Palm Introduces Mobile Internet Kit for Wireless Web Access on Palm Handhelds

Strategic Insights -

Palm, Inc. announced the Palm Mobile Internet Kit, a software product that enables Palm handheld users to connect wirelessly to the Internet using a mobile phone or a Palm-compatible modem. This new kit will provide users with the same quick and easy access to Internet content and communication tools as the Palm VII wireless handheld computer, but at a lower price point of less than $50. The kit is currently being demonstrated at the PC Expo show (booth 3404) and is expected to be available worldwide later this year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Palm Mobile Internet Kit is an easy-to-use software product that allows Palm handheld users to connect wirelessly to the Internet using a mobile phone or a Palm-compatible modem.
  • The kit provides access to Internet and web content, e-mail and messaging services through several popular methods, including web clipping technology and the wireless application protocol (WAP).
  • The kit includes a tool for using the popular short messaging service (SMS) and allows users to access content via the wireless application protocol (WAP).
  • The Palm Mobile Internet Kit may be used with all upgradable Palm handhelds, including the Palm III, Palm IIIc, Palm IIIx, Palm IIIxe, Palm V and Palm Vx products.
  • The kit provides the added advantage of upgrading the OS to accommodate the new wireless applications and services for devices that do not currently ship with Palm OS 3.5.
  • Palm announced the names of 37 content providers, including 25 new companies, that will provide web clipping applications for their popular Internet content packaged with future Palm products.
  • The content providers include ABCNews.com, Amazon.com, American Airlines, AOL, Ask Jeeves, and others.

Statistics:

  • Over 350 web clipping applications are available for free download at www.palm.net.
  • The Palm Mobile Internet Kit will be available worldwide later this year for less than $50.
  • The kit includes a tool for using the popular short messaging service (SMS).
  • The WAP software provides much of the same content and filters available on some mobile phones.
  • The Palm OS(R) platform is the foundation for the market-leading handheld computers from Palm, Inc. and its strategic partners.
  • Palm, Inc. is the leading provider of handheld computers (IDC personal companion devices category, 1999).

Sources:

  • Palm, Inc. press release: [Palm, Inc.]
  • Business Editors/Technology Writers PC Expo 2000 Booth No. 3404, NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 27, 2000
  • Palm, Inc. website: [www.palm.com]