Broadbeam Corporation announces that the latest version of its Mobile Solutions System (MSS) is participating in Intel’s mobilized software initiatives, a series of industry activities established to accelerate the era of fully-distributed computing and enable the mobilized work/lifestyle.

The Contra Costa Times compares a few of the new mobile phones that feature a thumb-operated keyboard: the Nokia 6800, the Blackberry 7230, the T-Mobile Sidekick and the Hitachi G 1000. The review says that the Nokia 6800 is the best and most affordable email and phone combo. Also, for email, the G1000 uses a pocket version of Microsoft Outlook, which will appeal to users who prefer the desktop version of Outlook.

iambic unveiled Agendus for Symbian OS, UIQ Edition. Now, users of Sony Ericsson P800 and P900 smartphones have access to contact management and scheduling capabilities. Agendus for Symbian OS, UIQ Edition also integrates with iambic’s Agendus for Windows, allowing users of Microsoft Windows and handheld devices to experience a contact management, scheduling, and To Do list application that enhances Microsoft Outlook.

Internet.com reports that a wireless security expert has detected a weakness in the interface design of a highly touted Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) protocol deployed in numerous Wireless LAN products. According to a research paper posted on Wi-Fi Networking News, the weakness could allow intruders to crack poorly chosen passphrases via offline dictionary attacks.

Microsoft executives are saying that XML Web services applications are ideal for the new AT&T Smartphones, as well as existing Pocket PCs and other mobile devices. According to ADTmag.com, members of the Microsoft mobile team were busy at PDC working with developers to upgrade the Device Developer Kit for Windows Mobile 2003 so that it can be used to create Web services applications for the just-released AT&T Smartphones.

Aligo unveiled Omni Mobile Platform, a mobile platform that combines a Java-based back-end with a flexible development environment that supports Microsoft .NET and J2ME standards. Aligo’s pre-built applications have also been migrated to Omni Mobile Platform for seamless integration with the platform. Mobile Access provides instant access to groupware for users of Microsoft Exchange, Lotus Domino, IMAP, and Sun ONE Messaging and Calendar Servers.

Internet Week has this article on the future of Lotus Domino. The goal for Domino 7 and 8 over the next few years is to provide full client access to applications whether the user is connected or disconnected from the Web. In the short term, Lotus plans a Domino 6.5.1 update in the second quarter of next year that will integrate instant messaging, Team Workplace and Domino document management. WebSphere Portal 5.1 is due in the third quarter and Workplace 2.5 with better support for disconnected clients and more mobile devices is due in the fourth quarter.

Toshiba’s Storage Device Division said that it has revised its 1.8-inch hard drive in two models, one capable of storing 20GB of data and the other, 40GB. The smaller size and weight make the 1.8-inch drives useful for handheld devices like Apple Computer’s iPod, as well as personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld GPS (Global Positioning System) devices and miniature notebook computers.

Sony officials described a prototype for its PSP gaming device–due out before the end of 2004–during a presentation to U.S. investors that reiterated plans to restore profitability to the company. According to News.com, PSP is designed to rival Nintendo’s Game Boy handheld game player, mobile phone maker Nokia’s N-Gage wireless gaming device, and Apple’s iPod and iTunes music download service.

Good Technology and PrinterOn announced a co-marketing agreement to deliver wireless printing and faxing solutions to mobile professionals using GoodLink. The agreement engages the companies in joint marketing initiatives to promote PrinterOn’s wireless printing and faxing solutions to enterprises with mobile field forces powered by the GoodLink wireless corporate messaging system.