Socket Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:SCKT) (PSE:SOK) today announced the company will make Bluetooth wireless technology available to users of Pocket PCs, notebooks and other mobile computing platforms powered by the Microsoft Windows operating system. Toward this goal, Socket has delivered to Microsoft the first functional manufacturing samples of Socket's Personal Network Card, a CompactFlash Type I plug-in card with an integrated Bluetooth radio.
Socket's Personal Network Card fits in the industry standard CompactFlash expansion slot of a Windows Powered Pocket PC or, via an adapter, in the PC Card slot of a Windows CE-based handheld PC or pen tablet or a Windows-based notebook. Expected to be commercially available in Q4 2000, the card will make it possible for Windows-based mobile computers to communicate wirelessly with a variety of Bluetooth-enabled devices including mobile phones, Ethernet gateways, Internet appliances, and other computers.
As part of a strong relationship, Socket will also work with Microsoft to ensure compatibility between Socket's Bluetooth products and future versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system.
"Bluetooth wireless technology is about to rewrite the rules for mobile connectivity," said Margarete Ralston, senior director, Bluetooth Programs for Socket Communications. "We are excited to be working with Microsoft to make sure that Windows Powered Pocket PCs are among the first mobile computing platforms to offer Bluetooth solutions."
"We are pleased to be working with Socket to help bring the promise of anytime, anywhere information access via Bluetooth wireless technology to Pocket PC customers everywhere," said Mike Foley, Bluetooth software architect at Microsoft Corp. "Socket is a leading innovator in developing wireless connectivity products for Pocket PC users, and Socket's Personal Network Card adds another dimension to the rich functionality Pocket PC users already enjoy."
Socket recently announced the Bluetooth Evaluation Program to help application designers use Socket's Bluetooth technology to create wireless solutions for Windows-powered Pocket PCs and notebooks. Open to qualified developers, the program costs $1,299 and includes two Personal Network Cards plus periodic software and firmware upgrades through March, 2001. Interested developers should complete the qualification form accessible from Socket's web site at www.socketcom.com/btintro.htm. This web page also provides a detailed description of Socket's Bluetooth Evaluation Program.
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