Anywhere, a new initiative that allows consumers to shop and check status of auctions using wireless devices. The privately-held company markets software that supports Internet access through Internet devices. The online retail giant is also joining the Wireless Application Protocol Forum, a group working to establish a standard that will allow wireless devices to interoperate. One of the group's goals is to allow wireless users to do business with online sites regardless of the maker of device used.
Market research suggests the market for wireless devices is on the verge of exploding.
Dataquest is predicting shipments of handheld units will grow 47 percent to 5.7 million this year. By 2003, a total of 21 million wireless units are expected to be sold. Monday's announcement comes just days after Amazon unveiled zShops, a new offering that will allow large and small retailers to target the more than 12 million Amazon customers. Amazon will also receive a commission of between 1 and 5 percent, depending on the price of the item. Sellers will also be instantly notified when the deposit has been handled which eliminates the need for a seller to wait for checks to clear before shipping goods.