U.S. Robotics Delivers Next Generation Handheld Computing Operating System
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — January 29, 1996 — At DEMO '96–The Palm Computing Division of U.S. Robotics (NASDAQ: USRX), today announced the Palm Operating System, an open, small and exceptionally fast handheld computing platform that is the first to offer seamless connectivity between small form-factor devices and Windows or Macintosh personal computers and PC LANs.
Unparalleled in handheld technology, the Palm OS is a key component of U.S. Robotics' new Pilot connected organizer, which debuted today at the Demo '96 conference.
Based on an open, flexible architecture, the Palm OS will be licensed to a broad range of device manufacturers to expand the market for mobile computing products, such as smart phones, graphical pagers and data collection terminals. By integrating the Palm OS into their handheld offerings, these companies will fuel the growth of the handheld computing market by providing a greater selection of small form factor devices that can serve as mobile extensions of a user's personal computer or LAN.
"The Palm OS provides a robust platform for a broad range of handheld computing and communications devices," said Jonathan Zakin, executive vice president of strategy and corporate development for U.S. Robotics. "The Palm OS has proven to be an attractive development platform for vendors of application software. Several leading vendors of personal organization software, including Campbell Services, Inc.; Franklin Quest Company; Intellilink Corporation; Meca Software; Now Software, Inc. and Starfish Software, have announced that their software applications will support the Palm OS.
"This is the first handheld computer operating system designed specifically with desktop integration in mind," said Philippe Kahn, chairman of Starfish Software. "Thanks to that outstanding and unprecedented desktop integration, Pilot and Palm OS users will be able to participate in our Sidekick/Java group scheduling solution for the Internet and Intranet."
The Palm OS enables low-cost, low-power, small form-factor devices to integrate seamlessly with Windows or Macintosh personal computers. It is partitioned into two parts: highly efficient operating system software for the handheld and Windows or Macintosh-based software that manages synchronization of the handheld and the PC.
These interdependent components extend the traditional definition of an operating system to reflect the integral nature of connectivity in system design. This design philosophy enables handheld applications to off-load functionality to the desktop PC and PC network. The PC and network serve as the backbone of the system for such tasks as printing, back-up, archiving, configuration and information access.
The Palm OS provides instantaneous response to user input while running on a Motorola 68000-based processor and requires only 32K system memory. The efficient design of the operating system provides months of battery life on two AAA batteries and utilizes standard, low-cost memory and processing components.
"The Palm OS architecture represents a fresh new approach to handheld computing," said Donna Dubinsky, general manager of the Palm Computing Division of U.S. Robotics. "By partitioning the environment between a host and a handheld device, we allow each side to do what it does best, yet assure superior communications between them."
Pilot: The First Hardware Offering
Pilot, the first U.S. Robotics offering based on the Palm OS, is a handheld connected organizer that offers a new level of value for mainstream PC users: shirt-pocket size; instant response; an elegant graphical user interface; personal information management (PIM) software including date book, address book, to-do list, calculator and note-taking applications; desktop software and docking cradle for one-touch PC connectivity, all at a breakthrough price of $ 299. U.S. Robotics expects to begin shipping Pilot in March, 1996.
A Standard Development Environment
The Palm OS software development kit enables independent software vendors to develop applications for handheld devices and "conduits" — links between handheld devices and Windows or Macintosh desktop applications — using standard development tools. Device applications and Macintosh conduits can be created with standard Macintosh development tools using Apple's Macintosh Programmers Workshop (MPW) and Metrowerks' CodeWarrior.
In the Windows environment, the conduits are Direct Link Libraries (DLLs) that are developed using standard C or Visual Basic tools. Applications also can be created using MFC under Windows. The Palm OS Software Development Kit will be available in April, 1996. More information is available on Palm's web site at http://www.usr.com/palm.
The Palm Computing Division of U.S. Robotics is a leading developer of handheld computing systems. Headquartered in Los Altos, Calif., it designs, develops and markets handheld computing products that include the Palm Operating System, the Pilot family of connected organizers, personal information management applications, desktop to handheld computer connectivity software and Graffiti power writing technology.
U.S. Robotics is one of the world's leading suppliers of products and systems that provide access to information. The company designs, manufactures, markets and supports remote access servers, enterprise communications systems, desktop/mobile client products, modems and telephony products that connect computers and other equipment over analog, digital and switched cellular networks, enabling users to gain access to, manage and share data, fax and voice information. Its customers include Internet service providers, regional Bell operating companies and a wide range of other large corporations, businesses, institutions and individuals. The company's 1995 sales were $ 889.3 million. note to Editors: The following are trademarks of U.S. Robotics and its subsidiaries: U.S. Robotics, Graffiti, Palm Computing, and Pilot. All other brands and product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.
CONTACT:
Palm Computing Div.
Ed Colligan, 415/917-3330
[email protected]
or
A&R Partners
Morgan Littlefield, 415/363-0982, Ext. 23
[email protected]
or
U.S. Robotics
C. David Hall, 847/982-5162