Consumer Electronics (CE) magazine notes that NEC has announced plans to sell Windows CE based handheld devices in the U.S. and Europe through NEC's retail connections (channel, corporate, and mail-order) and not Packard Bell NEC infrastructure. CE also notes that Hitachi's new ePlate Windows CE system is a "niche" business application device.

Actioneer has announced a new free service called "Actioneer Smart Portal" that is geared to provide mobile handheld users with "smooth, easy, and fast access to Web based content."

If you are looking for a Windows CE "Pac-Man-like game" then you might want to check out HardCover Software's "CyberMan" (shareware, ten levels). The software can also be downloaded via PC World at: www.pcworld.com/fileworld/file_description/0,1458,6509,00.html.

3Com's Palm Computing is currently not using Wireless Access Protocol (WAP) for their "protocol" for Palm VII wireless communications, but is reportedly studying the pros/cons of switching or migrating to WAP. In related news, Nokia has announced plans to license WAP for use in future mobile phones and other handheld devices. [SOURCES: Network World, Exchange Telecommunications Newsletter]

Insignia Solutions has announced plans to join the "MIPS Technologies Windows CE Development Alliances" and they will use this organization to "promote" their Jeode platform for MIPS processors.

Microsoft has announced plans to acquire the United Kingdom (UK) based STNC -- a development company that specializes in creating wireless content deliver solutions. [SOURCE: Wireless Today]