Research In Motion (RIM) has announced that their future wireless handheld devices will be built to support Java using Java 2 Platform Micro Edition (J2ME), and Sun Microsystems' K Virtual Machine (KVM).

Barnes & Noble and IBM are teaming up to develop a technology and management solution for printing books on demand in Barnes & Noble retail stores and from their website. Books will also be generated in PDF for electronic distribution. [SOURCE: Information Week Online]

HOLIDAY SPECIALS: #1.) PalmMate is offering two free copies of their JesusTracks Palm OS package if you purchase any PalmMate product as a gift for another individual (Offer good until 01Jan2000); and #2.) The Palm Computing Online Store is offering free ground shipping in the continental U.S. on purchases made before 09Jan2000.

AvantGo has announced recently: #1.) AvantGo Publisher for building enterprise handheld content; #2.) New channels for - Financial Times, GO Network, Homes.com, Le Monde, Salon, & Slate; #3.) Support for the "Mobile Unity initiative" to bring WAP compatibility; and #4.) Traffic Station has announced plans to offer content using AvantGo technology.

Socket Communications and Hewlett-Packard (HP) have announced plans to collaborative efforts to support upcoming Bluetooth technology in each other's products. Socket Communications also recently announced a similar agreement with Cambridge Silicon Radio.

Word on the street is that Steve Weyer has released a new version of "Newt's Cape 2.0x-2" that includes some bug fixes and the ability to convert Palm OS DOC format books into Newton format. For more info: www.kagi.com/weyer.

-Steve Holden (sholden@pencomputing.com) eFax: 978-246-3067