Motorola Makes Pen Computing Move

Motorola Inc. sent a strong message about their interest in the mobile, pen-based market on November 12th when they announced the acquisition of Palo Alto, Calif-based Lexicus Corp.

Lexicus is the developer of Longhand, a fully cursive handwriting recognition system that currently runs on both the PenPoint and Windows for Pen Computing environments. This technology fits nicely with Motorola’s other recent agreements with Apple Computer, Microsoft, and General Magic to incorporate their technologies into Motorola’s future wireless personal communicator products.

Under the deal, Lexicus will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Motorola, under the management of the Paging & Wireless Data Group. The current management team, headed by Dr. Ronjon Nag, will continue to run the company.

Already a leader in cellular and paging equipment, this acquisition appears to be a very positive development for the industry. This is especially true in light of Motorola’s outstanding history of bringing advanced communications and electronic devices to the mass market.