Carmen Nobel

To accelerate software development on its new mobile device architecture, Texas Instruments Inc. is investing $100 million in next-generation wireless applications. The Dallas company plans to disperse the money over the next 12 to 18 months to developers who write applications for its OMAP (Open Multimedia Applications Platform). The architecture will let applications take advantage […]

Late to the smart-phone operating system game and eager to make up ground in the United States, Microsoft Corp. is now focusing its forthcoming mobile operating system on its loyal customer base: the enterprise. As U.S. carriers are not ready to begin deploying high-speed wireless networks, such as GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)—networks on which […]

Carving itself a more obvious niche in the wireless space, Hewlett-Packard Co. has launched a business organization focused on handheld devices. The Embedded and Personal Systems unit will be its own entity, the fifth of Hewlett-Packards business units. As it comprises 400 of HPs 88,500 employees, the unit will be decidedly smaller than the others—at […]

A handful of software developers are building enterprise applications on early versions of a new wireless platform from Qualcomm Inc. that promises easy downloads and broad compatibility. But whether users buy into the technology is another matter. The platform is Qualcomms Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless, or BREW. Companies including Visto Corp. and Wireless Knowledge […]

The integrity of wireless LANs is under attack with the revelation of several holes in the WLAN security protocol. As a result, IT managers and security experts are scrambling to find a solution. Last week, three researchers—two from the University of California at Berkeley and one from security vendor Zero Knowledge Systems Inc.—announced they had […]

Although debate rages on, longstanding problems with the development of hosted applications for Palm OS-based handhelds could be solved by an Extensible Markup Language middleware tool kit under development by Citrix Systems Inc. The object-oriented tool kit, code-named Vertigo, will let developers write a single version of a Web-based application and then translate the softwares […]

As cell phone manufacturers absorb the body blows of sluggish sales, evaporating profit margins and a nonexistent upgrade trend by consumers, the fallout will be clear: fewer new products announced, shipments of planned smart phones delayed and rollouts of new networks postponed. It seems as though no U.S. or European manufacturer is being left unscathed. […]

Bidding for the largest radio spectrum auction in U.S. history ended last week with the final net revenues totaling more than $16.8 billion. But despite the windfall, many small companies felt shut out of the process because of a loose interpretation of new FCC rules. The auction of the PCS (Personal Communications Service) C and […]

Six months after microsoft Corp. trumpeted it as the anchor of the companys developing wireless initiative, the so-called Airstream wireless server platform is still far from delivering on its promises. Furthermore, it is in danger of being mired in a confusing competitive battle with a wireless company Microsoft has invested in. Microsoft officials defend the […]

Cisco Systems Inc. last week introduced a set of wireless LAN products that boasts improved speed, better cross-platform support, and a more sophisticated security framework. The Cisco Aironet 350 Series, the vendors second such introduction since it acquired Aironet in November 1999, includes a group of access points, bridges and notebook adapter cards that adheres […]

Green acres may be the place to be—but not for decent cell phone service. Despite the rapid deployment of wireless services in North America, most rural areas still lack both digital service and competitive pricing. The result is poor service for those doing business off the beaten path and lack of coverage for travelers who […]

Mitsubishi Corp. and Microsoft Corp. last week announced a Pocket PC with integrated phone capabilities that promises Web browsing and online video viewing. But for now, the device will be available only in Europe. Dubbed Mondo, the device is similar in design to the Pocket PC from French telco Sagem S.A., which was introduced last […]