Palm OS developer Palmspring has announced plans to change their name to Handmark after their recent acquisition of Mobile Generation Software. The acquisition brings to Handmark two popular Palm OS applications "MobileDB" and "Four.Zero." Currently, Palmspring has software packages available for purchase in the following retails stores: CompUSA, Fry's, Staples, MicroCenter, J & R Music World, and RCS.
Addonics Technologies has announced a new "external mobile DVD/CDRW drive" that supports the following interfaces: FireWire, CardBus, and USB. It will also support the following disk speeds -- 12X CD-R write, 10X CD-RW rewrite, 32X CD-ROM read, and 8X DVD-ROM playback. The unit measures 10-in x 6.2-in x 2-in, and weighs 3.18 pounds. It will ship with drivers for Windows 95/98/2000/NT/ME.
SanDisk has announced their new "TriFlash" embedded flash memory technology that is geared for Internet music players and mobile phones. The technology will also be ideal for use in handhelds, pagers, GPS, digital cameras, set-top boxes, and other consumer devices. Sampling to interested OEM partners is expected in Dec00-Jan01, with mass quantities shipping Q1-Q2'2001 in the following sizes: 16MB (US$35), 32MB (US$60), or 64MB ($110) [pricing based on 1000 unit quantities].
Audible and Card Access have announced plans to collaborate on a next-generation Handspring Visor Springboard module capable of supporting audio media content (newspapers, magazines, and audiobooks). The module is expected to ship in Q1'2001 for US$119 and subscription services for content will start in the US$20 a month range.
MTI Research has announced "AirDesk" -- a tubular stainless steel frame and ultra-thin base that turns current furniture into a potential stylish and ergonomic laptop computing space.
Ruksun Software Technologies has announced the availability of the following networking Microsoft Pocket PC/Windows CE products: Connect Force v1.0, Net Force v2.0, Telnet Force v2.0, Scotty FTP, v1.17, and Whack Force v1.0. They also have Yahoo Messenger Force for EPOC OS based platforms.
-Steve Holden (sholden@pencomputing.com)