Nokia has announced the Nokia 9210 Communicator based on the Symbian platform v.6.0. The device is optimized for Internet access, supports both WAP and HTML browsers, and robust email connectivity. There are developer kits available for building solutions for Symbian devices in either Java or C++ available via: www.symbiandevnet.com.

eWeek is reporting that Palm plans a host of new back-end tools to help better integrate handheld devices into enterprise networks.

Nexian has announced the release of their HandyGPS v1.6 Springboard add-on (bundled with UbiGo mapping software) for Handspring Visor devices.

BSQUARE has announced new software that makes it possible for Windows NT 4.0 personal computers to connect to Windows CE and PocketPC devices via Universal Serial Bus (USB) technology. The product is called "USB for Windows NT 4.0" (US$80) and it can be purchased via BSQUARE's website.

Cutting Edge Software has announced that they are now shipping QuickOffice for Palm OS (US$40) that enables users to view and edit Excel and Word files on their handheld devices. Registered owners of Cutting Edge's Quicksheet can upgrade for US$10, and SmartDoc owners can upgrade for US$20 (upgrade offers end December 31, 2000).

The Mobile Computing Division of Paragon Software has announced a new utility for PocketPC devices called "CETuner" (downloadable demo available) that makes it possible to change the font settings on user-interface elements. For instance, CETuner makes it possible to change the color of a font to a more readable contrast, or decrease the size of a font to provide more textual information.

-Steve Holden (sholden@pencomputing.com)