NEWS FLASH 2000 - 18 (June 2000)
(Updated on June 5,  2000)

PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND APPLICATIONS

Pocket PC to Wed Mobile Phone

At the WirelessAgenda 2000, Microsoft announced plans to integrate Pocket PC functionality into mobile phones with the preview of the Stinger Smartphone - a prototype convergence phone with a built-in, integrated Pocket PC. PocketPC features, such as address book, will be integrated with voice capability.  For example, users could search their contact list for someone and then simply hit call.

Microsoft among others have been integrating PDA and phones:

• Kyocera launched its PDQ phone, which runs Palm OS, but received a lukewarm interest.
• Sprint PCS is expected to announce its LGInfoComm smart phone this summer.
• Ericsson is working on a Symbian-based PDA phone.

Microsoft also demonstrated other methods for using a mobile phone to access the wireless data on the Pocket PC:

1. Socket Communications’ digital phone card plugs into the CompactFlash slot on a Pocket PC and connects to a data phone by cable.
2. Socket is also developing a Bluetooth card for the Hewlett-Packard Jornada Pocket PC that would provide connectivity to a phone without using a cable.

Microsoft also demonstrated a wireless CDPD add-on from Sierra Wireless for the Compaq Ipaq Pocket PC, to be available during the summer. It adds other wireless possibilities with it expansion jacket add-ons, including 802.11. Symbol Technologies has already integrated 802.11 in its vertical Pocket PC devices.

For more information, go to http://www.anywhereyougo.com/ayg/ayg/bluetooth/Article.po?id=12910

Mobileinfo Comments and Advisory: We do need convergence of phone and PDAs.  We predict at least three platforms from data perspective - PalmOS, PocketPC and EPOC for the next several years.

Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.

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