Today BSQUARE Corporation (Nasdaq:BSQR) released a new software application, BSQUARE Messenger(TM) 1.1, to provide 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 only Windows CE instant messaging software compatible with Microsoft's Web-based MSN Messenger Service, BSQUARE Messenger 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. BSQUARE Messenger uses MSN Messenger, the easy-to-use Internet messaging service that provides users with instant and private contact with their friends, family and colleagues to transmit messages. The combined power of BSQUARE Messenger and MSN Messenger Service gives Pocket PC and other Windows-powered device users an alternative to proprietary technology that restricts users to communicating strictly within fee-based systems such as AOL, and ubiquitously connects them with over 10 million other active users of MSN Messenger.
"The freedom to communicate instantly keeps people connected," said Denise Slocombe, Business Unit Director for BSQUARE's Mobile and Wireless Group. "Instant messaging is not just for desktop computer users or online service subscribers anymore. BSQUARE Messenger, combined with the power of Pocket PC, provides instant communication possibilities for consumer and business users alike. Users can communicate with anyone via a Hotmail address -- whether they're using another Windows-powered device, a desktop computer, or even a Windows-powered set-top box or industrial automation device. Add a wireless modem or LAN card, or a wireless cell phone connection, and the true power of wireless instant communication on handheld computers is realized with BSQUARE Messenger."
"Instant messaging is a killer application for the future of handheld and other intelligent devices," said Gerry Purdy, president of Mobile Insights, a leading information source for the mobile computing and data communications markets. "By tying in with the free MSN Messenger system, BSQUARE is enabling anyone, anywhere to communicate instantly with anyone who signs up for a free Hotmail account, whether at desktop computers or on mobile intelligent devices, who have simple access to the Internet. The power of BSQUARE Messenger is that it's available to everyone."
According to Mobile Insights, the worldwide market for instant messaging will grow to 175 million users by 2002 due mostly to the availability of instant messaging on handheld computers and mobile phones.
"Windows-powered Pocket PCs not only provide users with the best way to stay connected to essential information, they are versatile as well," said Rogers Weed, director of marketing for the Mobile Devices Division, Microsoft Corp. "BSQUARE is at the forefront of creating innovative applications that take advantage of this versatility to offer Windows-powered Pocket PC users ubiquitous instant messaging."
Communicate Instantly, Wirelessly, with BSQUARE Messenger
BSQUARE Messenger is wireless-ready, and can be used wirelessly through 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. BSQUARE Messenger is also compatible for use with the new Bluetooth wireless technology, and can be used with a Bluetooth connectivity card when available. BSQUARE Messenger turns Pocket PCs and other Windows-powered devices into instant communications tools.
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.
Availability and Pricing
BSQUARE Messenger carries a suggested retail price of $9.95 and will be available in April from the BSQUARE Online store at http://www.bsquare.com or from authorized BSQUARE distributors. For the first 60 days everyone who purchases a copy of BSQUARE Messenger will receive a free copy of bTask 2.0, BSQUARE's essential task-switching utility for PocketPC and other Windows-powered mobile devices.
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