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Microsoft announces Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition

Microsoft recently unveiled to developers its Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition software, which offers enhanced display capabilities designed to foster the development of innovative handheld devices and software solutions. For more on this, check out the article on page 9.

Intel announces “Bulverde,” the next generation of the XScale Processor

Intel recently introduced its new PXA 270-series XScale processor, with optimized power, media, and security features:

• Multimedia functions: Includes XScale and wireless MMX technology.
• Processor speeds up to 624 MHz.
• Multimedia accelerator delivers “ultra-low power” multimedia performance for wireless clients. This supports higher quality video playback and enhanced gaming experience.
• Advanced camera interface based on Intel Quick Capture technology supports the creation of devices with integrated 4+ megapixel cameras. Also supports fast, full motion video encoding and supports multiple image resolutions.
• Reduced power consumption via Intel SpeedStep technology enhances battery life of handheld devices.
• Security features based on Intel Wireless Trusted Platform technology, along with support for VPN, SSl, OMA-DRM, and IMEI security protocols.
• Fast access to wireless data is supported by Intel Mobile Scalable Link technology, which provides a link of up to 416 Mbps between communications and applications processors.

In addition, Intel provides developers with a comprehensive set of software tools to assist in the creation of a variety of handheld devices based on the new processor.

http://www.intel.com/design/pca/prodbref/253820.htm

HP launches iPAQ trade in program

HP has introduced a trade in program for those wishing to purchase its h1940 and h2210 iPAQ Pocket PCs. Owners of other working iPAQs and PDAs will receive a rebate of $50 or more (depending on the value of the PDA as determined by HP).

http://www.hp.com/united-states/tradein/promo/ipaq/index.html

T-Mobile Offers Pocket PC Phone Edition 2003 Upgrade—Free Download!

T-Mobile has announced the introduction of the Pocket PC Phone Edition 2003 software upgrade. The upgrade can be downloaded directly from T-Mobile’s Web site (http://www.t-mobile.com/ppc2003), or a customer can request that a CD be shipped to them. The upgrade is available free to T-Mobile Pocket PC Phone edition customers.

O2 XDA II ROM upgrade available

UK wireless service provider O2 is offering a system software upgrade for owners of the O2 XDA II Pocket PC Phone edition device. The latest version of the software includes the following features:

• Incorporates Service Pack 1 from Microsoft
• Includes Java MIDlet Manager
• Provides a new version of Photo Contacts Caller ID
• Updates that support O2 Active and O2 Video Downloads
• Updated Bluetooth Manager, providing better support for headset and serial port profiles
• Less tasks active at device startup
• New version of O2 Active