May. A service called SURE-connect offers to optimize the speed of wireless connections on laptops and handheld computers made over wireless modems or cell phones. For those who'd like to use a Visor handheld computer as a phone, but don't want to switch wireless carriers to use Handspring's plug-in module based on GSM technology, a company named AirPrime has developed a module based on the CDMA wireless standard used by Sprint PCS and Verizon Wireless. Eatoni Ergonomics hopes to ease the maddening task of typing letters with multiple taps on the number keys of a wireless phone. The company was demonstrating two text-entry systems, WordWise and LetterWise, that rely on human pronunciation of words to predict which of the letters on a given key a person wants. T-9 by Tegic rely on common word spellings, which Eatoni contends are less flexible when it comes to recognizing slang, names and slightly misspelled words.
Users press the button to connect with the wireless carrier and say the number they want to dial.
Telespree Communications hopes to distribute the phone with a major wireless carrier, selling them like prepaid phone cards at major retailers, priced according to the number of minutes. The Instant Power Charger from Electric Fuel Corp. is billed as the first cell phone charger that works without an electrical outlet and allows users to talk on the handset while it's being recharged. The selection currently includes Nokia, Motorola, Ericsson, Panasonic and Siemens. E-mail this story to a friend. All rights reserved.