PDA Newswire
Home | PDA NW for Your Site | Archive | Add News | Links | Mobile Version | Contact Us

 

- 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

August 2004

Eracent Announces Automated Discovery for Wireless PDA Devices  Monday, August 30 2004

Eracent, Inc., a worldwide provider of automated IT asset management technologies, today announced the capability of its EnterpriseAM software to discover and inventory wirelessly connected Personal Data Assistants or PDAs. In keeping with its practice of providing as much value to the IT manager as possible, Eracent’s PDA discovery tools are compatible with Research In Motion’s Blackberry™ devices, and all devices running either PalmOS™ or Windows Pocket PC™ operating systems. Identification of PDA-based viruses will also become a standard feature of the Eracent software knowledge base.

“With Gartner reporting that over 23.5 million PDAs shipped over the last two years, we recognized the critical role that PDAs and related devices will play in the enterprise”, commented Ed Cartier, Eracent’s Marketing VP. “At the same time, IT managers need to know how these devices are configured, if they are corporate assets or private property and what software and data files they carry. EnterpriseAM’s new functionality gives them the ability to that and more.”

Scanning the PDA
The PDA scanning features of EnterpriseAM are designed to work through a wired or wireless connection, and will operate with any mix of the major PDA operating environments. The enhances EnterpriseAM allows IT managers to know exactly how many and what models of PDAs are in use within the enterprise, what operating system configurations are deployed, the frequency of use for each device, the hardware configuration of each PDA, who the users are and what applications are installed. In addition the system allows the manager to, through use of Eracent’s constantly updated audit files, determine exactly what is running on each PDA and to reconcile licensing information for corporate-supplied applications.

“In an era where wireless handheld devices are being targeted by virus writers as a backdoor to the network, we feel it is critical to provide IT managers with the best tools available to scan and inventory PDAs”, Cartier commented. We have extended the extraordinary accuracy of the EnterpriseAM solution to the handheld device, extending the level of control and security that IT managers are demanding today”.

About EnterpriseAM
Eracent’s EnterpriseAM technology enables large enterprises and government organizations to effectively manage their IT assets quickly and efficiently from a single location. Using patented technology, EnterpriseAM can be deployed in days and can begin to provide accurate and easy to use information almost immediately. Identifying software to the title, version, file-type, patch, hot-fix and language level, and hardware to the component level, EnterpriseAM sets a new threshold for IT asset inventory accuracy. Major corporations and government agencies rely on EnterpriseAM to provide up-to-date software and hardware data, as well as software license compliance information and notification of the existence of unauthorized or malicious code. Data from EnterpriseAM inventories is accepted by the SIIA as for purposes of demonstrating software license compliance. Eracent is a member of SIIA , is an SIIA CASP partner and a member of FAST and participates in the FAST Asset Management Group. EnterpriseAM has is Microsoft Certified and was named as a Codie Award Finalist for the 2004 Codie Award.

About Eracent
Eracent Inc. is a provider of IT asset and software management solutions for enterprise level organizations. Serving all industries in both domestic and international markets, Eracent’s core business strategy has been, and continues to be, to develop a suite of technologies that provide a rapid return, ease of use and full access to highly accurate data needed by IT managers in large organizations.

Source: palmOne Inc. News




Build Your Dream Team With X-Men(TM) Legends For The N-Gage Platform   Wednesday, August 25 2004

Nokia today announced that X-Men(TM) Legends, the first 3D action-RPG based on the popular Marvel characters, the X-Men, will be released for the N-Gage platform under agreement with Activision (Nasdaq:ATVI). X-Men Legends challenges players to create, customize and control their favorite X-Men Super Heroes in teams of four in their ongoing battle to protect humanity from the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants and other Marvel Super Villains.

Gamers can train their X-Men squad through a variety of single player missions, as well as up to four player multiplayer missions via Bluetooth wireless technology. On the N-Gage Arena, players will be able to post high scores and download new missions and games.

"X-Men Legends gives fans the chance to develop their favorite X-Men and take them into battle wherever they go as well as connect and compete with fellow X-Man fans via Bluetooth and the N-Gage Arena," said Pasi Pölönen, Director, Games Publishing, Nokia. "It's a fantastic game that utilizes the mobile multiplayer features of the N-Gage platform."

"Combining the fast-paced action of an epic X-Men saga and the strategy, depth, and story of an immersive role-playing adventure, X-Men Legends on the N-Gage allows fans to experience the X-Men like never before," said Dave Anderson, Senior Director of Business Development and Licensing for Activision, Inc. "By working with our partners at N-Gage, fans can now enjoy this experience on the go."

Players can build a squad of four X-Men characters from favorites, including Wolverineä, Gambitä and Stormä from the ground up and command them through an engaging story that spans the Marvel mutant universe, bringing in elements familiar to fans of the X-Men franchise.
As players tailor their Super Hero team, they can pick the different characters to use and customize them, making their team of X-Men the most powerful Super Heroes the world has ever seen.

X-Men Legends has not yet been rated by the ESRB and is expected to be available on the N-Gage in the first quarter, 2005.

About Activision
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted net revenues of $948 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, Scandinavia and the Netherlands. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's World Wide Web site, which is located at www.activision.com.

About N-Gage
The N-Gage game deck is an innovative mobile device that is creating an entirely new market for the games industry. Built for active gamers, the N-Gage platform is the first mobile and connected game deck to feature online high-quality 3D multiplayer game play over Bluetooth wireless technology and GPRS. The N-Gage device also offers unique online games services as well as a comprehensive and growing games catalogue from the leading game publishers. Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Nokia and N-Gage are trademarks or registered trademarks of Nokia Corporation.


Source: Nokia Press Office [press.office@nokia.com]




Asphalt: Urban GT burns serious rubber on N-Gage   Thursday, August 19 2004

Nokia and Gameloft today announced Asphalt: Urban GT for the N-Gage platform. Asphalt: Urban GTTM brings the thrill of high-speed racing in locations from around the world with licensed dream cars that players can customize for performance and looks. With its amazing 3D graphics and fast frame rate, Asphalt: Urban GT offers a true high-speed experience with the possibility to race against others via Bluetooth wireless technology.

"Asphalt: Urban GT is the first dream car racing game for the N-Gage platform and it delivers fantastic graphics and high-powered performance," says Pasi Pölönen, Director of Games Publishing, Nokia. "Asphalt: Urban GT lets you race your customized Lamborghini down the Champs-Elysée in Paris - a thrilling experience!"

"We think this is an excellent fit to the N-Gage platform," says Julien Fournials, VP Production of Gameloft.." In addition to the very rich and crisp 3D graphics, the platforms allows a fast frame rate to enhance the sports cars driving experience"

Players compete to earn money so that they can buy their favorite dream cars and unlock racing tracks from around the world. With the possibility to customize car through visual and performance tuning, players can create their own racing dream car. Asphalt: Urban GT offers wireless local multiplayer gaming for up to four players with several different racing modes.

Asphalt: Urban GT is expected to hit the stores this Christmas.

About N-Gage
The N-Gage game deck is an innovative mobile device that is creating an entirely new market for the games industry. Built for active gamers, the N-Gage platform is the first mobile and connected game deck to feature online high-quality 3D multiplayer gameplay over Bluetooth wireless technology and GPRS. The N-Gage device also offers unique online games services as well as a comprehensive and growing games catalogue from the leading game publishers. Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Nokia and N-Gage are trademarks or registered trademarks of Nokia Corporation.

About Gameloft
Gameloft is a leading international publisher and developer of video games for mobile phones. Founded in 1999 and today the industry leader, Gameloft designs games for phones including Java, BREW and Symbian technologies, the installed number of which is likely to surpass one billion units by 2007(1). Partnership agreements with major rights-holders such as Ubisoft Entertainment allow Gameloft to associate strong international brands with its games. Gameloft's direct commercial presence in 10 countries (United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, China, Hong Kong and Japan) enables the Group to distribute its range in over 65 countries through a network of telecom operators, phone manufacturers, specialized distributors and an on-line boutique: www.gameloft.com. Gameloft is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange (Euroclear - 7960, Bloomberg GMLF FP, Reuters GLFT.LN).


Source: Nokia Press Office




Work Your Brain With Catan On The N-Gage Platform   Thursday, August 19 2004

Today, Nokia announced the first Capcom title for its N-Gage game portfolio. Catan, a brain sport strategy game, will appeal to a wide range of gamers who will be inspired by the possibility to engage in up to four person mobile multiplayer gaming via Bluetooth wireless technology.

Catan gamers will compete with each other to build roads, settlements and cities. Instead of colonizing land and enslaving natives, gamers will occupy new land to develop into communities with the aim of expanding their civilization and squeezing out competitors. Catan offers a balanced mix of tactic, strategy, interaction and - of course - luck.

"The Catan board game has a loyal following worldwide and we have every reason to believe that this new mobile multiplayer version of Catan for the N-Gage platform will be very popular as well," said Pasi Pölönen, Director, Games Publishing, Nokia. "The N-Gage platform gives an opportunity for both existing and new Catan fans to engage in a powerful, strategic mobile gaming experience."

"Catan is perfectly suited to be launched as the first Capcom release on the N-Gage platform", says Kuniaki Tanaka, General Manager of Mobile Business Department of Capcom. "The mobile multiplayer features will make Catan fans work their brains even harder to accomplish their mission and grow their civilization."

The N-Gage Arena provides tips and hints to gamers as they roll the dice to get the commodities they need to build new roads, cities and settlements. Catan is expected to be available on the N-Gage platform in early 2005.

About Capcom
Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment. Founded in 1983, the company has created world renowned franchises including Resident Evil, Street Fighter, Mega Man, Breath of Fire, Devil May Cry and the Onimusha series. Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, the company maintains operations in the U.S., United Kingdom, Germany, Tokyo and Hong Kong. More information about Capcom and its products can be found on the company's website at www.capcom.com.

About N-Gage
The N-Gage game deck is an innovative mobile device that is creating an entirely new market for the games industry. Built for active gamers, the N-Gage platform is the first mobile and connected game deck to feature online high quality 3D multiplayer game play over Bluetooth wireless technology and GPRS. The N-Gage device also offers unique online games services as well as a comprehensive and growing games catalogue from the leading game publishers. Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Nokia and N-Gage are trademarks or registered trademarks of Nokia Corporation.

About Catan GmbH
The Catan GmbH is the original licensor of the Catan brand and works closely with Capcom on promoting the Catan brand. The Catan designer Klaus Teuber has founded the Catan GmbH company in 2002 to promote and maintain the Catan brand, which has manifestations in board games, electronic games, literature and more. The Catan games alone have sold 11 million copies worldwide since 1995. More information about the Catan GmbH and Klaus Teuber can be found at www.catan.com and www.klausteuber.com


Source: Nokia Press Office




IAMBIC ANNOUNCES POWERFUL NEW, E-MAIL SOLUTION FOR PALM OS® DEVICES  Wednesday, August 18 2004

iambic, Inc., a leading provider of productivity enhancement software for handheld computers (PDAs and smartphones) today announced the release of Agendus Mail, a powerful new email solution for Palm OS devices. Agendus Mail delivers full email functionality to the users of iambic’s award-winning, Agendus for Palm OS Professional Edition, personal information management (PIM) program. This “best-of-breed” solution enables users to conveniently send and receive email messages, wirelessly and via synchronization, without compromise.

Agendus Mail provides full-featured IMAP support making the process of synchronizing e-mail folders between handheld and computer very simple. Operating just like desktop email programs, Agendus Mail connects directly to the mail server, eliminating the hassle of working through intermediary servers. It is fully compliant with popular email protocols such as POP, IMAP and SMTP.

“For the last ten years, iambic has been focusing on creating software solutions that enables users to unleash the power of their handheld devices,” said Vidal Graupera, CEO and founder of iambic, Inc. “Our latest offering, Agendus Mail, provides a level of integration, ease-of-use and functionality that takes Agendus Pro to a whole new level.”

Formerly known as iambic Mail, Agendus Mail, is tightly integrated with the award-winning, Agendus for Palm OS Professional Edition personal information management (PIM) program. Agendus Professional leverages the data from the native address, calendar, and to do list Palm OS application to offer a richer, more insightful experience.

Looking to build on the success of Agendus Professional, iambic listened to feedback from the Agendus user community and spent the last eight months building a mail solution that meets the needs of everyday and power users.

Features of Agendus Mail include:
· Desktop and wireless email synchronization – the Agendus Mail conduit allows users to receive and respond to emails wirelessly or through their desktop application while “on-the-go,” enabling them to work virtually.
· Progressive email retrieval – Agendus Mail can be configured so that messages can be downloaded at regular intervals.
· Send/Receive POP and IMAP emails with native desktop format attachments - A memory card is no longer needed, making the receiving of attachments simpler and more convenient. A mobile office application is required for opening and editing attachments.
· Integrated SMS support – Provides users with a more robust way to use their enabled PDAs and smartphones running Palm OS 4.1 or higher. Short text messages up to 160 characters in length can be sent between mobile devices. Plus, SMS messages can be to multiple recipients at once
· Optimized for popular handheld devices – iambic made sure that Agendus Mail could take advantage of the 5-way navigational pad built into popular devices such as the Treo, Tungsten and Zire, making one-handed operation possible.

Pricing and Availability
Beginning on August 19, Agendus Mail can be downloaded and purchased from www.iambic.com for $39.95. Current iambic Mail users, can upgrade for a special price of $14.95, but for customers that purchased iambic Mail after June 15, 2004, the upgrade is free.
For a limited time, all the customers that purchase or upgrade to Agendus Mail will receive a free copy of Agendus for Palm OS Professional Edition ($40 value)

About iambic, Inc.
Since 1994, iambic, Inc. has been developing powerful Palm OS and Symbian OS software for both business and personal use. Today, iambic is recognized worldwide for creating sophisticated yet user-friendly solutions that help both business organizations and individuals everywhere save time, manage their activities more effectively and get the most out of their handheld computers. iambic\'s diverse family of software addresses time and expense tracking; contact and schedule management; word processing; spreadsheet analysis; sales forecasting; money management; and more. For more information, visit http://www.iambic.com.


iambic is a registered trademark of iambic, Inc. All other products, service and company names are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.



Source: pr@iambic.com




palmOne Expands Reach of Bluetooth Technology-enabled Handhelds With Wi-Fi Connectivity  Tuesday, August 17 2004

palmOne, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLMO) is providing a second level of wireless connectivity for Tungsten(TM) T3 and Zire(TM) 72 handheld users with the introduction of its first Wi-Fi card. Developed specifically for handheld owners who want to complement the integrated Bluetooth(R) technology solutions of the Zire 72 and Tungsten T3 handhelds, the Wi-Fi card contains a built-in 802.11b radio that lets users set up and quickly connect to the Internet anytime they are within range of a Wi-Fi access point or hotspot.(1)

Today, people who need continuous connectivity get it through multiple network solutions, depending on where they are and what they're trying to do. While Bluetooth technology can wirelessly link devices within 30 feet of each other, Wi-Fi can provide faster, reliable and secure wireless access to business, personal or public networks within 100-300 feet of a wireless access point.

Wi-Fi access points, or hotspots, are quickly becoming commonplace. What started out as a technology for large businesses and business travelers is increasingly available in coffee houses, libraries and parks. Today, there are more than 10,000 public hotspots in the United States alone; that number is likely to increase to 65,000 by 2008, according to IDC, a research firm in Framingham, Mass.

"With the expansion of hotspots and Wi-Fi networks in homes and in businesses, we felt it was important to offer our mobile handheld users another compelling Wi-Fi solution," said Jim Schwabe, general manager of palmOne accessories. "Our accessories business looks for opportunities to enable our users with new, innovative solutions that will make a difference at work and at home."

For customers requiring built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, palmOne offers the Tungsten C handheld. This powerful PDA, designed to manage data-intensive applications, incorporates a built-in keyboard and a 320 x 320 transflective TFT display.

Four Easy Steps for Setting Up Wi-Fi on Tungsten T3 and Zire 72 Handhelds

The Wi-Fi card from palmOne makes connecting to the Internet easy by allowing users to access a nearby Wi-Fi access point in four easy steps:

-- Insert the card into the SDIO slot of a Tungsten T3 or Zire 72 handheld.

-- Tap on the "Wi-Fi setup" icon on the home page.

-- The Wi-Fi setup application will search for available networks and display the options it finds.

-- The user selects the network, and the device makes the connection. (NOTE: If the network that the user wants doesn't appear on the list of available networks, secure Wi-Fi networks also can be accessed by tapping "Other" and entering the network name and encryption code, if necessary.)

Pricing and Availability

The $129 (estimated U.S. street price) Wi-Fi card from palmOne is scheduled to be available from palmOne's online store (http://store.palmone.com) and in retail stores in most countries worldwide in early September.

About palmOne, Inc.

More information about palmOne, Inc. is available at http://www.palmOne.com.

(1) An Internet service provider account, email account and subscription may be required for Internet and email access. These services may need to be purchased separately.

NOTE: palmOne, Tungsten and Zire are among the trademarks or registered trademarks owned by or licensed to palmOne, Inc. or its subsidiaries. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by palmOne, Inc. is under license. All other brand and product names are or may be trademarks of, and are used to identify products or services of, their respective owners.



Source: palmOne, Inc.




Cell Phone Trojan Hits Nokia Devices Running Symbian  Friday, August 13 2004

A Trojan horse disguised as a popular cell phone game hit Nokia devices running the Symbian operating system earlier this week, but security experts say there's no need to panic.

The Mosquit Trojan, which has appeared on several Web sites and peer-to-peer networks, purports to be a cracked version of the Mosquitos game, and comes packed in a file named ""Mosquitos Cracked by Soddom V2.0.sis" according to analysis done by Sophos.

When the Trojan is launched, it tries to send text messages to premium-rate numbers, possibly racking up big charges on the user's bill.

Sophos' Graham Cluley, a senior technology consultant for the security firm, said that there's no need to overreact.

"Obviously the discovery of a Trojan horse that can send expensive SMS text messages is going to generate interest, but it's important to remember that the biggest virus problem remains on conventional desktop Windows PCs," he said.

Mosquit only attacks Nokia 60 Series devices running Symbian, and installs only if the user ignores a number of messages warning about the dangers of adding unsigned applications to a phone.



Source: TechWeb




SoftMaker Updates Mobile Word Processor, Spreadsheet  Tuesday, August 10 2004

Mobile users who want to
edit Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel files on their Pocket PCs
agree that TextMaker and PlanMaker are the only Pocket PC programs
that read and write Word and Excel files without losing any content
or formatting.

Effective immediately, SoftMaker has begun shipping updated versions
of both programs that now offer full support for the new Windows
Mobile 2003 Second Edition operating system.

The major benefit for the user: TextMaker and PlanMaker support
high-resolution screens (640*480 pixels) that were introduced with
Windows Mobile Second Edition, and landscape viewing of word
processing and spreadsheet files. High resolution lets the users see
more of their documents at the same time, and landscape (widescreen)
mode is perfect for intricate spreadsheet files.

TextMaker is still the only desktop-class word processor for Pocket
PCs. TextMaker has it all: Multi-language spell-checking. Graphics.
Footnotes. Tables. Microsoft Word-compatible forms. Sophisticated
character and paragraph formatting. Paragraph and character styles.
Autotext -- and lossless conversion of Microsoft Word .DOC files
right on your Pocket PC.

PlanMaker for Pocket PCs is the mobile equivalent to Microsoft
Excel on the desktop, offering full spreadsheet power on portable
devices. PlanMaker reads and writes all Microsoft Excel files
without loss of content or formatting - every single calculation,
chart, image, and AutoShape drawing is retained and is fully editable
from inside PlanMaker. PlanMaker offers more than 320 calculation
functions, complex numbers, array formulas, conditional formatting,
AutoFormat, sophisticated data analysis capabilities and much more.

TextMaker and PlanMaker retail for US$49.95 each and work on all
makes and models of the Pocket PC brand.

Source: SoftMaker




Worms World Party Works its Way onto the N-Gage Platform   Tuesday, August 10 2004

Nokia and THQ Wireless today announced Worms World Party for the N-Gage platform. Worms World Party is a turn-based action strategy game where teams of worms battle it out for control of the world. The game features co-op and head-to-head multiplayer gaming modes allowing players to compete for wormy world domination locally via Bluetooth wireless technology or globally over the N-Gage Arena.

"Worms is a classic in its own right. Now that it's on the N-Gage platform, gamers can battle head to head whenever they get the urge!" said Pasi Pölönen, Director, Game Publishing, Nokia.

"Worms is one of the most popular and successful franchises worldwide," said Tim Walsh, President of THQ Wireless. "Countless gamers have been transported to the Worms world and the N-Gage version will continue that legacy."

Worms World Party allows gamers to command an army of fanatical worms and lead them into countless battles across luscious landscapes. Players can seek out and destroy other Worm soldiers using plenty of different Worm-squashing weapons including infamous Worm-destroying-sheep, fierce bazooka cannons and Kung Fu powers. Battlegrounds range from chilly snowcapped mountains to the deep darkness of space through apple cores and Swiss cheese holes! With a multitude of challenging missions, Worms World Party on the N-Gage platform offers countless hours of addictive gaming fun.

N-Gage Arena features extend gameplay even further with a world of Worms online. The Worms competitive community includes match-making categories, ranking systems, leaderboard categories, survival of the Wormiest and more.

Worms World Party is expected to be in stores in November 2004.

About N-Gage
The N-Gage game deck is an innovative mobile device that is creating an entirely new market for the games industry. Built for active gamers, the N-Gage platform is the first mobile and connected game deck to feature online high-quality 3D multiplayer gameplay over Bluetooth wireless technology and GPRS. The N-Gage device also offers unique online games services as well as a comprehensive and growing games catalogue from the leading game publishers. Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Nokia and N-Gage are trademarks or registered trademarks of Nokia Corporation.

ABOUT THQ WIRELESS
THQ Wireless(TM) Inc., a subsidiary of THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI), is a leading worldwide publisher and distributor of applications for mobile devices with an expansive catalog of licensed and original content including applications based on the WWE(TM), professional sports leagues, MotoGP, Worms® and popular Nickelodeon properties. THQ Wireless has relationships with major wireless carriers, operators, device manufacturers and retailers worldwide. Further information can be found at www.thqwireless.com.

ABOUT THQ
THQ® Inc. is a leading, worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software for a variety of hardware platforms including those manufactured by Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Nintendo and Microsoft as well as PC CD-ROM, and wireless devices. The THQ Web site is located at www.thq.com. The THQ Wireless site is located at www.thqwireless.com. THQ and THQ Wireless are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

ABOUT TEAM 17
Team 17 Software Limited is a privately owned high calibre entertainment software development company headquartered in West Yorkshire, England. Team 17 has developed over 120 SKU's in their thirteen-year history and specializes in quality original titles using proprietary technology across all major hardware platforms. Key Team 17 franchises and brands include Worms, Alien Breed, Project X, Superfrog, Body Blows and StuntGP. For more information visit Team 17 website www.team17.com


Source: Nokia Press Office




N-Gage Gamers Download and Distribute Pathway to Glory Preview   Monday, August 9 2004

Nokia today announced that mobile gamers can download a preview version of Pathway to Glory, one of the most hotly anticipated N-Gage titles for Christmas 2004. Available from www.pathwaytoglory.com, N-Gage Arena members can download an action-packed preview of this multiplayer turn-based strategy game.

Pathway to Glory is set in WWII and enables players to create and control their own platoon of soldiers in historically accurate missions and to engage in hybrid real-time battle with other gamers from around the world. Gamers can either connect to collaborate and compete in the Global Battle Ground via the N-Gage Arena, or set up a local multiplayer game with up to six other players via Bluetooth wireless technology.

In addition to the free download, gamers can also distribute the game to their friends. "Offering a virally distributable version of a game underlines the unique nature of the N-Gage platform," says Ilkka Raiskinen, Senior Vice President, Games Business Unit, Nokia. "By providing a flexible platform with advanced connectivity features, we are able to offer innovations not possible on other platforms."

The preview version of Pathway to Glory offers one soloplay mission and one local battleground mission with limited weapons, features and soldiers for up to six players using the Bluetooth wireless technology. "While the preview version is just a teaser, providing it shows our strong confidence in this title," says Toni Virhiä, senior producer for Pathway to Glory. "We are sure gamers will be eager to come back for more!" Virhiä continues.

As an added bonus, gamers can make their voices heard by giving the Pathway to Glory development team feedback until the first week of September 2004 at www.pathwaytoglory.com/feedback. "We have already shown how much we value market feedback," says Raiskinen. "By listening to comments from gamers, we can continue perfecting our products."

Pathway to Glory immerses gamers in realistic WWII battlegrounds, ranging from Normandy to Sicily. Players must skillfully lead and navigate their troops throughout a war-torn world of utmost realism using authentically replicated WWII weapons and a huge selection of vehicles. Success in the game will be awarded by military ranks that correspond to real WWII rank.

Pathway to Glory will be released by Nokia for Christmas 2004 exclusively on the N-Gage platform.

Source: Nokia Press Office




'Little Black Book' Movie Illustrates Mainstream Adoption of palmOne Handhelds  Wednesday, August 4 2004

When Revolution Studios' "Little Black Book" hits movie theaters nationwide on Aug. 6, palmOne, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLMO) will make its first major onscreen film debut in the romantic comedy, which will be released by Columbia Pictures.

In "Little Black Book," Stacy Holt (Brittany Murphy), an associate producer for daytime talk show hostess Kippie Kann (Kathy Bates), is frustrated when her boyfriend Derek (Ron Livingston) refuses to discuss his past relationships. With the encouragement of co-worker Barb (Holly Hunter), she delves into his palmOne(TM) handheld to learn about his ex-girlfriends. The digital footprints of past and present romances are kept on a Tungsten(TM) C handheld from palmOne. This little black book, used for work and play, is the technology star of the film.

Although it's not unusual for technology to appear in an action or science fiction film, this is the first romantic comedy centered on a palmOne handheld. Vibrant and colorful, the Tungsten C handheld from palmOne becomes the technology star of the film when it plays a vital role in the movie's plot as the source of Derek's secret love information. This movie signals a major shift in mainstream market adoption and cultural perceptions about handhelds -- moving from business tools and consumer convenience to an established place in popular culture. Since its introduction of the Palm(TM) Pilot in 1996, palmOne has sold more than 26.4 million handhelds and smartphones. palmOne and its products have become cultural icons that need no explanation to the millions of people who will see "Little Black Book."

"palmOne created the handheld category, and now it's the de facto standard," said Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, a partner in Revolution Studios and one of the film's producers. "When we were making the 'Little Black Book' movie, we knew it had to be a Palm handheld. The only question in our minds was, 'which one?'"

During the past 12 months, palmOne worked closely with Revolution Studios to make sure that the cast and crew were comfortable and up-to-speed using the latest features, such as how to store a digital color image on the handheld. At the New York movie premiere, palmOne equipped the cast with new Zire(TM) 72 handhelds, the hottest multimedia device, capable of shooting video and still photos as well as playing MP3s.(1) In addition to the Zire 72 handhelds, the cast also received one-of-a-kind black leather handheld cases designed by Vaja, embossed with movie title, "Little Black Book," and the stars' names. Similar cases are available from palmOne online at www.palmone.com/persona.

"While normally this type of product placement is paid, palmOne did not pay fees to place its products in this movie," said Page Murray, vice president of marketing for palmOne. "We were honored when Revolution Studios selected palmOne handhelds. We love how the tech-savvy screenwriters created an interesting movie plot while highlighting the way people are using handhelds for work and play."

Sweepstakes

palmOne's "Little Black Book" sweepstakes offers cool and fun prizes through Aug. 31. All entries are free of charge and do not require a purchase. Detailed sweepstakes information and rules are available at www.palmOne.com/littleblackbook.


Source: palmOne Inc. News




palmOne Persona Raises the Bar in High-Quality Accessories for palmOne Devices  Tuesday, August 3 2004

palmOne, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLMO) today introduced palmOne persona (www.palmone.com/persona), a line of high-quality, fashionable and unique accessories for palmOne(TM) handhelds and smartphones. The new line -- which will include cases, high-end styli and other fashionable carryalls -- is making its debut with high-quality leather cases designed by Vaja exclusively for palmOne. With a vast range of styles and colors to choose from, users of Treo(TM) 600, Tungsten(TM) C, Tungsten W and Zire(TM) 72 devices can design a stylish case that's a unique and personal expression.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040803/SFTU027 )

Fusing form with functionality, Vaja cases from palmOne persona offer super-slim design in high-quality leather, stainless mesh speaker protector, and easy access for all keys and functions. Customers can even personalize their unique case with their name, which can be embossed on the back cover or on the inside lid.

"palmOne products have always been about personalization," said Jim Schwabe, general manager of palmOne accessories. "There's a distinct market for innovative, stylish, high-quality accessories. Most of our customers want their devices to reflect their personal tastes and style, and palmOne persona takes accessorizing to the premium level."

palmOne plans to work with other designers, such as Dooney & Bourke, to bring other premium accessories to palmOne customers.

palmOne persona accessories are available exclusively at the palmOne online store. Select styles of Vaja cases will be available at palmOne Retail Stores ( http://www.palmone.com/us/products/wheretobuy/palmOneretail/ ). palmOne plans to make palmOne persona cases available for additional palmOne device models, such as Tungsten E, Tungsten T3 and other Zire series handhelds, in the next six months.


Source: palmOne Inc. News




N-Gage Wrestles Its Way Into the WWE With WWE Aftershock   Tuesday, August 3 2004

Nokia and THQ Wireless, through a joint venture between THQ Inc. and JAKKS Pacific Inc., today announced they are working with the World Wrestling Entertainment® (WWE) for WWE Aftershock. WWE Aftershock for the N-Gage challenges players to get into the ring, muscle it up and battle against ten WWE Superstars for the coveted WWE Championship. WWE Aftershock offers multiplayer action via Bluetooth and is expected to hit the shelves in Q4 2004.

"The WWE is one of the strongest and most well-known brands in entertainment today," said Pasi Polonen, Director of Game Publishing, Games Business Unit, Nokia. "We are thrilled to offer a WWE title to N-Gage users - it's like winning the World Heavyweight Championship belt!"

"The N-Gage platform provides gamers with a whole new attitude towards gaming - throw it in your pocket and go," said Tim Walsh, President THQ Wireless. "Its unique combination of gaming and phone features make the N-Gage as original as the WWE and a natural partner for us."

WWE Aftershock offers all the pageantry and flamboyance of today's top WWE Superstars. Set in a real-time 3D environment, WWE Aftershock uses various camera angles for an eye-popping visual experience. Each WWE Superstars' persona is captured in the same over-the-top presentation that makes the WWE the ultimate in live entertainment.

Virtual superstars can duke it out in quick exhibition matches, grueling survival modes, tempting tournaments and over the top Main Event matches. WWE Aftershock offers a wide variety of single player and multi-player modes to provide endless competition. The N-Gage Arena enhances the competitive and community aspects through ranking systems and unlockable superstars.

About N-Gage
The N-Gage game deck is an innovative mobile device that is creating an entirely new market for the games industry. Built for active gamers, the N-Gage platform is the first mobile and connected game deck to feature online high-quality 3D multiplayer gameplay over Bluetooth wireless technology and GPRS. The N-Gage device also offers unique online games services as well as a comprehensive and growing games catalogue from the leading game publishers. Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Nokia and N-Gage are trademarks or registered trademarks of Nokia Corporation.

About THQ Wireless
THQ WirelessTM Inc., a subsidiary of THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI), is a leading worldwide publisher and distributor of applications for mobile devices with an expansive catalog of licensed and original content including applications based on the WWEÔ, professional sports leagues, MotoGP, Worms® and popular Nickelodeon properties. THQ Wireless has relationships with major wireless carriers, operators, device manufacturers and retailers worldwide. Further information can be found at www.thqwireless.com.


About THQ
THQ® Inc. is a leading, worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software for a variety of hardware platforms including those manufactured by Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Nintendo and Microsoft as well as PC CD-ROM, and wireless devices. The THQ Web site is located at www.thq.com. The THQ Wireless site is located at www.thqwireless.com. THQ, THQ Wireless and Maptap are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) is a multi-brand company that designs and markets a broad range of toys and leisure products. The product categories include: Action Figures, Arts & Activity Kits, Stationery, Writing Instruments, Performance Kites, Water Toys, Sports Activity Toys, Vehicles, Infant/Pre-School, Plush, Construction Toys and Dolls. The products are sold under various brand names including Play Along®, Flying Colors®, Road Champs®, Child Guidance®, Pentech®, Trendmasters®, Toymax®, Funnoodle®, Go Fly a Kite® and ColorWorkshop(TM). The Company also participates in a joint venture with THQ Inc. that has exclusive worldwide rights to publish and market World Wrestling Entertainment(TM) video games. For further information, visit www.jakkspacific.com or www.jakkstvgames.com.


World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) is an integrated media and entertainment company headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York City, Los Angeles, Toronto and London. Additional information on the company can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com.


Source: Nokia Press Office




Copyright © 2002 - 2008
PDA Newswire - A Service from Blueberry Internet
All Rights Reserved.