COMDEX QUICK POINTERS--#1.) Microsoft's Bill Gates was showing off Microsoft's new "scaled-down Internet appliance" that is Windows CE based; #2.) Ericsson has unveiled their first "Bluetooth" savvy headset to mobile phone solution; and #3.) Sony & 3Com's Palm Computing have announced plans to "significantly" enhance next-generation Palm OS devices using each other's technologies.

Compaq is offering owners of Compaq Windows CE devices a "free software utilities upgrade package" called "QUtilities." Some key features: more stability to built-in applications, and a "fully functional file utility." [SOURCE: Government Computer News, 08Nov99]

The PMN News Service has posted information about: #1.) OmniSky's wireless service offering for Palm V users (enables email, Internet, and Palm.net access via external third party device/services); #2.) New partnership between JP Systems & InfoBeam wireless information platform; and #3.) A "lengthy extract" from a recent interview with AvantGo's CEO Felix Lin.

Entertainment Systems Technology is reportedly working on a "portable book-sized computer for people waiting in businesses" called "FunPad" that enables game play and wireless information access. [SOURCE: Los Angeles Times on 01Nov99 via Innovation]

have announced a new partnership to expand the availability of "digital content management, imaging, and multimedia software" for SuSE Linux OS (which would more than likely include support for SuSE's previously announced thin-client version of Linux). For more info check out: www.linux.compupic.com.

Psion and other EPOC members in the United Kingdom (UK) are "welcoming" news that a new suite of "spectrum licenses" will be available in March 2000 in the UK for use with "third-generation mobile systems (3G)." Other "3G" licensing opportunities are nearing in Japan, New Zealand, and The Netherlands. The "bleeding edge" folks in Finland have already licensed their 3G spectrums.

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