Gearing up Java on handhelds

There's a developer release from Sun, for the Palm platform, of Java 2 (the Micro Edition, J2ME) and the Mobile Information Device (MID) profile. Sun and Palm are also collaborating to define a programming interface specifically for Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). Effectively, Sun are producing a Java technology roadmap for the handhelds. ...more

Plug-in fingerprint security

Premier Electronics has released the latest version of its Biotouch fingerprint-reading PC Card. The card can be used in any type-II PCMCIA slot and houses three cameras that use DFR-300 technology to identify the user. Data about user fingerprints isn't stored on the system it's used in, so there's no danger of anyone else being able to steal your 'print'. ...more

Banishing the PC upgrade blues

Industry giants are getting increasingly queasy at the time it takes companies and individuals to upgrade the computers they bought at the height of the millennium bug boom in 1999. In order to lower the barriers to buy new machines some of the biggest names in the PC market have joined together to form the PC Migration Workgroup. Among the companies involved are Intel, Microsoft, Laplink and Symantec. ...more

Optimising the Web for mobile devices

AvantGo has expanded its free Internet service for mobile device users to incorporate UK-specific content. The AvantGo Mobile Internet Service allows users of PalmOS, PocketPC and WAP phones to surf the web online via a wireless connection or offline via synchronisation with their desktop computer. The service, available at www. ...more

Tesco sells Apples

Tesco has dedicated an area of one of its superstores to selling Macs, iPods and accessories. If successful, separate Apple zones will be created in other Tesco Extra stores nationwide. Retail Week reports that this is the first time that the UK's biggest retailer has set aside an area of its stores for a single, non-food brand. ...more