Microsoft has acquired a messaging startup known for a real-time alerting service that taps into instant-messaging networks and RSS feeds. Microsoft’s MSN division has purchased MessageCast. Since 2003, MSN has used MessageCast’s technology as part of the MSN Alerts service. MSN Alerts lets users receive notifications from such sources as MSNBC, MSN’s sites and Weather.com through MSN Messenger, email and mobile devices.

John Wiley & Sons announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Sybex, a publisher of computer books and software based in Alameda, California. The terms of the purchase, which is scheduled to close by the end of the month, were not disclosed. Sybex has been a leading publisher for the global Information Technology professional community for nearly 30 years. Known for high quality publications that are translated into more than 20 languages, Sybex publishes about 100 new titles a year and has a backlist of approximately 450 titles in the graphics, digital photography, operating systems, programming, and gaming categories.

When stroke victims played virtual reality games in which they imagined they were diving with sharks or snowboarding down a narrow slope, their ability to walk eventually improved, researchers reported in a small study. Doctors called the findings promising, especially since the patients had all had strokes more than a year earlier, a time frame when further recovery is unlikely.

Global shipments of handheld computers fell for the fifth consecutive quarter, squeezed by surging demand for devices that combine cellular telephones with palmtop organizers, market research firm IDC said on Wednesday. Shipments of 1.9 million digital organizers in the first quarter were down 12 percent from the same period last year and 31 percent from the fourth quarter, IDC said. By contrast, the worldwide converged mobile device market kept up its torrid growth, with shipments rising 135 percent year-over-year, its third straight quarter of triple digit growth, to 8.4 million units.

Smart Box Design announced the launch of the newly updated Triples game, a remake of its popular 9 Men’s Morris “capture and defend” strategy game for Palm OS devices. Triples, or M

NS BASIC Corporation announced support for Windows Mobile 5.0, Microsoft’s new platform for handheld devices. NS Basic/CE will run on all Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC and Pocket PC Phone Edition devices. NS Basic/CE is a VB-like development tool. It allows you to create applications on a Windows desktop computer which will run on Windows CE devices. A unique feature of the development tool is that it can also be used to develop on the device itself.

Dell will offer a Windows Mobile version 5.0 software upgrade for the Dell Axim X50 handheld family later this year. The new software is expected to enable users to take advantage of several new productivity and multimedia enhancements, like updated Microsoft Office programs and Direct3D Mobile support. It also supports persistent storage capability, helping to protect against the loss of personal data and applications when batteries discharge completely. Dell Axim X50 customers will be able to purchase the upgrade, expected to ship during the third quarter, on compact disc.

So, you say we don’t send you enough silly links. You tell us we’re too serious, writing too much about useful stuff. OK, so there!

For the month of May, PalmGear.com is giving away a dream vacation that you design yourself! Purchase any software and enter the code VACATION into the Site-wide Promotional text field at checkout. You will be automatically entered into the drawing. Every purchase gives you another opportunity to win.

palmOne and Telefonica Moviles Espana, the largest mobile carrier in the Spanish market with more than 19 million clients, announced an agreement for the distribution of the Treo 650 smartphone in Spain. The Treo 650, which is scheduled to be available from Telefonica in late May, combines a compact, full-featured quad-band mobile phone with email, a Palm OS organizer, messaging (SMS and multimedia messages), management of office documents and Web access, as well as a digital camera. palmOne and Telefonica Moviles also have customized the Treo 650 with movistar applications and services.