Handspring, Inc. (Nasdaq:HAND) today announced the introduction of its new Wireless Internet Access Suite, a suite of browsing, messaging and e-mail applications that will be shipped with the VisorPhone Springboard module.
Originally introduced in September 2000, VisorPhone brings a greater voice communications experience to Visor handheld users. With the introduction of this CD, VisorPhone is now optimized for data communications including e-mail, instant messaging, and Web browsing. The CD includes Handspring's new Blazer web browser, Yahoo! Messenger, JP Mobile One-Touch Mail(TM) and Electric Pocket's BugMe! Messenger.
Available from select retail partners and online at Handspring.com, VisorPhone is now selling for the new price of $249 when purchased with a service plan or $449 when purchased separately. Operating on GSM (Global Systems for Mobile Communications) networks, VisorPhone is a 900/1900 MHz world phone that can be used internationally with appropriate roaming service from the respective carriers.
The Wireless Internet Access Suite features the Blazer web browser, announced separately today, which is based on the Palm OS and features content powered by Microsoft's MSN Mobile and search capabilities provided by Google. When used with a phone or modem module, Blazer brings true plug-and-play Internet access to the Visor product family. Blazer also runs on any other wirelessly enabled Palm OS handheld. Blazer supports all major existing standards, optimizing HTML, WAP and cHTML content for viewing on a handheld display.
"By adding Blazer and a full suite of e-mail and messaging applications to VisorPhone, Handspring now provides the same quality customer experience to data access as it does to voice communications, making it extremely easy for customers to get up and running with wireless internet access, messaging and e-mail," said Chris Cadwell, director of product marketing for wireless communications products at Handspring. "Wireless data applications are becoming more important than ever for handheld computing products, and with the introduction of this easy-to-use CD bundle, Handspring is giving customers a powerful way to manage information wirelessly."
In addition to Blazer, the Wireless Internet Access Suite includes JP Mobile One-Touch Mail, Yahoo! Messenger, and BugMe! Messenger. JP Mobile One-Touch Mail is a full-featured e-mail client that allows customers to manage, send and receive e-mail on the road. One-Touch Mail also allows VisorPhone users to send and receive contacts, appointments and memos that can be read and stored by any compliant e-mail software. Additionally, the Yahoo! Messenger application provides an easy interface that permits users to communicate instantly with friends, family and colleagues.
Yahoo! Messenger enables VisorPhone users to view Yahoo! content and e-mail. The third communication application bundled in the CD, Electric Pocket's BugMe! Messenger, allows users to send and receive personalized handwritten notes, diagrams, sketches, pictures and photographs using the VisorPhone. In addition, BugMe! Messenger lets users easily jump to web content in incoming messages and send messages to any Internet email account -- not just to other handhelds. Together, the new browser and applications provide VisorPhone owners with simple access to data communications.
VisorPhone is currently available nationally from Handspring.com. In addition, customers can purchase VisorPhone at participating retail stores throughout select geographic regions covered by Cingular Wireless. Competitive service plans are available from Cingular Wireless, Powertel, Inc. and VoiceStream Wireless. Handspring is aggressively working to offer VisorPhone in additional North American retail stores and carrier stores nationwide over the next several months.
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