ROW International News Briefs

New software allows voice calls using handheld computersSkype Technologies S.A. has launched its beta version of PocketSkype, free software that enables consumers to make voice calls using their Wi-Fi-enabled Microsoft PocketPC-based handheld computer. The global P2P telephony company has developed PocketSkype, a thin version of Skype, specifically for PDA devices, making it mobile so people can make free, unlimited calls to anyone around the world. Users need a headset to use their PDA for telephony, and a PDA running MS Pocket PC 2003 OS with a 400 MHz processor. TechnoConcepts makes wireless signals available anywhereTechnoConcepts has developed a technology, True Software Radio, that makes it possible for wireless signals from cell phones, radios, Wi-Fi, etc. to be processed and translated at the point of origin and then sent out and understood by any receiving device. This allows users to make a cell phone call from anywhere, no matter what service provider they subscribe to. Airport installs Wi-Fi systemNewark Liberty International Airport has installed a Wi-Fi system that is being operated by Concourse Communications Group. Two of its three terminals are currently covered, with coverage extending to all later this year. Minneapolis-St. Paul International, Detroit Metro and LaGuardia Airport also have Wi-Fi services powered by Concourse. Former Bellcore head says wireless systems closer to freeThe power of wireless networks, according to former Bellcore and Telcordia Research head Robert Lucky, is that they come closer to a true free network than a VoIP system. He further said that the real advantage of wireless networks will come in next-generation cognitive radio adaptive antennas, MIMO systems, ultra-wideband systems, and other technologies that assume that waves in the same frequency band are not interferers, reported Loring Wirbel of the EE Times. Alcatel, Intel form strategic alliance for WiMAX marketingAlcatel, a provider of communications solutions to telecommunications carriers, and Intel, the world’s largest chip maker, have announced a strategic alliance for the definition, standardization, development, integration and marketing of WiMAX end-to-end solutions, and claim it will deliver solutions by the second half of 2005. WiMAX can be deployed in emerging markets and developed countries, both urban and rural areas, and offers either broadband access where DSL cannot reach customers for technical or economical reasons, a last-mile alternative for competitive operators with a combined voice and broadband access offer, or nomadic access complementary to GSM/Edge, Wi-Fi and 3G. U.S. government agencies get wireless e-mail alert softwareGovDocs Inc.’s GovDelivery Version 20 E-mail Subscription Management system is being launched in seven communities in the United States. This version contains new features that enable government agencies to send alerts directly to individual wireless devices, making the delivery of critical information faster and more efficient. Using this program, governments can target wireless and standard e-mail messages to registered users based on content interests and can target based on neighbourhood, zip code, role in public safety, or by other information provided by a citizen. The program was first launched in 2001, and other GovDocs customers include the District of Columbia, California Department of Insurance, and the U.S. Department of State. Wireless Internet service providers join, extend networkSwiss-based TOGEWAnet AG will announce three new strategic partnerships at the WLAN Event congress. Surf and Sip, FatPort and Concourse Communications Group, all North American wireless Internet service providers, become part of TOGEWAnet’s new global WLAN roaming platform WeRoam. By adding these companies, TOGEWAnet also extends its roaming network by more than 500 locations, bringing the total to about 8,000 hotspots worldwide. Surf and Sip has more than 300 locations in the U.S. Concourse operates 28 Wi-Fi hotspots in airports, and FatPort has more than 150 locations in Canada.

ROW International News Briefs

News | 04/07/2004 4:00 am EDT

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