ZDNet Australia has an article on the advantages of speech recognition software being used on PDAs in hospital wards.

Xircom, Inc. announced the availability of the SpringPort Wireless Data module that enables wireless Internet connection for Handspring Visor handhelds. The SpringPort Wireless Data module provides wireless connectivity via GSM, PCS, and PDC mobile phones, enabling mobile users to access the Web, check email, send and receive Short Message Service (SMS) messages, and synchronize data.

ThinAirApps, Inc. announced that its ThinAir v1.6 free email client is now available in the Palm Mobile Internet Kit. Anyone utilizing the Mobile Internet Kit on their Palm handheld with a data-enabled mobile phone will be able to access their existing personal email accounts in real-time with ThinAir v1.6.

Electric Pocket today announced BugMe! Messenger, a new messaging service that allows users to exchange handwritten, text, and graphic notes between wireless Palm OS handhelds and Internet email.

We reported yesterday that Issue #400 of Mad Magazine features a parody of the Simply Palm ads showing what’s on George Lucas’ Palm device. Last night we purchased a copy (only $3.00 cheap!) and discovered there are two other Palm ad spoofs. One stars Julia Roberts (Sexually Palm) and the other features Bobby Knight (Sickly Palm). The latter concludes with the former head coach of the Indiana University Hoosiers crushing his Palm V in frustration when it starts beeping and he can’t figure out how to answer it.

Palm OS 3.5 upgrade is now available on the Palm Web site. It costs $14.95 for the download, or a CD can be ordered for $19.95 plus shipping and handling.

MSNBC has an article on Comdex with a lot of handheld news. There’s a report on Palm’s announcements of its Mobile Internet Kit and MyPalm portal, a suggestion that the color CLIE may be available as soon as January, and much more.

Magellan Corporation announced its new GPS Companion for the Handspring Visor handheld computer. The receiver attaches to the Visor

CNET News.com reports on several announcements made by Palm at Comdex, including a promise to connect its older handhelds to the wireless Internet and the revamped Palm.net portal, dubbed MyPalm, that will allow users of Palm VII series wireless handhelds to surf the Web, schedule meetings, and access standard Pop3 email accounts.

ZDNet News has an article on Palm’s announcement at Comdex that the company plans to back up its recent ad campaign that emphasizes that Palm is, “a complete solutions company offering content and access, products and platform, and now services.”