Microsoft is reportedly going to allow new Windows CE alliance members to gain access to operating system source code that should enable microprocessor companies to build optimized solutions for the next-generation of Windows CE codenamed "Talisker." [Source: PC World & InfoWorld.

AvantGo has announced the following new channels: MBizCentral (mobile & wireless news), Northwest Airlines (travel updates), JEOPARDY! 2001 (trivia game), RestaurantRow.com (locations and reviews), and iCurrency.net (world currency data).

Palm has announced Palm Desktop v4.0 for Windows that works with all existing Palm branded handhelds. New features: improved interface (find, sort, create, edit more efficiently); vCard/vCal support; new views (calendar, month, tips); improved hidden data; and desktop alarms.

BSQUARE has announced a new developer toolkit called "iWin Information Appliance Design Kit" that is geared to aid in the creation of future information appliances using hardware from Matsushita Electric Industrial, Philips, National Semiconductor, and Sageport.

GPS technologies leader DeLorme has announced the formation of a new Applied GeoSpatial Solutions (AGS) business unit that will work on developing turnkey products and applications for utility, transportation, real estate, government, insurance, customer relationship management (CRM), and telecom industries.

Human Bionics and Xybernaut have reportedly signed a new agreement to continue to participate in joint collaborative research & development (R&D) efforts aimed at building solutions applicable to Wearable Internet Appliances (WIA) and Bio-adaptive User Interfaces (BUIs).

-Steve Holden (sholden@pencomputing.com)