Motorola and Psion agreed to build products, expected to be released in the first half of 2001, using a new platform from Symbian. Symbian announced a wireless computing platform for handsets and other devices. Quartz is a reference design for pen-based wireless devices. It combines the functions of a personal organizer with wireless applications such as electronic mail, Web browsing, fax and telephony services, and short-range wireless connections using Bluetooth technology. The platform allows applications to be delivered to a larger screen than on existing mobile phones.
Microsoft said it will launch its new Pocket PC software for handheld computers before the end of June. The software, running the Windows CE operating system, will be included in devices made by Casio, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard and Symbol Technologies.
Oracle created a new company called OracleMobile.com, a spinoff of the division that designed the company’s Portal-to-Go software, which powers the Web site www.oramobile.com. The OracleMobile.com Web site allows customers of any wireless carrier to customize various content services for delivery on any text-enabled or Internet-enabled wireless device, in addition to traditional PCs, Oracle said.
Telia said it formed a joint company with Ericsson and Volvo to deliver mobile e-services to the automotive industry. WirelessCar Corp. will develop and market complete solutions for mobile e-services to vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators, said Telia. The company will connect vehicles to a wide variety of services, such as roadside and emergency assistance, access to Internet services, vehicle software management and remote diagnostics. The Swedish government also plans to list Telia in the second quarter of this year, following the collapse of the merger between Telia and Norway’s Telenor last year.
AOL Europe entered into agreements with Nokia and Ericsson to develop and trial its AOL Anywhere mobile service based on the Wireless Application Protocol. The deal gives AOL Europe’s customers the option of using an AOL portal as a starting point on their mobile handsets.
