IBC USA has announced "Mobile Entertainment" conference and expo to be held January 31 to February 2, 2001 in San Francisco, CA. Sponsors include: indiqu, Digital Bridges, and CodeOnLine.

BRING BACK THE NEWTON OS?!? Thomas Campos (Tel: 602-740-9679) at Real-World Software is trying to create a new version of the Newton OS and get a license out of Apple to enable the project to evolve as an independent entity. He is looking for interested developer partners who understand current handheld architectures, and Internet software. An example of a company who has expressed interest to Thomas so far is www.laser-registration.com/services/leader.shtml.

Parthus is working with Sony to make their Parthus' MediaStream Internet audio devices (using either MP3 or ATRAC3 formats) Sony Memory Stick capable. This would make it possible to bring MediaStream interfaces to other handheld PDAs and next-generation mobile phones that are Memory Stick compatible.

Xircom has announced plans to bring a new wireless data SpringBoard module -- called SpringPort -- to Handspring Visor devices that supports GSM, PCS, and PDC mobile networks.

BellSouth Wireless has announced plans to use Geoworks' Airboss (HTTP-based proxy server that is developer accessible) to bring wireless data services and applications to business and consumers.

eXtend Computer Instrument has announced a new combo rechargeable NiMH battery and AC/auto adapter for Handspring Visor devices called "FullCharge." There are several configurations available (shipping 06Dec00) -- Basic Kit (US$35), Mobile Kit (US$35), and Power User Kit (US$55).

-Steve Holden (sholden@pencomputing.com)