GoAmerica Communications Corp. announced it signed an agreement to become a value-added reseller of Information Mechanics Inc.’s line of wireless data applications for smartphones and other handheld devices. Under the agreement, GoAmerica will feature IM’s Web product line on its Web@Hand portfolio of wireless data solutions.
DSP Communications Inc. will supply baseband chipsets to Philips Consumer Communications for its Aeon phone based on Interim Standard-136 technology, the companies said. DSP already has shipped chipsets to be incorporated into the phones. Aeon offers a 7-line, high-resolution, animated liquid crystal display. The handset supports seven languages, including English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Malaysian, Hebrew and Chinese. Other features include a 100-number phone book, short message service, 10-speed dial keys, voice mail, caller ID, call waiting and call forwarding. PCC is a joint venture between Lucent Technologies Inc. and Philips Electronics NV.
Metrocall Inc. announced a strategic partnership with Leasecomm Corp., under which Leasecomm will fund a third-party equipment leasing program for Metrocall’s current and future corporate accounts. Leasecomm specializes in leases from $1,000 to $10,000. The partnership has been introduced in four test markets and will be rolled out in further markets during the third quarter.
Texas Instruments Inc. joined a cross-functional group testing SnapTrack Inc.’s wireless handset-based location solution. SnapTrack said its global positioning system technology exploits the handset’s own digital signal processor chip, making TI’s participation significant because its DSP chips are used in more than half of all digital wireless handsets produced worldwide. “Incorporating the wireless location feature into our chipsets, particularly in the face of the FCC’s E911 mandate, makes perfect sense,” said Bob Carl, manager of Americas marketing for TI’s Wireless Communications Business Unit. Carl said TI could leverage the SnapTrack solution for phones using Code Division Multiple Access, Time Division Multiple Access and Global System for Mobile communications technology.
