CNET News.com reports PalmSource is beefing up its selection of software for businesses. The article talks about how PalmSource is working with several companies to bring Java support, a new browser, and a virtual private networking (VPN) client to its new Palm OS 5.

Covertec has released a new version of its SX Series case for Sony Clie NR70. This new model will be available on their Web site and in retail stores starting July 20, 2002.

PDA Avenue has a Q&A with Pen&Internet. In the piece, Dr. Leonid Kitainik, GM for Pen&Internet talks about why so many people still prefer using a pen over a keyboard and discusses the market for electronic ink, handwriting recognition, Advanced Notes Recognition (ANR), and several applications underway at Pen&Internet. He also offers a few insights on emerging wireless technologies.

PalmSource, Inc. announced that it is working with ACCESS Systems America to bring a new, secure proxyless browser to Palm OS 5, and with SafeNet to make an evaluation version of SoftRemotePDA Virtual Private Network (VPN) client for Palm OS available to licensees.

PalmSource, Inc. welcomed graphic accelerator chip maker ATI Technologies Inc. to its Palm OS Ready Program. Through the program, ATI Technologies is licensing components of the Palm OS platform to create a complete silicon solution for Palm OS licensees. The Palm OS Ready Program provides Palm OS licensees with silicon solutions ready to run the newly released Palm OS 5.

PalmSource, Inc. announced that it is working with Insignia Solutions to create a standard Java interface to run on the Palm OS platform. Based on the Insignia Mobile Foundation, which provides a highly optimized implementation of the Java2 Micro Edition standard, and integrated with the PDA Profile (JSR-75) set of Java APIs, the Palm OS based Java solution will provide more powerful Java capabilities for developers and customers in both the consumer and enterprise markets. PalmSource has taken the lead to develop the PDAP specification and drive it through the Java Community Process with the goal of making it the Java standard for handheld and smart phone class devices. The PDA Profile is the single, unified set of Java APIs that will enable today’s feature-rich handheld and smart phone devices to successfully deploy Java-based applications. Java developers now have a standardized, PalmSource-endorsed suite of Java APIs allowing them to develop powerful Java applications for the broad range of Palm Powered products. PalmSource expects the PDA Profile to help further extend Palm OS leadership by becoming the platform of choice for Java developers targeting the handheld and smart phone markets.

Handheld Media Group, Inc. announced the expansion of that consumer publication to include coverage of all mobile handheld platforms and products. Handheld Computing Magazine will continue to provide coverage of Palm Powered hardware and software, while adding coverage of Pocket PC, BlackBerry, smartphone, and other handheld devices including MP3 players and digital cameras.

Rococo Software and Open Interface North America, Inc. announced a strategic partnership to develop advanced Java-based systems for the development of applications using Bluetooth wireless technology. Open Interface North America is working with Rococo Software to integrate the Open Interface BlueMagic 3.0 embedded Bluetooth protocol stack into Rococo’s Java-based Impronto Developer Kit and Technology Licensing Kit, allowing developers using Java to access BlueMagic 3.0 Bluetooth protocol software.

The Stanford PalmPilot User Group meets at 7 pm on the first Tuesday of each month; the next meeting will be on July 2. The Guest of Honor will be Katia Shabanova, Public Relations Director for Iambic Inc., who will be demonstrating Action Names Datebook, TinySheet, and Bump Attack Pinball. All attendees will receive a free copy of TinySheet.

Handspring, Inc. announced nationwide retail availability of the Treo 90, a sleek new organizer with a built-in keyboard and full-color display. The Treo 90 costs $299 and comes with 16MB of memory, Secure Digital and MultiMediaCard expansion capabilities, and a long-lasting rechargeable battery. Treo 90 is available now at Staples, Best Buy, Circuit City, Good Guys, Fry’s Electronics, J&R, and within the next few weeks at CompUSA and Office Max.