Kyocera Wireless has announced a new software developer program to help build and support software solutions for Kyocera's new QCP 6035 Smartphone (Palm OS, tri-mode CDMA, integrated HTML/WAP browser).

In related news, Samsung has announced plans to build a Palm OS based CDMA based smartphone that should be shipping in early 2001.

SYWARE has announced the availability of a universal serial port driver called "SerialLink" for Windows CE or PocketPC based handhelds that is ideal for providing an interface to a wide range of serial data input devices.

Steven Hall at Mobile Technology Solutions has announced his interest in contacts from U.S. handheld companies who would like to expand their operations in the Australian region. Mr. Hall's portfolio includes extensive experience in leading two handheld business since 1992.

Link Evolution's ThumbType (US$50) is a plastic sheet QWERTY keyboard that fits on top of the normal Graffiti text input area, and allows users to enter text using their two thumbs while holding the Palm OS device.

JAWZ has announced DataGator that automatically encrypts all data on Palm OS handheld using either 448-bit Blowfish or 168-bit triple-DES encryption technology. The product will be offered in three versions Standard (PIM data plus password phrases & personal info), Professional (all of Standard plus all 3rd party applications), and Enterprise (customizable).

-Steve Holden (sholden@pencomputing.com)