Bluetooth Interop Moves Up

LAS VEGAS -- PalmSource, Inc., provider of the world's leading operating system for handheld devices, and Sony Ericsson, a leader in mobile communications products, today announced their plans surrounding optimization of the Bluetooth interoperability between Sony Ericsson mobile phones and Palm Powered(TM) mobile devices. The companies released the news at the Cellular Telecommunications Internet Association (CTIA) in Las Vegas. Sony Ericsson is a leading provider of mobile phones enabled with Bluetooth, a short-range wireless connectivity technology invented by Ericsson. PalmSource is the Palm OS(R) subsidiary of Palm, Inc. (Nasdaq: PALM). The two companies plan to work closely together to enable out-of-the-box compatibility between Bluetooth-enabled Sony Ericsson mobile phones and Palm Powered handhelds. Users of future Bluetooth-enabled products will be able to more easily access information, entertainment, and communicate across a wide variety of devices -- without cumbersome cords and wires. For example, a user could select a phone number from a Palm Powered handheld device and have it automatically dialed on the SonyEricsson mobile phone -- via the Bluetooth wireless technology. Seamless General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) dial-up will make mobile e-mail and Internet browsing an unparalleled experience, using services on demand with their PDA, still having the phone in their pocket or wallet. Thanks to Palm OS's ease of use, users will get the best benefit of wireless data network capabilities driving demand for 2.5 and 3G network services. Carriers will see that as an expanded opportunity to drive Average Revenue Per User on data services. "Our collaboration with PalmSource will arm users with an out-of-the-box solution that is easy to use," said Vice President Head of Corporate Function Applications & Content Development at Sony Ericsson, Rikko Sakaguchi. "Ensuring ready-to-run compatibility between Sony Ericsson handsets and Palm Powered devices will provide users with a seamless, wireless connectivity experience that is both fast and convenient." PalmSource Inc. Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications