Sony has announced the Clie PEG-VZ90, a multimedia-oriented handheld, available only in Japan. The VZ90 features a 480-by-320-pixel 3.8 inch OLED (organic light-emitting diode) display and runs the Japanese version of Palm OS Garnet 5.2.1 on a 128 MHz Handheld Engine.

Group Sense Limited has revealed the full specifications and an image of an upcoming new smartphone. The Xplorer M28 is a GSM Palm OS 5.4 smartphone with a small form factor, an SD expansion slot and camera.

A worm that contains an embedded audio message has been bending the ears of Windows users. The Amus worm, which may be Turkish, uses the Windows Speech Engine, embedded on Windows XP, to play a message. The worm, which runs after the Windows XP boot-up music has played, also deletes certain files, causing Windows to fail. It spreads automatically via an e-mail titled “Listen and Smile” and alters home page settings in Internet Explorer.

Bitfone’s new SmartCare, mProve 4.0 and Mobile Variance Platform (MVP) products work together to find and fix mobile device software problems while enhancing both device functionality and the mobile experience for the end user. Bitfone has unbundled the network and handset elements of its OTA software update solution to provide a more powerful, flexible and interoperable product line.

BorderWare Technologies announced SIPassure SIP Firewall, a comprehensive SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) firewall. Initially aimed at the emerging VoIP (Internet telephony) market, SIPassure is a hardened appliance that manages and protects the flow of VoIP-specific SIP communications, enabling enterprises to fully realize the business benefits of deploying VoIP solutions such as reducing long distance costs, utilizing presence-based applications (i.e. find me, follow me) and unified messaging.

NoviiMedia unveiled a new product, the NoviiRemote Blaster, an SD card and CD-ROM for turning your handheld device into a powerful, easy to use universal remote control! This unique product is the first-ever universal remote control on an SD card.

Thumboard is a unique full-screen keyboard for the Tungsten T3 handheld. It covers the entire screen area and has keys large enough to be typed with finger tips rather than with a stylus.

OQO Inc. will launch its OQO Model 01 palmtop computer in mid-October. The OQO, first disclosed in 2002 and formally unveiled in January at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, is one of a small number of palmtop computers designed to replace a PDA or handheld with a more functional, albeit smaller, computing device.

Built for productivity and equipped for entertainment, the new VAIO T-Series notebook PCs come with integrated 802.11b/g wireless connectivity, two USB 2.0 ports, a Memory Stick PRO media slot, and an i.LINK (IEEE 1394) digital interface. Rounding out the package is the complete VAIO Entertainment Software Suite including, applications for video editing, digital photo and music management and VAIO Media software, Sony’s simple interface for sharing digital content among PCs or compatible consumer electronics devices on a home network. T-Series notebooks will be available next month at select retail outlets for about $2,000.

palmOne announced a back-to-school offer that adds up to big savings for educators. With the purchase of 30 Tungsten E handhelds, educators will receive an additional three Tungsten E handhelds, a special eBundle of software and accessories valued at more than $800, and a Software and Utilities Bonus Pack featuring more than $4,000 worth of software and utilities discounts.