Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is quoted in Computer World saying that he expects Microsoft's .Net applications (like Word and Exchange) to support both Palm OS and Windows CE mobile devices in the future.

RCA has licensed Gemstar's eBook technologies and will offer their first eBook -- the RCA REB1000 -- that includes a 5.5-inch touchscreen that reportedly offers six times the resolution of standard Palm OS devices. They also plan to offer an 8.5-inch touchscreen version called the REB1200.

BSQUARE has announced a Windows CE savvy "Ansyr Primer PDF Viewer" for BSQUARE customers like those building next-generation "intelligent computer devices" (ICDs). The software will be sold through customer specific high-volume contracts.

Compaq has posted details about their future PocketPC iPaq 3100 handheld (not for North American markets) that will offer a 15 grayscale, semi-transmissive LCD.

DDH Software has announced a new utility called "HanDButton for Palm OS" (US$6) that was designed to speed-up and simplify application switching and toggle capabilities.

Purple Software has announced new plans to collaborate with Lucent Technologies to bring a wide-range of software game play solutions to upcoming wireless information devices optimized for Lucent's next-generation of 3G mobile networks.

-Steve Holden (sholden@pencomputing.com)