up to 144 Kbps prior to bandwidth optimization. Utilizing the Qualcomm® MSM5100 chipset, the new connection card offers improved throughput allowing users to send and receive email faster, resulting in more data usage and a complete user experience. Its standard 32-bit CardBus interface (3.3v) minimizes power consumption providing a longer notebook computer battery life.

“We are pleased to continue our partnership with Sprint to deliver complete solutions that satisfy the needs of the growing mobile-professional market,” said Jason Cohenour, senior vice president, global sales for Sierra Wireless. “Combined with the Sprint PCS Connection Manager Software, the Sierra Wireless PC3300 will provide business professionals using notebook computers with easy, wireless data access to corporate applications and real-time information at 3G data speeds, allowing them to stay connected when away from the office or on the road.”

For complete information on Sprint PCS Wi-Fi Access, including software tutorials, troubleshooting guides, compatible Wi-Fi equipment and a list of Sprint supported locations visit www.sprint.com/pcsbusiness/products_services/data/wifi.


Source: Sprint News Release - 04/28/2004




Nokia 2112 phone offers reliability and ease-of-use  Wednesday, April 28 2004

Mumbai, India -- Nokia today expanded its CDMA product portfolio with the introduction of the Nokia 2112 phone, a new CDMA2000 1X entry level phone with an attractive design and feature set that provides reliability and ease-of-use. The compact Nokia 2112 phone offers a competitive feature set with affordable price for the entry level segment, catering to the mobile communications needs of consumers in growth markets in Asia Pacific.
Making its debut at the regional "CDMA : Partnership For Growth"
technology summit held in Mumbai, the Nokia 2112 phone, powered by Nokia's own CDMA2000 1X chipset, operates on CDMA 800 networks and is expected to be commercially available in Asia Pacific markets during the third quarter of 2004.

"With the launch of the Nokia 2112 phone, we are introducing a new entry level phone to our expanding portfolio of CDMA products for new growth markets in Asia Pacific. This is in line with our global strategy of increasing our footprint in Asia Pacific and meeting the specific needs of mobile consumers in these markets. Backed by Nokia's dedication to quality and reliability, the Nokia 2112 offers consumers simplicity, ease-of-use in a compact-sized phone with an attractive design," said Larry Paulson, Vice President, Product and Business Strategy, CDMA Business Unit, Mobile Phones, Nokia.

The small and lightweight Nokia 2112 phone is equipped with a relevant feature set which includes an integrated handsfree speaker, MIDI polyphonic ringtones and picture messaging. The bright white backlight and keypad layout makes the phone intuitive and easy-to-use. In addition, the Nokia 2112 phone has a range of useful features like an integrated flashlight and built-in alarms and reminders.

Enhanced personalisation options in the Nokia 2112 include a picture frame feature and an attractive range of interchangeable Xpress-onä colour covers. The phone offers a worry free talktime of 3.5 to 4.5 hours and a standby time of 13.5 to 21 days.


Source: Nokia Press Office




Nokia introduces contemporary mid-range mobile phone for Asia Pacific mobile professionals  Wednesday, April 28 2004

Mumbai, India --- Nokia today introduced a CDMA2000 1X phone with a contemporary outlook and feature set for mobile professionals, broadening its range of CDMA products for consumers in Asia Pacific markets. Exuding a sense of modernity and confidence, the competitively priced Nokia 3125 phone offers a rich combination of advanced functionality with fun and entertainment features, enabling professionals to stay connected at work and socially.

Unveiled at the regional "CDMA : Partnership For Growth" technology summit held in Mumbai, the Nokia 3125 phone powered by Nokia's own CDMA2000 1X chipset, operates on CDMA 800 networks and is expected to be commercially available in Asia Pacific markets during the third quarter of 2004.

"Nokia views Asia Pacific as a growing and important region for CDMA and is committed to expanding our portfolio of products to cater to the needs and preferences of consumers in this region. The Nokia
3125 phone is designed to complement the mobile lifestyles of young executives with a feature set combining practicality with rich entertainment features. The introduction of the Nokia 3125 adds to our growing portfolio of products a mobile phone that will appeal to professionals who look for that unique combination, " said Larry Paulson, Vice President, Product and Business Strategy, CDMA Business Unit, Mobile Phones, Nokia.

Combining rich functionality with practicality, the Nokia 3125 phone features a high resolution colour display and supports multimedia messaging service (MMS), video messaging, video download and playback. The feature-rich Nokia 3125 phone is also equipped with an integrated handsfree speaker, polyphonic ringtones, animated screensavers, games, video clips as well as support for downloadable Java applications. In addition, the Nokia 3125 is equipped with useful applications like World Clock II and Converter II.

Enriching consumers' mobile experience and connectivity both socially and at work, the Nokia 3125 phone can be used with a range of mobile enhancements. These include the small and lightweight Nokia Camera Headset HS-1C, which combines a digital VGA camera and the handsfree functionality of a headset, and the Nokia Image Viewer SU-5 that allows users to show and share images from their compatible phones on a TV screen or video projector at home or in the office. The Nokia
3125 phone is also compatible with the Nokia FM Radio Headset and the Nokia Car Installation Kit which creates an in-car wireless audio connection with full handsfree features, excellent audio quality, and a remote control button for easy use of handsfree options.


Source: Nokia Press Office




palmOne Introduces Two Color Zire Handhelds  Tuesday, April 27 2004

Building on the success of the best-selling Zire(TM) handhelds, palmOne, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLMO), the world's leading maker of handheld computers and maker of highly acclaimed smartphones, today announced two color Zire handhelds.

-- The Zire 72 handheld with a built-in digital camera, audio/video
capture and playback ability(1), and Bluetooth(R) wireless technology
offers affordable multimedia capability at an estimated U.S. street
price of $299.
-- Adding color, expansion and MP3 functionality(2) to the record-breaking
Zire handheld, the Zire 31 handheld is designed for students,
superparents and seniors. It has an estimated U.S. street price
of $149.


"The Zire 72 handheld works as hard as it plays. Now you can shoot photos, capture and watch video clips or create and edit Word- and Excel-compatible files," said Ken Wirt, palmOne senior vice president and general manager of the Handheld Business Unit. "And, the Zire 31 handheld, with its bright, colorful screen, is the first color, full-featured handheld launched at under $150."

Zire 72 Handheld

The Zire 72 handheld, with a built-in 1.2-megapixel camera and MP3 player, includes what users need for work and play. In addition to capturing photos, the Zire 72 handheld is the first PDA from palmOne to enable video capture. Users can watch video clips on a brilliant 320 x 320 color screen, and the MP3 player allows users to carry the tunes they enjoy and listen in stereo.(3) The Zire 72 handheld enables users to create and edit Word- and Excel-compatible files, as well as synchronize with Microsoft Outlook (Windows only). With the Zire 72 handheld, users can even share files, and get wireless email and Internet access with built-in Bluetooth technology.(4)

-- Built-in 1.2-megapixel camera
-- Ability to capture photos and video clips
-- One-button access to MP3 player
-- High-resolution, 320 x 320 color screen
-- Ability to create and edit Word- and Excel-compatible files
-- Synchronization with Outlook (Windows only)
-- Built-in Bluetooth technology
-- 32MB of memory (24MB user-available)
-- Expansion slot
-- High-performance Intel ARM processor

Zire 31 Handheld

The Zire 31 handheld from palmOne is designed for value-conscious students, superparents and seniors. It can store thousands of phone numbers, addresses, lunch dates, meetings, birthdays, doctors' appointments and shopping lists. Its bright, colorful screen is perfect for viewing photos of family and friends. Zire 31 handheld owners can select from more than 20,000 available applications(5) and use the expansion slot for adding more memory, applications or MP3 tunes.

-- Bright color screen
-- MP3 player
-- Photo viewer
-- New PIM (Personal Information Management) software
-- Expansion slot
-- 16MB of memory (14MB user-available)

Accessories

palmOne also introduced a full range of new accessories, including the following (all prices are estimated U.S. street price):

-- Zire 72 hard case -- Strong, sleek design in brushed aluminum; includes
storage for expansion cards. The case has a sliding camera door so that
users can take a picture while the device is in the case. -- $29.99
-- Retro slip case (blue) -- Fits most palmOne handhelds. This trendy and
hip case has a secure magnetic closure. -- $19.99
-- High-quality genuine leather cases -- The wallet case, which has black
leather with white piping, includes storage for cash and expansion
cards. -- $29.99. The slim leather case has storage for credit and/or
business cards and expansion cards. -- $19.99




Source: ALERT: palmOne Inc. News




PhatWare Unveils PhatNotes Smartphone Edition  Tuesday, April 27 2004

PhatWare Corporation, a leading provider of software products and professional services for mobile and desktop computers, today announced the release of PhatNotes Smartphone Edition, the first notes organizer application specifically designed for Microsoft Windows Mobile- based Smartphones. PhatNotes Smartphone Edition allows people to easily create, search, and sort text-based notes on both their Smartphones and Windows-based desktop PCs; they can also synchronize notes between the two platforms, giving them a powerful new way to manage and access personal information on-the-go.

PhatNotes Smartphone Edition incorporates all the convenient features found in the company's existing notes organizer product for Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs and adds some new features including: Desktop PC notes synchronization; Microsoft Outlook support; hyperlinks between notes; multiple notes database support with tree-like views; hierarchical notes organizer; customizable views; user reminders; and much more.

"Since their introduction last fall, Windows Mobile-based Smartphones have both simplified and expanded communications options for people the world over. It's become clear that those users are looking for a new way to organize their personal notes as well," said Stan Miasnikov, President of PhatWare Corporation. "PhatNotes Smartphone Edition satisfies that need using the robust, proven notes technology we established for Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs."

Winner of Pocket PC Magazine's "Best Notes Software" award in 2001, 2002, and 2003, PhatNotes gives people an unprecedented ability to manage their personal and professional notes. Notes can be sorted and organized by category, date, or subject, with password protection available for individual notes. For the user's convenience, notes can be sent as email messages directly from the Note Editor; what's more, synchronizing multiple notes databases with Microsoft Outlook or the PhatNotes desktop application is as easy as clicking a button.

In order to ensure full compatibility with the Windows Mobile software for Smartphones, PhatNotes has been tested and certified with the Designed for Windows Mobile for Smartphones logo.

"Windows Mobile-based Smartphones are all about convenience, utility and fun," said Julie Wymetalek, manager of the Mobility Partner Advisory Council at Microsoft Corp. "PhatWare, through its introduction of PhatNotes Smartphone Edition, is adding to the appeal of Smartphones by offering an application that helps people manage the myriad reminders, bits of information, contacts and ideas they collect throughout their day."

PhatNotes Smartphone Edition supports all Windows Mobile-based Smartphones currently available in the U.S., including the Samsung i600 from Verizon and the Motorola MPx200 with Windows Mobile software from AT&T. In Europe, the application will soon support the Orange SPV1 and SPV2 Smartphone devices.

Pricing and Availability
PhatNotes Smartphone Edition is currently available for purchase via the PhatWare website, www.phatware.com, and its authorized resellers. Standard price for PhatNotes Smartphone Edition is $29.95; however, for a limited time the product carries a special introductory price of $19.95. Existing users of PhatNotes Standard or Professional Editions may purchase a Smartphone-only version of the product for $9.95, supporting synchronization between the Smartphone and their PhatNotes-equipped desktop PC.

PhatNotes Smartphone Edition is available for Smartphone OEM bundling as well. For more information about PhatNotes Smartphone Edition, visit www.phatware.com.

About PhatWare
Founded in October 1997, PhatWare Corporation is a leading provider of easy to use, powerful software products and professional services for the mobile and desktop computing marketplace. PhatWare specializes in handwriting recognition, digital ink, note taking, and database and network management software development. PhatWare Corporation is a Microsoft Certified Partner, a Microsoft Windows Embedded partner, and a founding member of the Microsoft Mobility Partner Advisory Council (MPAC), a unique partner program developed by Microsoft Corp. to serve as a focused feedback mechanism for Microsoft Windows Mobile platform development. MPAC provides leading companies with the tools and resources they need to bring the most innovative and successful mobility solutions to market. To learn more about PhatWare, visit www.phatware.com.

* Product or service names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.



Source: Internet News Bureau Newsletter for Tuesday, April 27, 2004




Phonecasting Behind Latest Evolution in Wireless Communication   Tuesday, April 27 2004

The latest buzz in wireless communications is phonecasting - a mobile form of blogging that uses a simple publishing tool to broadcast wireless content to multiple cellular phones at once. Previously, mobile content was limited to what phone companies chose to present. Now individuals and small businesses are phonecasting to bring their own content to the wireless community.

"Phonecasting is the democratization of mobile broadcasting" says Jason Brook, CEO of Phonecaster. "Anyone can broadcast messages to people who have signed up for their brand of information. Everyone is getting in on it, from Fortune 500 companies to club promoters to individual eBay auctioneers." Like blogging, phonecasting connects people to information by choice-users sign up to receive specific types of content on their cell phone.

This movement is catching on because it's easy to use and broadcasters see immediate results. "Phonecasting is inexpensive media-individuals use the same technology as big corporations to get their message out," says Brook. This may be, in part, why phonecasting is so appealing to its users: where blogging made it possible for anyone to publish on the Web and develop a following, phonecasting makes it possible for anyone to publish content to wireless devices.

According to Franz Krachtus, Director of Sales and Marketing for Phonecaster, creative businesses are using this technology to make money, actually selling the content they have. "If a business has content that they feel is of value, they can sign up and manage subscribers. It's an easy way to sell the content." Fortune 500 companies are phonecasting to communicate with internal staff, sending out hundreds of messages per week. Online news sources like the San Diego Union Tribune phonecast breaking news stories to their readers.

Those who want to try broadcasting their own content can sign up for free on a site like www.phonecaster.com, and only begin to pay when they start sending volume messages. At that point, the broadcaster knows what the phonecasts are worth to them. Phonecaster's mobile Web pages can be used as a stand-alone Web site or integrated into other Web sites, corporate intranets, or applications.

ABOUT PHONECASTER
Phonecaster™ is a privately funded company, providing wireless text messaging services to Web-savvy individuals, small business owners and corporate clients for over 4 years. Phonecaster is located in San Diego, California.



Source: Internet News Bureau Newsletter for Tuesday, April 27, 2004




Good Technology Receives FIPS 140-2 Certification for GoodLink, Optimized for palmOne’s Treo 600 Smartphone   Monday, April 19 2004

Good Technology, the leader in industry standards-based wireless messaging and corporate data access, and palmOne, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLMO) today announced that the GoodLink wireless messaging and data access system, which is optimized for the Treo(TM) 600 smartphone from palmOne, has received the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 certification. Good will market and sell the combined messaging system directly and through its partners to the government sector.

Administered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), FIPS certification is required for any company looking to deploy wireless messaging products and services to government customers. The GoodLink messaging system features a two-way, wirelessly synchronized connection to Microsoft Exchange Server providing full Outlook connectivity as well as access to other critical data applications from a mobile device.

“The combination of the award-winning GoodLink and Treo 600 provides an unparalleled wireless voice and messaging system ideally suited for government agencies, where secure access to sensitive, valuable data is essential to maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of that information,” said Sue Forbes, vice president of marketing for Good Technology. “Good Technology is committed to building reliable messaging and data access systems that deliver the power of the laptop computer to your mobile device, and we are pleased to be partnering with palmOne on these initiatives.”

“Good’s FIPS 140-2 certification will address some of the more pressing needs of our government customers – secure access to critical information and improved inter-agency collaboration,” said Mike Lorion, vice president of vertical markets for palmOne, Inc. “Although palmOne has already established a strong presence within the government sector, we believe this certification will further expand the opportunities for the Treo 600 within this market.”

With FIPS certification complete, Good Technology will market and sell the combined GoodLink 3.0 corporate messaging and data access system and Treo 600 smartphone through its direct sales channels, government VARs and resellers. GoodLink currently supports the Treo 600 smartphone running on AT&T Wireless and Sprint PCS, and Good co-sells the system with its carrier partners. Good will support additional carriers soon.


Source: palmOne Inc. News




Sprint and AT&T Wireless Sign Bilateral Airport Wi-Fi Roaming Agreement  Monday, April 19 2004

Sprint (NYSE: FON, PCS) and AT&T Wireless (NYSE: AWE) today announced a reciprocal Wi-Fi roaming agreement for Denver International (DIA), Kansas City International (MCI), Philadelphia International (PHL), Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) and Salt Lake City International (SLC) airports. This is the first roaming agreement between Sprint and AT&T Wireless for Wi-Fi service.

Under the agreement, Sprint PCSSM Wi-Fi Access customers will be able to add Denver International, Philadelphia International and Raleigh Durham International airports to the list of locations available to them to stay connected to the Internet, access their corporate networks, or check e-mail via a Wi-Fi enabled laptop or PDA. AT&T Wi-Fi subscribers will be able to access the same range of services at Kansas City International and Salt Lake City International airports. The companies' respective customers will be able to roam using their existing user ID's and passwords.

"Customers will reap the productivity benefits of Sprint PCS Wi-Fi Access at additional locations," explained Wes Dittmer, General Manager of WLAN services at Sprint. "Wi-Fi is an integral part of Sprint's remote access strategy, and we are fostering customer productivity by providing multi-megabit wireless data speeds at an ever-growing list of venues that are frequented by mobile employees. Sprint is also pursuing other Wi-Fi opportunities beyond today's announcement, representing not only other airports but a variety of locations that cater to both business and consumer audiences."

"Through our own properties and roaming agreements, AT&T Wireless offers Wi-Fi access in hundreds of locations around the country to serve the needs of today's mobile professionals," said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president for business data offers at AT&T Wireless. "This agreement with Sprint will add important new venues and builds on our strategy of expanding Wi-Fi networks as a compliment to our national, wide-area EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution) network."

The parties expect to complete integration efforts and enable roaming at the respective airports as soon as possible. For rates and technical support to connect to either the Sprint PCS Wi-Fi Access or the AT&T Wireless service, please visit their respective Web sites at www.sprint.com/pcsbusiness/products_services/data/wifi and www.attwireless.com/wifi.



Source: Sprint News Release - 04/19/2004




Sprint Announces New Connections at Salt Lake City International Airport  Thursday, April 15 2004

Busy airports are usually associated with connecting flights, but can now feature another type of connectivity for business travelers. The Salt Lake City Department of Airports has awarded Sprint (NYSE: FON, PCS) the right to deploy and operate a wireless local area network (WLAN) that will enable busy travelers to conduct business communications in passenger areas that would normally happen in an office setting. The productivity-enhancing service is planned for late June.

Sprint will provide Salt Lake City (SLC) airport visitors with Sprint PCSSM Wi-Fi Access, a high-speed wireless data service. Users will be able to enjoy the convenience and productivity benefits of Sprint PCS Wi-Fi Access in all airport passenger areas – at peak speeds up to 100 times faster than standard dial-up. The service complements a similar Sprint capability in place at Kansas City International Airport (KCI) announced last December.

Salt Lake City International Airport serves over 18.5 million passengers annually making it the 25th busiest facility in the nation and the 47th busiest in the world. Established in 1911 during aviation's pioneering era, it is now pioneering on a new horizon. "Wi-Fi service from Sprint is certain to enhance the customer experience at SLC and our attractiveness as a gateway destination," said Russ Pack, Director of Administration and Commercial Services at Salt Lake City International airport.

"With the growing availability of Sprint connectivity options, business travel does not need to involve communications downtime," explained Wes Dittmer, Sprint General Manager of WLAN Services. "Wait time before or between flights is no longer wasted time in terms of lost productivity or missed opportunity. Our customers have the choice of using Sprint PCS VisionSM data services to be connected while mobile via the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network or Sprint PCS Wi-Fi Access when they are in key public venues for any length of time and need higher data speeds."

Sprint PCS Wi-Fi Access is a high-speed wireless data service that uses 802.11b technology to enable mobile professionals to replicate their desktop environment and get remote access to the Internet, email and corporate applications on mobile devices while away from the office. Sprint is focusing on providing Wi-Fi services in high-traffic areas such as airports, hotels, convention centers and other public venues where customers tend to need it most and can derive the greatest benefit. Sprint is also pursuing other Wi-Fi service opportunities beyond today's announcement, representing not only other airports but a variety of locations that cater to both business and consumer audiences.

Users will need a mobile device with Wi-Fi card or embedded with Wi-Fi technology. Service users have two ways to connect: through Web-based log-in using one's Internet browser, or by using Sprint PCS Connection ManagerSM software with Wi-Fi, which enables customers to manage the service in hundreds of other Sprint compatible public Wi-Fi ZONESTM in a consistent and convenient manner by simply pressing Go once registered.

Sprint PCS Wi-Fi Access has two available billing options: Pay-As-You-Go access is priced at $9.95 per connection per location for 24 hours of unlimited access; and a new Month-to-Month plan which offers unlimited access for $49.95 per month. For complete information, tutorials, a trouble-shooting guide and list of Wi-Fi ZONESTM compatible with Sprint service or to download Sprint PCS Connection Manager, visit http://www.sprint.com/pcsbusiness. and click on "Sprint PCS Wi-Fi Access."

"Wi-Fi ZONE" and its respective logo is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. To learn more visit www.wi-fi.org.


Source: Sprint News Release - 04/15/2004




Sprint and Sanyo Introduce the "Camera Phone with More"  Thursday, April 15 2004

Sprint (NYSE: FON, PCS) and Sanyo today announce the introduction of Sprint's tenth integrated camera phone, the Sprint PCS Vision Picture Phone PM-8200 by Sanyo. This update of the popular Sprint PCS Vision Picture Phone SCP-8100 by Sanyo features several enhancements including improved resolution, a built-in flash and Sprint's nationwide walkie-talkie service, Sprint PCS Ready LinkSM. Customers have their choice of three colors: silver, red or midnight blue. The new phone is available nationwide in Sprint Stores and online at www.sprintpcs.com for $129.99 after rebates (SRP: $279.99).

In late March 2004, Sprint announced that more than 100 million pictures and videos had been shared over its network. Sprint and Sanyo introduced Picture MailSM to the masses with the high-volume original model last April. To date, Sprint has announced ten camera phones in the U.S., leading the industry in mobile picture taking and sharing.

"The Sprint PCS Vision Picture Phone PM-8200 by Sanyo is a new and improved version of the popular Sprint PCS Vision Picture Phone SCP-8100 by Sanyo, one of the best-selling phones in Sprint's history. Sanyo is not only known for high-quality mobile phones, but also is one of the largest manufacturers of digital cameras and camcorders," said John Garcia, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Sprint. "By partnering with a manufacturer known for making not only high quality mobile phones, but digital cameras and camcorders, Sprint is confident we will continue to lead the U.S. mobile-pictures market."

"The new Sanyo phone follows in the footsteps of our innovative original Picture Mail phone but with even more features," said Atsushi Kodera, group vice president and general manager of Sanyo Fisher Company's Wireless Communications Division. "This rich feature set will appeal to a broad variety of customers who want a phone that can do more. This phone is easy to use, but has advanced functions that will be beneficial for either business or personal use."

The advanced digital camera, coupled with Sprint PCS Ready Link capability for nationwide walkie-talkie communication and a built-in speakerphone for hands-free operation, makes this the "camera phone with more." The phone also comes in three colors: silver, midnight blue and red. In addition to the VGA-quality camera, the small and stylish Sprint PCS Vision Picture Phone PM-8200 by Sanyo offers a built-in flash and digital-zoom capability.

Sprint PCS Ready Link gives customers a quick, convenient way to communicate one-on-one or with groups of up to five people with the simple push of a button. Ideal for short "get in, get out" conversations, Sprint PCS Ready Link is an efficient and cost-effective way to quickly access co-workers, clients, suppliers, family and friends anywhere on the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network.


Source: Sprint News Release - 04/15/2004




Nokia's N-Gage 2 has apparently surfaced on the Web  Wednesday, April 14 2004

Nokia's N-Gage 2 has apparently surfaced on the Web, and the images clearly indicate how the mobile phone giant has solved the first version's notorious telephonic user-unfriendliness: it has made the device oval-shaped.

The new model - described as being smaller and thinner than the original - also features a game slot that's rather more readily accessible than its predecessor's. It's on the console's underside - you can see an arrow on the first, rear-facing pic.

Interestingly, the front shot shows a camera menu, but there's no sign of said device on the back, unless it's hidden under that bit of grey paper on the right.

The pictures suggest that famous game coder John Romero had indeed seen a prototype of the device, a claim he blabbed to a Russian computing website earlier this year, and which he subsequently denied in an email sent to this reporter.

We understand the new version will be based on Texas Instruments' OMAP 2 processor, which are due later this year. OMAP 2 uses Imagination Technologies' PowerVR MBX core, as does Intel's 2700G mobile graphics chip. The Intel part was launched yesterday.

We've heard talk that N-Gage 2 will be announced later this week, possible tomorrow.


Source: Register Headlines Wednesday April 14




Armadillo Cowboy Club Free Online Non-Violent Arcade Interactive Video Game Builds Popularity with Online Gamers  Wednesday, April 7 2004

April 07, 2004 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Armadillo Cowboy Club Free Online Non-Violent Arcade Interactive Video Game Builds Popularity with Online Gamers

Get Out Your Lasso Partners, the Wild West Animated Video Game will Rope You in…

www.wildheartranch.com

April 07, 2004 - Point Roberts, WA, - Wild Heart Ranch, Inc., a publishing, entertainment and toy company is pleased to continue to offer the free online Internet video game “The Armadillo Cowboy Club” for avid gamers. The game is based on an original story, about three Armadillo Deputy heroes that capture criminal coyotes with slingshots firing bees as well as fast flying lassos. Cast of characters include Sam the Rattler, the local Sheriff, Wyatt Dirt the lead Armadillo, a pack of dirty Coyotes, three old nags, and more. The game takes you into desert scenes, an old fashioned street shoot out and a saloon fight. Sound effects add humor, creating a “ good old boy” western slapstick game for all ages to enjoy.

Wild Heart Director Russell Naftal, an award-winning producer in the entertainment industry, created all of the original artwork, character design, backgrounds and themes. His cartooning talents combined with his wide range of industry experience have created a family friendly, action packed game.

Play the free games:
http://www.wildheartranch.com/kidsclub/kc_games.asp

Read the story of the ARMADILLO COWBOYS:
http://www.wildheartranch.com/kidsclub/kc_Armadillostory.asp

Wild Heart Ranch, Inc. http://www.wildheartranch.com is a content driven publishing entertainment and toy company that creates and licenses innovative non-violent toys and products based on original ideas and characters. The Company’s products for 2004 include collectible plush toy horses and seahorses (http://www.iseahorses.com) Check out our toys: http://www.wildheartranch.com/store/store_home.asp

Certain statements in this press release are "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements express or implied by the forward looking statements. Factors at impact such forward looking statements include, among others, the ability of the Company to attract business, risks of competition, and price and margin trends.

For more information contact Jennifer Randle or Dawn Van Zant at 888-889-9213 or email jenny@wildheartranch.com, dawn@wildheartranch.com


Source: Wild Heart Ranch, Inc. Press Release




palmOne Professional Services Makes Creating Customized Mobile Business Solutions Easier Than Ever Before   Tuesday, April 6 2004

palmOne Professional Services, in conjunction with select system integrators, independent hardware and software vendors, and value-added resellers, provides businesses with the resources and know-how required to conceive, design, test, implement and deploy customized mobile solutions with palmOne devices. It also offers technical expertise to help businesses complete mobile solutions already in progress. palmOne Professional Services can work on-site with developers, leading or assisting with any stage of a mobile solution's development lifecycle.

The group offers a range of services from full lifecycle scoping, design and development of mobile solutions to technical support and training. In addition, for businesses who require pilot projects, or that do not want to invest in the upfront costs for infrastructure, development or ongoing maintenance, palmOne Professional Services offers a mobile application hosting service that can quickly be customized and deployed for a small monthly fee. palmOne manages the services infrastructure and provides an organization with personalized access to a secure website to view, download and manage data captured from handhelds in the field.

"palmOne Professional Services is a key element in our strategy of increasing the business-critical value of palmOne handheld solutions in many segments of the market," said Jason Zajac, vice president, product planning and strategy, at palmOne. "Our Professional Services group has extensive knowledge of industry best practices and significant expertise designing and building the most elegant and user-friendly solutions on the market today. With our products and professional services, we are ready to address the mobility needs of any business scenario."

For example, an insurance company may want to provide its field sales force with mobile solutions for generating quick and accurate policy quotes for customers, but may lack the support to develop a custom mobile application for palmOne handhelds. In this scenario, palmOne Professional Services could educate in-house staff on the tools and best practices associated with developing the most efficient mobile solutions and then provide technical expertise to assist the company's application development and deployment efforts.

palmOne Professional Services also works with partners such as PayJunction that specialize in advanced off-the-shelf mobile financial solutions that enable businesses to manage mobile sales transactions wirelessly. "Many clients request a customized user interface that extends our successful off-the-shelf EasySwipe solution," said Randy Modos, president, PayJunction Inc. "By partnering with palmOne Professional Services, our development team focuses on the secure network transaction layer, while palmOne Professional Services provides the custom user-interface development."


Source: palmOne Inc. News




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