Unwired Planet has announced that Smartcode Software is going to license Unwired Planet's microbrowser technology called "UP.Link" that supports "Wireless Applications Protocol (WAP)". Smartcode will use the technology in future PalmPilot OS and Windows CE products and services that will use CDMA and GSM wireless networks. [SOURCE: Communications Today published 26Aug98 and Wireless Today published 25Aug98]

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram's "Gadgets, Gizmos & Gossip" column on 24Aug98 examines: #1. PageNet's new two-way service now available in North Texas. Pricing starts at US$360 for the two-way pager, and service starts at US$24.95; #2. The new Ericsson DI 27 wireless GSM modem that "snaps-on" and retails for just under US$300; and #3. Cirque's new ergonomic touch-pad keyboard called "The Smooth Cat" (US$90). [EDITOR: It should be noted that the new Ericsson DI 27 wireless GSM modem is Windows 95/98, Windows CE, 3Com Palm III, and Psion savvy.]

Martyn Williams at Newsbytes reports that Fujitsu Japan has announced plans to integrate a fingerprint recognition system into future notebook offers. The "FingerPass Card FPI-550" is a Type II PC Card that includes a "tiny fingerprint size scanner" that will be able to authorize a user in "2.5 seconds." The card will also be sold direct to consumers at a retail price of just under US$350.

European Telecom published an "analysts article" entitled "NEW ALLIANCE ADDRESSES MOBILE DATA" on 24Aug98 that examines the Symbian joint venture by Psion, Ericsson, Nokia, and tentatively Motorola. The article notes that Ericsson, Nokia, and Motorola combined control 80% of the mobile phone handset market worldwide, and that Psion's EPOC OS now has a chance to "seriously compete" with Microsoft's Windows CE.

Franklin Electronic Publishers has just released a "free download" Spanish phrasebook for REX users. More information like "airline departure times" and "sports schedules" are expected to be released in the near future.

Long time NewtNews reader Harv Laser brings us news of US$99 + $25 blow-out sale (no warranties) of Sony MagicLink PIC-2000A devices. The PIC-2000a runs Magic Cap OS 1.5 and has a backlit screen, a 14.4-Kbps internal fax/modem, two Type 2 PC Card slots, and a built-in microphone/speaker. If you are interested, send an email message to Luke Derossi.

Pendragon Software has announced a new "online news and Web content" solution for PalmPilot users called EBB (aka mobile data solutions) has announced the release of VoiceNotes v1.1 for the Newton (US$49). Some new improvements and features include: more volume control, enhanced real-time indicator, power on startup configurations, and internal code speed-ups.

Felix Hagno reports the release of a new beta version of Avanti's QuickPress for Windows that improves Newton connectivity. This new version includes a host of user requested GUI enhancements and bug fixes. QuickPress is US$15 and lets you have a live connection to your Newton from desktop systems.

-Steve Holden (sholden@pencomputing.com)