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Handspring Press Release Archive
HANDSPRING BRINGS FAST, FULL WEB ACCESS TO HANDHELD COMPUTERS
Enhanced Blazer web browser features content powered by Microsoft's MSN
Mobile and search powered by Google
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIF. (May 15, 2001) - Handspring, Inc. (Nasdaq: HAND)
today released a new version of Blazer, its award-winning web browser for Palm
OS handhelds. The Blazer browser is designed to provide handheld computers with
fast access to a full range of web content. As announced separately today, Handspring
will bundle Blazer at no additional charge with the Handspring VisorPhone as
part of its new Wireless Internet Access Suite, a suite of applications for
wireless e-mail, web browsing and messaging. In addition, Handspring will make
Blazer available to users of Palm OS-based handheld computers for $19.95 through
software distribution partners Handango and Palmgear.
Using Blazer and a modem, owners of Palm OS handheld computers can get fast
access to virtually any site on the Internet, not just those sites designed
for mobile access. Support for color graphics, personalization, bookmarks, and
strong security enables Blazer to provide users with a rich, full Internet experience.
The Blazer browser has been optimized from its original version for enhanced
speed and security. Blazer supports all major existing standards, optimizing
HTML, WAP, and cHTML content for viewing on a handheld display. Blazer also
supports access to secure web sites through encryption technology from Certicom.
Through partnerships with Microsoft and Google, Blazer also provides users
with access to rich, handheld-friendly content. A mobile QuickStart page, powered
by MSN Mobile, provides users with one-touch access to news, stock quotes, driving
directions, weather and more. Search capability provided by Google enables users
to conduct fast, accurate web searches. Furthermore, a directory of mobile sites
provides Blazer users with a listing of third-party sites that have optimized
content for small-screen devices.
"The future of handheld computing is directly linked to fast and affordable
wireless access to web-based information," said Ed Colligan, senior vice
president of sales and marketing for Handspring. "Blazer is a consumer-friendly
solution for wireless data access that makes sense for both personal and corporate
use. We intend to continue on this path as the handheld computer becomes the
primary device for wireless communications and access to the Internet."
The Blazer browser further enhances the functionality of the Handspring Visor
product family in conjunction with wire-line and wireless Springboard solutions
currently available. By combining a Visor with any of these modules, users can
experience true plug-and-play mobile access to the Internet. Blazer runs on
handhelds that use Palm OS 3.1 or higher including all models of the Handspring
Visor, Sony Clie and Palm series III, V, M100 and M500 connected organizers.
The Blazer browser is available immediately for purchase from Handango and
Palmgear for $19.95. Customers who own the Handspring VisorPhone Springboard
module can obtain the browser for free by going to the following URL,
www.handspring.com/software/visorphone_sw.jhtml.
In a related announcement today, Handspring announced that VisorPhone is now
selling for $249 with a simultaneous service plan activation and $449 when purchased
separately without a calling plan from GSM service providers, Cingular Wireless,
Powertel, Inc. and VoiceStream Wireless. VisorPhone is a 900/1900 MHz world
phone and can be used internationally with a corresponding international roaming
service from the respective carrier.
About Handspring, Inc.
Handspring is a leading innovator in the handheld computing industry. The company
develops, manufactures and markets a family of expandable handheld computers
for a broad range of markets and customers. Founded in 1998, Handspring's flagship
technology is the Springboard platform that provides a simple and easy method
for hardware and software expansion. Today Handspring sells its Visor line of
handheld computers, along with a line of Springboard expansion modules and accessories,
at Handspring.com and through select Internet and retail partners in Asia, Canada,
Europe, Japan, the Middle East and the United States.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties, including those relating to the growth of the market for products
utilizing handheld computing, wireless technology and web-based information.
Actual results may differ materially due to a number of factors including, among
others: consumer acceptance of, and demand for, products combining handheld
computing features with wireless communications products and services and the
rapid pace of technological change and competitive developments in the handheld
computer, communications and wireless industries. The matters discussed in this
press release also involve risks and uncertainties described in Handspring's
most recent Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Handspring
assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in
this press release.
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