ParallelGraphics showcased Cortona CE, the first ever 3D VRML browser for Windows CE based devices, at Siggraph 2000 in New Orleans. According to the press release, Cortona CE offers the delivery of interactive 3D technologies for improved e-commerce solutions, product presentations, distance learning, and the development of online interactive guides.

PC World has a review of the Cassiopeia E-115 Pocket PC. The review highlights the device’s multimedia capabilities, saying “You can run videos on its glorious 65,536-color active-matrix touch screen.”

Yahoo has a press release from Audio Intelligence Corporation announcing the introduction of Audio Update, a new service allowing users to download custom pre-recorded audio information to their handheld PDA’s through the Internet or their own company’s intranet. The Palm OS will be the initial platform for the Audio Update service, for use with Handspring Visors. Audio Update downloads the audio content in MP3 format to a Springboard module called MiniJam by InnoGear.

ZDNet has an article on how the shortage of Pocket PCs is restricting sales and inadvertantly giving Palm products an advantage. According to the article, analysts believe a component shortage and underestimated demand are to blame.

The Wall Street Journal Interactive Edition has an article on the proliferation of handheld devices in schools. The article notes how the education market is the newest battleground for handheld-device makers. Both Palm and Microsoft are cited as taking steps to increase their leverage in the market.

Pharos announced the launch of Pocket PC Navigator personal navigation software, the first Pocket PC compatible GPS software. Pocket PC Navigator is described as being a full-featured turn-by-turn navigation system. It provides real-time position information, mobile navigation, and routing of street-level maps through the use of voice prompts.

In an article about how Sanyo has licensed ARM’s microprocessor architecture, CNET News mentions that Palm plans to upgrade its devices from the Motorola Dragonball chip to an ARM-based processor. The article speculates that next-generation Palm devices based on ARM chips would likely support higher-resolution color screens and more data-intensive applications, including wireless services.

The Wall Street Journal Interactive Edition has an article on the proliferation of handheld devices in schools. The article notes how the education market is the newest battleground for handheld-device makers. Both Palm and Microsoft are cited as taking steps to increase their leverage in the market.

Salon.com takes a sarcastic poke at the Palm Vx Claudia Schiffer Edition handheld computer by providing its list of other celebrity gadgets.

The Internet Only Palm Users Group, or IOPUG, is introducing itself to Palm device users. The owners of the site say it’s designed for Palm device users who don’t have a local PUG in their area, don’t have the time to attend regular meetings, and still want to have the benefits of PUG membership.