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To: slacker711 who wrote (4830)	1/5/2000 9:40:00 AM
From: Dennis Roth	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 13582

Covergence of the laptop PC and the cell phone is likely to happen faster now that major laptop makers are getting into cell phones as this story shows. Source: The Tiawan Economic News news.cens.com Taipei, Jan. 4, 2000 (CENS)--In an effort to meet future trends regarding the mobile phones featuring notebook PC functions, the top five major notebook PC manufacturers in Taiwan--Quanta Computer Inc., Inventec Corp., Arima Computer Corp., Acer Inc., and Compal Electronics Inc.--are now marching into the development of wireless telecommunications products and relevant mobile phones. Competition in this regard will become fierce in the future, industry sources said Tuesday. Among the five major notebook PC manufacturers in Taiwan, Acer Inc.'s subsidiary--Acer Peripherals Inc. has been delivering its newly developed GSM (global system for mobile communications) mobile phones. Beginning in the first half, this subsidiary will also debut its CDMA (code division multiple access) mobile phones, which have already obtained quality certificates from international institutions in this regard recently. Acer Inc. will also introduce the latest telecommunication products with the function of both notebook PCs and mobile phones. The firm has become increasingly successful in this regard after years of research and development, industry sources said. Arima will begin the formal production of three-band mobile phones this month, with the production volume being projected at between 300,000 and 400,000 units. The firm expects sales of this product will exceed three million units in 2000. Arima will also develop CDMA mobile phones soon. Following the success of notebook PCs, the development of wireless telecommunications products such as SMD (surface mount device) will be an important strategy in the years to come. Meanwhile, Compal has already invested NT$600 million in the development of CDMA mobile phones through its overseas base in South Korea. The firm is slated to conduct the mass production of CDMA mobile phones in the first quarter. The firm expects sales from CDMA mobile phones will represent a certain revenue ratio, compared with the firm's other products such as monitors, notebook PCs, and LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors. Quanta has already completed relevant technology regarding the development of CDMA mobile phones. The firm will inject huge capital for the establishment of its R&D center and the production base for wireless telecommunication products even though the firm will not debut any mobile phones in the short term. As for Inventec, the firm was regarded as one of the pioneering information technology (IT) manufacturers in Taiwan that ventured into the development of wireless telecommunications products. The firm is now in a better position to develop servers and PDA (personal data assistance) products. ((CCK))

To: slacker711 who wrote (4830)	1/5/2000 9:53:00 AM
From: Ruffian	Respond to of 13582

Gates to unveil new Windows CE By Stephanie Miles Staff Writer, CNET News.com January 4, 2000, 5:30 p.m. PT Microsoft chief executive Bill Gates will unveil his firm's newest software for handhelds during a keynote at a trade show tomorrow night, sources said, in one of the most visible attempts at repositioning the faltering operating system. Gates will demonstrate the long-awaited update to Windows CE in his speech at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Code-named Rapier, sources close to the company said the newest version of the scaled-down operating system will be launched under a new name: Pocket PC. Microsoft declined to comment. Microsoft will also announce the latest version of Auto PC, sources said, the company's technology to bring the Internet and multimedia entertainment to cars. The announcements would be in step with the CEO's style, as he typically uses his keynote speeches to unveil new technology. At last year's Comdex trade show, he showed off the MSN Web Companion, a scaled-down device designed purely for Internet use. In addition to new features--such as the capability to read electronic books on the palm-size devices and support for Windows Media Player--the launch of Pocket PC is another example of the company's ongoing efforts to break the Windows CE losing streak. Despite Microsoft's marketing heft and predictions that its arrival into the handheld market would decimate rivals, Windows CE has failed to gain much momentum. Since its release, users have complained about Windows CE's interface, and manufacturers such as Philips, Everex and LG Electronics have discontinued their devices. Overall sales of CE devices have been disappointing, garnering all Microsoft manufacturers around 10 percent of the market, according to a recent report from International Data Corp. (IDC). Meanwhile, rival Palm has maintained its near 70 percent market share, worldwide, and gained attention with its high-profile licensees like Sony, Nokia and Handspring. But Microsoft has never faltered in its public or financial commitment to Windows CE, seen as the company's best chance to lay the groundwork to profit from the coming generation of wireless devices and services. Along those lines, executives confirmed last month that Windows CE devices will be re-launched this year under the moniker "Windows Powered," ostensibly playing up the resemblance between Windows CE and the company's better-known desktop operating systems. The Pocket PC name appears to be more of the same. At CES, Microsoft is also expected to announce the availability of Microsoft Reader, an electronic book application with the company's ClearType technology, for the Pocket PC. The new Pocket PC devices will include the Windows Media Player for the first time, and owners of existing handhelds with color displays from Casio, Hewlett-Packard and Compaq will be able to download the player, as well, by February, sources said. The updated OS reportedly fixes many of the usability issues that have plagued Windows CE, such as cutting down on the number of steps needed to complete various tasks. Expected to be announced as early as last summer, the launch of the new software was rumored to be pushed back to appease manufacturer concerns about cannibalizing sales. In addition, sources said Microsoft will announce that the second version of Auto PC--the specialized version of Windows CE for use in car computers--has been released to manufacturers. Visteon, a new manufacturer, and Clarion will be demonstrating their Auto PC systems at the trade show. The new systems will include larger displays, in-car entertainment options like DVD players and video games from Sega's Dreamcast and Nintendo and compatibility with popular cell phones.