The Next Generation: Windows Powered "Pocket PCs"

On January 6th at the 2000 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Microsoft previewed the next-generation Microsoft Windows CE-based Palm-size PC software and gave the devices a new name: Pocket PCs. Casio, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, and Symbol Technologies plan to introduce Pocket PCs, the first of which are expected to be available in the first half of this year.

In his CES keynote address, Microsoft's Chief Software Architect (and former Chairman and CEO) Bill Gates demonstrated two new applications that will ship with the Pocket PC: Microsoft Reader with ClearType display technology and the Microsoft Windows Media Player.

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Microsoft Reader electronic book software is designed to deliver an on-screen computer reading experience that approaches the convenience and quality of reading text printed on paper (see Screen).

The Windows Media Player gives Pocket PC users access to music in Windows Media and MP3 formats from their own digital music library created with personal jukebox software or downloaded from the Internet. Microsoft has also signed an agreement with Barnes & Noble to develop an online e-book store. For the complete January 6 press release, visit www.microsoft. com/presspass/features/2000/01-06 pocketpc.htm.

 

  • Microsoft previews new Auto PCs

At the 2000 International CES, Microsoft previewed new Auto PCs from Visteon and Clarion, using the second version of the Microsoft Windows CE for Automotive operating system. The new operating system will allow Auto PCs to have faster processors, larger displays, and simpler interfaces. Expect to see DVD, MP3, remote control, improved voice recognition and map display, and more. Complete press release at www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/ 2000/Jan00/WinCEAutoPR.asp.

  • Askey introduces "Piccolo" Palm-size PC

Askey Computer Corp. will introduce the Askey Piccolo, a low-cost Palm-size PC device with a built-in modem. The Piccolo will hit the market in the second quarter of 2000 and will sell for $199 via the company's Web site at www.Askey.com. A color, multimedia version of the device will follow.

  • AOL to Develop Pocket PC E-mail Solution

Industry sources report that America Online will develop an application that will allow users of the Pocket PC to send and receive e-mail from their device. AOL had previously released a beta version of AOL Instant Messenger for Handheld PCs (www.aol.com/aim/wincebeta.html). HP, Casio and Compaq were specifically mentioned in the Pocket PC announcement, but we imagine that the new application will work on any future Pocket PC.

  • Anti-Virus Support for Windows CE

Computer Associates International and Symbol Technologies have just announced that Symbol will preinstall InoculateIT, CA's comprehensive anti-virus solution for Windows CE in its handheld scanners. There was no indication when or if InoculateIT would be released as a consumer product. The complete press release is at www.cai.com/press/2000/01/symbol.htm. Contact Symbol Technologies at www.symbol.com or phone 800-722-6234.

  • Microsoft Joins Bluetooth Wireless Group

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) yesterday announced the formation of a nine-member Bluetooth SIG Promoter group. The Bluetooth technology is a specification for enabling low-cost wireless communications and networking among mobile and stationary PCs (including Windows CE devices), mobile phones and other peripheral devices.

The Bluetooth SIG is an industry group comprised of telecommunications and computer companies working together to develop Bluetooth technology and bring products containing Bluetooth technology to market. Nine companies in the Promoter Group guide the evolution and promotion of Bluetooth technology, both within the SIG and the end-user community. The Promoter group includes Microsoft as well as 3Com, Ericsson, Intel, IBM Corporation, Lucent Technologies, Motorola Inc., Nokia, and Toshiba Corporation. For more information on Bluetooth, visit www.bluetooth.com.

  • GoAmerica appoints industry expert Andrew Seybold to Board of Directors

GoAmerica Communications (www.goamerica.net), a leading nationwide wireless Internet service provider, today announced the appointment of Andrew Seybold, senior partner of the Andrew Seybold Group (and Handheld PC Magazine Column Editor) to its board of directors. With more than 30 years' experience, Seybold is recognized as one of the top industry analysts in the microcomputer and communications fields.

  • Socket and Hewlett-Packard collaborate on Wireless Bluetooth solutions

Socket Communications and Hewlett-Packard have announced a collaborative effort to support the upcoming Bluetooth technology for short-range wireless networking. HP and Socket will work closely together to ensure that Socket's upcoming line of Bluetooth-enabled single and multi-function CompactFlash CF+ plug-in cards are compatible with the HP Jornada family of Handheld PCs. Socket will also team with Cambridge Silicon Radio in the development of CE-compatible Bluetooth CF cards.

  • New "fuel-cell" batteries in development

Motorola Labs recently announced the development of a new, miniature fuel cell battery that may one day replace traditional batteries in cell phones, audio players and portable computers. The energy cell is powered by liquid methanol (wood alcohol). The energy storage capacity of the new cells is 10 times that of conventional rechargeable batteries. There is no indication when and if they would be deployed in Windows CE devices.

  • Transmeta introduces Crusoe CPU

The mobile computing world is buzzing with the news of Transmeta's introduction of Crusoe, an ultra-low power CPU chip that emulates the dominant x86 chips designed by Intel. Transmeta is targeting Internet access devices and sub-notebook computers. Initially it will release two chips. The high-end TM5400 is a 500 or 700 MHz chip designed for PCs running the Windows 95/98/2000 operating system. The lower-end TM3120 is a 333 or 400 MHz chip with the Linux OS built in, aimed at simple Internet access devices.

One of the big advantages of Windows CE devices over notebook PCs is the former's enhanced battery life. Web pads and non-Windows CE handhelds using Crusoe could reverse that advantage. From version 2.0, the Windows CE operating system supported Intel processors. But there's no word on whether a Windows CE device using the Crusoe chip is possible.

Microsoft Reader is designed to display high-resolution images and text, giving a reading experience that approaches the convenience and quality of reading text printed on paper.