Lots of Software Updates Announced at PalmSource Conference

The PalmSource Developers Conference was this week and many companies took the opportunity to announce new and upcoming products.

Blue Nomad Announces BackupBuddy 2.0

Blue Nomad has announced Backup Buddy 2.0, which is expected to be available by the end of March. The application will include a new Zoomback feature which will allow users to restore individual files or settings to the device quickly and easily, as well as BackupBuddy VFS: Lite for mobile on-device backups to a memory expansion card.

BackupBuddy 2.0 will be $29.95, and users who purchased the application after January 10, 2004, will be entitled to a free ugprade.

FilePoint 3.0

Bachmann Software has announced a major new release of its file management software. FilePoint 3.0 will enable users to access, browse and copy files to and from shared network drives, directly from their handhelds. Its Explorer-like user interface lets users browse computers, network shares and network file folders just as they would from a desktop computer or laptop.

FilePoint 3.0 is expected to become available towards the end of the first quarter of 2004. Pricing has yet to be finalized.

Wirelessly Transfer Files with WiFile

WiFile is an aplication coming from Hands High Software that will also allow the user to wirelessly access files over the network.

Since this application uses SMB/CIFS, the native networking language of Windows, any file that is accessible by a Windows computer over a network is also accessible by WiFile. In addition, Mac OS X includes SMB networking through its Windows File Sharing capability.

WiFile is scheduled to be available by the end of March for $29.95

SplashID 3.0 Announced

SplashData has announced an upgrade of SplashID. The new version includes enhanced security, custom icon support, category filtering, an unlimited number of templates with predefined fields for easier data entry, and automatic encrypted backup on the desktop. A new password auto-generator helps those who work in secure environments and are forced to change passwords frequently.

SplashID 3.0 will be $29.95, with special upgrade pricing of $9.95 for currently registered users. The Windows version is expected this month, with Mac support anticipated in March.

Corsoft Updates Plug2Net

Corsoft has announced a new version of Plug2Net that allows users of any Palm OS Handheld device to connect to the Internet via USB or Bluetooth via the Corsoft Plug2Net desktop application.

The application allows the downloading of email, sales reports, updated travel information, etc. and also provides safeguards against the unauthorized access to information to the desktop computer, if it is being accessed in a client office or remote job site.

Plug2Net is available now for $34.95, or for $99.95 with the optional Infrared/USB adapter.

RealPlayer for Palm Update Released; Now Supports Treo 600

Real has released a free update to RealPlayer for Palm that adds support for the Treo 600 smartphone from palmOne. The application allows playback of RealPlayer 10 ACC files, as well as MP3 and older RealPlayer formats. An included plugin supports seamless transfer of music from the desktop to palmOne Tungsten, Zire 71, and Trep 600 devices.

RealPlayer for Palm is a free download, though a credit card is required in order to sign up for the RealOne music store. For more information or download, visit the RealOne web site.

BDicty Dictionary Reader

Beiks LLC has announced a new version of its BDicty Dictionary Reader for Palm OS that includes full text search capabilities for ARM-based devices. This application scans the entire lexicon within seconds enabling the user to quickly search for words or phrases.

The Light version of BDicty is free while the Pro version, which offers additional features, costs $10. Both work with the large collection of dictionary lexicons available from Beiks' web site.

WorldMate 2004 Updated

MobiMate has released WorldMate 2004. The update includes a new WorldMate Today screen feature that allows multiple types of information to be displayed on one screen, such as conversion rates, weather reports, and clocks. Hi res+ 320 x 480 and Treo 6000 support is also included. Free trials of both the Premium ($69.95) and Standard ($24.45) versions are available at the Mobimate web site.

Dataviz Offers Special 20th Anniversary Upgrade

Dataviz is celebrating their 20th anniversary as a software company, and in honor of this event is offering a special $20 upgrade price to the premium edition of Documents to Go 6.

Features include support for native Word and Excel documents, word count and spell check, support for password protected files, and an enhanced desktop application. For more information, visit the Dataviz web site.

Game Announcements

A number of game-releated announcements were also made, and these have been included in the Brighthand Weekly Gaming Roundup.