ERICSSON
Ericsson Inc. introduced a snap-on wireless modem that allows users to browse the Internet and send or receive faxes and e-mail without cable hookups or a phone line. The DI 27 eliminates the need to connect a personal computer modem card and telephone line to a phone jack or to use a cable to connect a mobile phone to a modem card. Users snap the modem on the end of an Ericsson 600 or 700 series phone and place it next to the infrared port on an IrDA-compatible computer, palmtop or personal digital assistant. Perfect alignment is unnecessary, as the DI 27 will link the phone and computer up to 36 inches away. The infrared wireless modem does not draw power from the computer, palmtop or PDA, and frees PC card slots for other applications. The DI 27 works with Microsoft Fax, Microsoft Mail, Lotus Notes, Netscape and Internet Explorer communications software, and with Windows 95, Windows CE, 3Com’s Palm III and Psion-based devices. The modem package includes Ericsson’s Mobile Office Suite, a Windows 95-based CD-ROM software package offering Short Message Service and phone-book management. The software also allows users to add and delete names in the phone book using the keyboard on their laptop or desktop computer. Tel: (+1) 212-685-4030 or www.ericsson.com/US/phones
QUALCOMM
Qualcomm Inc. announced plans to begin market trials of its pdQ smart phone, which integrates its CDMA technology with 3Com Corp.’s Palm Computing platform to provide wireless data and voice communications in one device. Market trials of an 800 MHz dual-mode and a 1900 MHz digital version of the smart phone are scheduled to begin during the fourth quarter, with commercial availability slated for the first half of next year. The pdQ digital phone and pen-based organizer can be used to make voice calls, keep track of appointments and contact information, send and receive e-mail, access the Internet and receive alphanumeric pages. In addition, Qualcomm said the Palm Computing platform makes available more than 1,000 business- and personal-productivity applications, including enterprise information management, contracts, scheduling and groupware. The phone measures 15.7 centimeters long by 6.7 centimeters wide by 3.5 centimeters thick, and weighs 229 grams. The pdQ features a flip-down keypad and a 160 pixels by 240 pixels liquid crystal display touch screen. Users can dial a number automatically by touching the contact name in their address book with the stylus. Data is input in the device using Graffiti power writing software developed by Palm Computing, and HotSync technology allows users to transfer information between the smart phone and a personal computer. Tel: (+1) 619-587-1121 or
www.qualcomm.com
MOTOROLA
Motorola Inc.’s InFLEXion-based voice paging devices and the Pocketalk service provided by Conxus Communications Inc. were the subject of a recent focus group study conducted by Motorola at the Josephine L. Taylor Leadership Conference sponsored by the American Council of the Blind and the American Foundation for the Blind, held earlier this year in Washington. Besides playing messages in the sender’s own voice, the voice pager also can act as a recording device for an audio to-do list and portable audio address book that records certain phone numbers. The pagers feature answering machine-like capabilities, such as the ability to fast forward, rewind, play, pause, lock and delete messages. The focus group consisted of 70 blind and partially sighted attendees using the service for four days and providing feedback. When asked what they liked best about the portable answering machine, respondents said that being able to hear voice messages, not having to call back to get messages, ease-of-use and message clarity were some of the best features. As a result of the study, Motorola has begun marketing the InFLEXion-based service to the blind community as a means of extending the paging technology to a new buyer segment. Tel: (+1) 561-739-2000 www.motorola.com/pagers
NOKIA
Nokia Corp. added two new TDMA handsets to its 5100 series of wireless phones-the Nokia 5120, a dual-mode Time Division Multiple Access/800 MHz analog phone, and the 5160, an 800 MHz dual-band/tri-mode phone. The 5100 series features Nokia’s Navi Key single-button concept, as well as snap-on covers. Nokia 5120 and 5160 features include from eight days to two weeks of standby or three to five hours of talk time, a phone directory that stores 100 names and numbers, text messaging, caller ID, 30 musical ringing tones, an alarm clock and three games. The new Nokia 5100 phones have a high-resolution, illuminated screen with large letters. A full range of accessories is available, including the Nokia LPS-1 Loopset hearing-aid adapter, a headset, belt clip and colored covers. Nokia’s new analog handset has a folding design, large display and full-sized keypad. It offers up to 100 minutes of talk time or up to 24 hours standby, phone book memory of up to 75 numbers, vibrating alert, 12 ringing tunes and caller ID. The Nokia 282, designed for new cellular users, is expected to start shipping in January. www.nokia.com
PARAGON SOFTWARE
Paragon Software introduced a new application to extend desktop personal computer information to mobile phones at PCS ’98 in Orlando, United States. In conjunction with Nokia Corp., Paragon announced the FoneSync application, which allows users to share address-book information between a PC’s personal information manager and a wireless phone. The two companies will co-market the product. With FoneSync, those who use Microsoft Outlook, Lotus Organizer or Symantec ACT! will be able to load their address-book functions from their PCs onto their phones without needing to retype each entry. The application also can drop electronic business cards from e-mail, the Internet and PC desktop-up to 250 names and numbers in all. There are many different solutions to accomplish this, such as allowing users to access remotely from their phones data that is on their PCs, but moving the data directly to the phone is a better solution, Paragon said. FoneSync allows users to drag and drop contacts from their Personal Information Manager to their phone. Most phones already have address-book and contact-list applications, but the phone keypad user interfaces often are difficult to use. Most users have entered only about 10 names because of this, said Paragon. FoneSync updates any new names, new or added numbers for old names, and changed names or numbers from the PC to the phone. It works both ways, so any new information added to the phone will be updated on the PC’s PIM. FoneSync also reconfigures the address book for international dialing before calling overseas. The FoneSync software is loaded onto the PC. Synchronization is accomplished by hooking the phone up to the PC via a cable, activating the software program on the PC and selecting “synchronize” from the menu bar to drag and drop the numbers. FoneSync is being released in conjunction with Nokia, but branded as Paragon and available to all handset vendors. It is compatible with all wireless standards from various vendors. Tel: (+44) 163-552-4909 or www.paragonsoftware.com
