Scribbles

Metrowerks

The leading handheld development tool maker recently released CodeWarrior 11, the newest update to their flexible and powerful programming environment. CW11 includes support for version control system plug-ins, along with integration of CodeManager 3 within the IDE [Integrated Development Environment]. The release also includes several new features to support Java development including improved support for debugging Java applets and applications.

Earlier, Metrowerks announced a special bundling promotion for “CodeWarrior for Pilot” which packages the CW development environment together with a Pilot 5000, the Windows Conduit SDK DR2, Mac Desktop PIM software, and debugger cable, for an unbeatable US $299. Plus Metrowerks throws in a free T-shirt. For more information, please call 1-800-377-5416, 1-512-873-4900 (fax). or visit http://www.metrowerks.com

Smart Cellular Phones

Several manufacturers, including Samsung Electronics USA, LG Telecommunications America, and Navitel Communications are set to release next generation smart cellular phones in the new year. Samsung’s unit, dubbed the SCH-1011, will employ the advanced CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) standard and offer SMS (Short Messaging Service) for sending and receiving brief text messages.

Meanwhile, LG’s device is set to include a built-in fax modem that can send and receive at 4800bps using the current analog AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone Services) network. Finally, Navitel is working on the TouchPhone which comes equipped for Web browsing and wireless electronic mail.

RadioMail Corp.

“The CDPD Forum’s goal is to evolve CDPD into a standard that operates over multiple communication systems including CDMA and TDMA.”

The developer of the popular wireless messaging service by the same name recently announced a new version of the service called RadioMailer, operating over CDPD [Cellular Digital Packet Data] networks and accessible using the Motorola Personal Messenger PM-100C wireless modem.

The system, which is designed initially to work with Hewlett-Packard’s 200LX Palmtop computer, is available from CDPD carriers and offers an Internet email account with an unlimited number of messages. The package also offers select news and information services for a total of $11.95 per month and up. For more information, please visit http://www.radiomail.net.

CDPD Forum

Looking to the benefits of an open standard, the CDPD Forum formally presented the CDPD technology to the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) for consideration as an ANSI standard. Part of the CDPD Forum’s goal is to work towards evolving CDPD into a standard that operates over multiple communication systems including CDMA and TDMA. The current version of the CDPD System Specification, version 1.1, defines how CDPD provides packet data services to mobile devices.

The CDPD Forum is an industry association that advocates cellular data solutions for wireless packet data communications. TIA, on the other hand, is a national trade organization representing the telecommunications industry in association with the Electronic Industries Association.

LXE, Inc.

Targeted at the industrial wireless data entry market, LXE has introduced a new rugged handheld computer that offers a keyboard and/or touchscreen data entry system. Dubbed the 2330, the device is equipped with an Intel 386 processor and runs DOS 6.22. The device has a VGA screen and features not only a backlit display but also a backlit keyboard that enables workers to input information in dimly-lit areas.

Enclosed in a case sealed against dust and rain, the 2330 operates in temperatures ranging from -4 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. The unit includes PCMCIA expansion slots, an IrDA compatible port, and a snap-on handle. Options include a 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz wireless radio, along with a bar code scanner.

LXE also recently expanded the capabilities of their 1330 model, a full-screen vehicle-mount computer with touchscreen data entry and a VGA color display. For more information, please contact Lynda Perryman of LXE, Inc. at 1-779-447-4224, ext. 3472.

Xircom, Inc.

Addressing peoples’ demand for extra features on a single card, Xircom is now shipping its GlobalACCESS CreditCard Ethernet+Modem 33.6 and CreditCard Modem 33.6 PC Cards. Designed for international travellers and business people, the GlobalACCESS products include Xircom’s Country Select software that reduces the complexity of modem set-up as a person moves from country to country.

In addition to setting the appropriate PTT specifications for a country, the system also includes a set of European telephone adapters that make connections a snap. For even more globally minded individuals, Xircom offers the International Modem Travel Kit consisting of 12 telephone adapters that brings more than 160 countries within the reach of your computer and modem.

The GlobalACCESS modems are Windows 95 plug and play compatible and feature Flash ROM for easy software upgrades. The CreditCard Ethernet+Modem 33.6 and CreditCard Modem 33.6 are available for US $405 and $255 respectively. The International Modem Travel Kit is priced at $129. For more information, please call 1-805-376-9300, 1-805-376-9311 (fax), or visit http://www.xircom.com.

Sharp Corp.

Coming fast on the heels of a set of related COMDEX introductions, Sharp introduced the ZR-3500X featuring an integrated 14.4/9.6Kbps data/fax modem and Internet email software. More importantly, the device includes a PC link cable and Zaurus Application Partner for Windows 95 software which you can use to synchronize your handheld-based data with your PC. The application also enables you to use drag and drop to exchange Microsoft Word and Excel files between the devices.

The ZR-3500X features a backlit 320×240 pixel display, 1MB of RAM (650KB of which is available for user data), and 1MB Flash memory. The built-in applications include an MS Word and Excel compatible word processor and spreadsheet, along with Z-Mail Internet email software which enables you to send and receive messages with attachments using the standard POP3/SMTP protocols. Measuring 6.3″ x 3.5″ x 1.0″ and weighing 11.8 ounces, the ZR-3500X features a QWERTY keyboard along with a digital ink input capability. The device also includes an IrDA/ASK infrared port that is capable of exchanging data with other IR-equipped PCs, Zauruses, and printers.

Priced competitively with the new Windows CE devices, the ZR3500X will be available in February, 1997 for an estimated US $499.

IBM and Matsushita Electric have developed a cordless modem that mobile computer users can employ for data in much the same fashion as they would a cordless telephone. The device, which operates in the 900 MHz band and offers data rates up to 28.8 Kbps, is split into two parts: one attached to the computer’s serial port and the other to the phone line.

Lucent Technologies (formerly Bell Labs) has upped the ante in the 56 Kbps modem race by announcing that it will ship a chip in early 1997 that provides 56 Kbps downstream and 40 Kbps upstream data rates. The new chip, dubbed Venus, exceeds the current limit of 33.6 Kbps upstream, as featured in another as-yet-unavailable product, US Robotics’ X2 modems.

Cross-licensing was the order of the day for Sharp Corp. and SanDisk Corp. as they agreed to license each other’s patents covering the design and manufacture of flash memory devices. Both companies now have worldwide rights to use those patents.

Telxon Corp. sold its ruggedized notebook computer subsidiary, Itronix Corp., to Dynatech Corp. for $65 million, effective December 31, 1996. Itronix sells the X-C 6000 ruggedized notebook computer with optional pen interface.

Communication Intelligence Corp. proudly announced that the US computer retail giant CompUSA was expanding the stocking of its Handwriter tablet and recognizer following a four-store test introduction in November and December.

Lenexa, Kansas-based Digital Ocean announced the release of Starfish II Ethernet Access Point and the Manta 10BaseT station, extending the company’s wireless LAN offerings. Digital Ocean also recently partnered with Solectek Corp., supplier of a family of wireless bridging solutions.

Microsoft has released an updated version of Pocket Internet Explorer for Windows CE based palmtops. New features include enhanced security through encryption and improved caching. Windows CE users can download the updated version from http://www.microsoft.com.