NEC has announced the release of the MobilePro 780 for Windows CE (US$799). Key new features -- faster processor (168-MHz NEC VR4121), faster graphics controller, 92% full-size keyboard, and built-in 56- kbps modem. [SOURCE: Tom Mainelli, PC World]

Casio has announced new "intelligent" watches -- #1.) WMP-1V Wrist Audio Player; #2.) PC-UNITE BZX-20 organizer watch; and #3.) WQV-1 Wrist Camera watch. In related news, SanDisk has announced that Casio will bundle SanDisk's 16-MB MultiMediaCards with Casio's new "audio player watch." [SOURCES: Wired Online, BusinessWire]

Purple Software has announced the release of FixIt (a telephone area code search and replace utility) for EPOC based devices.

Nettech Systems has recently announced: #1.) Oracle has licensed Nettech's mobile middleware technology for use in future mobile application solutions; and #2.) TrackYourTruck.com (630-515-1492) has jointed Nettech's OEM mobile middleware partnership program to use Nettech technology in TrackYourTruck.com's Palm OS based Roadrunner mobile data solution.

CompanionLink Software has announced that Matsucom has licensed CompanionLink's PIM synchronization system for new wrist-watch sized "onHand PC" (US$249). In related CompanionLink news, PDA Buzz has announced plans for a dedicated site based on the VTech Information's Helio PDA called www.pdabuzz.com/helio.

Puma Technology will reportedly announce plans in the near future to release in Q3'2000 a Japanese version of Intellisync.com's worldwide synchronization service with support for the latest Internet savvy cellular phones. Some major players who have expressed their support for Intellisync.com include: Sharp, J-Phone SkyWeb, DDI, IDO, Toshiba, and IBM.

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