GeoWorks Demonstrates GEOS System Software on the Casio/Tandy Personal Information Processor
LAS VEGAS — January 7, 1993 — GeoWorks, the Berkeley, Calif., developer of sophisticated system software, Thursday joined Casio Inc., Tandy Corp. and Palm Computing at a technology briefing at the Winter Consumer Electronics Show being held in Las Vegas through Jan. 10.
At the briefing, the companies delivered a progress report on their joint project: a handheld, pen-based device, slated for release later this year. GeoWorks is providing its GEOS system software to run the device, code name "Zoomer." This device is the first in a family of Casio/Tandy products called "Personal Information Processors" (PIPs), an emerging class of low-cost hardware that combines sophisticated consumer electronics, computer, and communications capabilities.
Also, the companies announced the addition of new project partners — America Online, Vienna, Va., and Intuit, Menlo Park, Calif. — that have committed to provide specialized versions of their applications for the GEOS platform. Products from these partners will complement applications being developed by Palm Computing, Los Altos. Palm is developing a suite of applications and add-on products specifically targeted at consumer products such as the Casio/Tandy device.
"We are delighted that America Online and Intuit have decided to provide GEOS-based applications for the Casio/Tandy device," said Brian Dougherty, GeoWorks' chief executive officer and chairman. "GEOS represents our commitment to providing an open architecture that facilitates easy and rapid development of applications for this emerging class of device."
GEOS system software is at the heart of the Casio/Tandy device. GEOS is built on efficient and flexible software technologies, making it ideally suited for these new compact, lightweight, yet powerful devices.
Howard Elias, Tandy vice president of corporate marketing, said, "We selected GEOS system software because it meets the unique demands of this class of device. The distinct GEOS architecture enables it to deliver high-performance computing benefits in very small memory and storage footprints. This capability is essential to deliver a product with the long battery life required by consumers."
GEOS is a realtime, multithreaded, multitasking graphical operating environment based on object-oriented programming technology that allows for scalability and ease of use. More important for developers, GEOS offers a flexible user interface that adopts the appropriate "look and feel" of different devices.
GeoWorks, located in Berkeley, is the developer and publisher of the acclaimed GEOS graphical operating system and of GeoWorks Pro and Quick Start applications software. The company provides sophisticated and highly efficient system software and markets targeted applications for an emerging class of devices designed to communicate, entertain and manage information for mass market consumers. GeoWorks products are available worldwide through OEM and dealer channels.
NOTE TO EDITORS: GEOS and GeoWorks are registered trademarks of GeoWorks and GeoWorks Pro and QuickStart are trademarks of GeoWorks in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
CONTACT:
GeoWorks
Mike McGuire, 510/204-8508