BSQUARE Corporation Releases BSQUARE Messenger 1.1 with Instant Messaging Capability for Windows-Powered Devices

Strategic Insights -

BSQUARE Corporation has released BSQUARE Messenger 1.1, a new software application that provides instant messaging capability for users of Windows-powered devices, including Pocket PCs, set-top boxes, web pads, and other connected or wireless intelligent computing devices. The application enables real-time communication between Windows-powered device users and the more than 61 million Hotmail users around the world who have access to MSN Messenger. With BSQUARE Messenger on a Windows-powered Pocket PC, users can sign up for a free MSN Hotmail email account and instantly communicate with anyone else who has an MSN Hotmail account and access to the Internet.

Key Takeaways:

  • BSQUARE Messenger 1.1 is the only Windows CE instant messaging software compatible with Microsoft's Web-based MSN Messenger Service, allowing users to communicate with over 61 million Hotmail users worldwide.
  • BSQUARE Messenger enables real-time communication between Windows-powered device users and MSN Hotmail account holders, with the ability to sign up for a free MSN Hotmail email account from a Pocket PC.
  • The application utilizes MSN Messenger, a private and instant contact service, to transmit messages between users.
  • BSQUARE Messenger 1.1 is wireless-ready and can be used with a wireless local area network (LAN) card, wide area network (WAN) card, or a wireless modem card and any standard mobile phone with an infrared port.
  • The application is compatible with Bluetooth wireless technology and can be used with a Bluetooth connectivity card when available.
  • BSQUARE Messenger can be used by corporations for intra-company communications via wireless LAN, by end-users wishing to stay connected to friends and family, and even by sales associates for communicating back to company headquarters.
  • The suggested retail price of BSQUARE Messenger 1.0 is $9.95, and the application has been made available in April from the BSQUARE Online store and authorized distributors.
  • The first 60 days of purchasing BSQUARE Messenger will come with a free copy of bTask 2.0, BSQUARE's essential task-switching utility for Pocket PC and other Windows-powered mobile devices.

Statistics:

  • BSQUARE Messenger 1.1 is compatible with Microsoft's Web-based MSN Messenger Service and enables communication with over 61 million Hotmail users worldwide.
  • The application utilizes MSN Messenger, allowing for real-time communication between users.
  • Wireless-ready, BSQUARE Messenger can be used wirelessly through a wireless LAN card, WAN card, or a wireless modem card and any standard mobile phone with an infrared port.
  • Compatible with Bluetooth wireless technology, BSQUARE Messenger can be used with a Bluetooth connectivity card when available.
  • BSQUARE Messenger has a suggested retail price of $9.95.
  • The first 60 days of purchasing BSQUARE Messenger will come with a free copy of bTask 2.0, BSQUARE's essential task-switching utility for Pocket PC and other Windows-powered mobile devices.

Sources:

  • BSQUARE Corporation, "BSQUARE Messenger 1.1 for Windows-Powered Devices," April 19, 2000
  • Mobile Insights, "Worldwide Market for Instant Messaging," 2002
  • Microsoft Corp., "About Pocket PC," Windows-powered Pocket PCs
  • BSQUARE Corporation, "About BSQUARE," BSQUARE Corporation (Nasdaq:BSQR)