Metaworks announced the official launch of MetaGuide, a customizable conference guide designed for handheld computers running the Palm OS. Event managers can use a customized MetaGuide to distribute exhibit, schedule, and other information to conference or trade-show attendees. They can also use their MetaGuide to disseminate information on nearby restaurants and hotels.

CNET has an article that says Handspring is leaving open the possibility that the company may use software other than Palm’s to add functions to its handheld computers.

Handspring K.K. unveiled a Japanese-language version of its Visor Edge handheld computer for the Japanese market.

Handspring, Inc. announced regional retail availability for its VisorPhone Springboard expansion module through 48 Best Buy stores in California and Nevada and 187 Staples stores in California, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia.

Palm, Inc. announced that for the third consecutive year it will be providing those attending the Cannes Market with extensive, up-to-the-minute information at the festival, delivered directly to their Palm handheld computers via customized download stations tailor-made for the Cannes event. Palm also will be showcasing an exclusive software suite CD, comprising a wide range of applications serving the entertainment community that will allow artists and producers to be more efficient using their Palm handhelds.

XcelleNet, Inc. announced the addition of OneTouch functionality to its RemoteWare remote systems management product.

Mobile Automation announced successful implementation of Mobile Automation 2000 at UGS (formerly Unigraphics Solutions Inc.). According to the press release, since January 2000, UGS has seen its use of MA2000 for management of its mobile computing resources grow from 500 nodes in a single location to 3,500 spread across 24 different countries and more than 100 individual sites.

Abaco announced that it has begun shipping version 2.0 of Abaco’s Varadero mobile application development framework and thin-client server.

Under proposed settlement agreements with the Federal Trade Commission, Microsoft Corporation and Hewlett-Packard Company have agreed to stop misrepresenting that Pocket PC handheld computers came with built-in wireless access to the Internet and email at anytime and from anywhere. According to the FTC, Pocket PC users must purchase and carry additional equipment such as a modem to get mobile access to the Internet and email, a fact not clearly disclosed in the joint Microsoft-HP advertising campaign.

Zshades announced its line of color, snap-on faceplates for Palm III, Palm IIIx, Palm IIIe, and Palm IIIxe handhelds are available on the Web site, corporate sales, and at retail stores nationwide, for $19.95, plus shipping.