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E-TEN accepts acquisition offer from Acer

Taiwan-based mobile device vendor E-TEN Information Systems has announced that they have accepted an acquisition offer from Acer Inc., the world’s third-ranked PC vendor. Expectations from the deal are for greater penetration of E-TEN products and services on a global level while at the same time allowing for improved local support to existing customers. The company is seeking to expand the footprint particularly of their Glofiish-branded products in a smartphone market that is expected to grow by more than 30 percent by 2011.

Sybase launches iAnywhere Mobile Office, encryption

Sybase has announced the launch of iAnywere Mobile Office, a wireless e-mail, PIM, and security solution that is aimed at improving the mobilization of business processes by including multiple functions to exist in a single e-mail client. Also announced was the launch of a new mobile device encryption program that saves battery life by doing decryption on demand only and preventing lock-down of a device while GPS is active.

Boingo releases Wi-Fi support software for WM 6 devices

Boingo Wireless Inc. recently released a version of their Boingo Mobile Wi-Fi software for Windows Mobile 6 devices (mobile.boingo. com/download). Boingo Mobile allows users to automatically connect to the world’s largest network of Wi-Fi hotspots around the world at any time.

Nvidia unveils new CPU for Windows Mobile devices

Nvidia recently unveiled its first CPU, a "system-on-a-chip" for Windows Mobile devices. The APX 2500 will hit the market late in 2008 and will feature an ARM11 processor and a variety of graphics tools such as a CSAA filter for 2D and 3D modes. The processor will be an "Ultra Low-Power GeForce" (ULP GeForce), which will require low CPU cycles for video playback, resulting in overall low power consumption. The APX 2500 can also support up to 12 megapixels in cameras and 1280 x 720 pixel displays.

Spb releases 2.0 version of "next-generation user interface"

Leading Windows Mobile software developer Spb Software House recently released version 2.0 of their user interface plug-in Mobile Shell. Version 2.0’s improvements include gesture-based navigation to launch programs within any other program, a tabbed window that includes all functionality, full-screen menus for weather, time, contacts, and alarms, animated transitions from screen to screen, lower memory consumption, and more.

Microsoft announces Windows Mobile support for Flash Lite

Microsoft announced a licensing agreement with Adobe to include native support for Flash Lite, Shockwave Flash (SWF), and Adobe Reader LE (lightweight edition) on Windows Mobile phones. The Flash Lite browser plug-in will enable Internet Explorer Mobile to work with popular Web video, animation, and document-sharing technologies, similar to the desktop Adobe Flash Player, which is the most widely used cross-platform player. With Adobe Reader LE, WM devices will be compatible with all PDF documents. Neither Microsoft nor Adobe has set a timeframe for the software integration.

Windows Mobile to be ported to Mobile Internet Devices

Microsoft recently hired new personnel to work on porting Windows Mobile to new form factors, including Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs). Previously, Microsoft only promoted ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs) as the form factor that would come between laptops and smartphones. Both types of devices feature larger screens and faster processors than smartphones; MIDs are distinguished from UPMCs in that they lack the ability to view office applications and typically have smaller (five-inch) screens.