On the heels of the announcement that Palm Computing will operate as an independent company, News.com asks if Palm can withstand the challenges from other companies. The article also tries to figure out if and how this announcement effects Windows CE.

Karrier Communications announced plans to deliver a Springboard-compatible module of IntelliGolf for the Handspring Visor handheld computer. The new IntelliGolf module will be shipping by the end of September 1999 and will be priced at $39.95. IntelliGolf will be sold via the Handspring Web store and directly from the IntelliGolf Web site.

Qualcomm announced the availability of the pdQsuite package of Internet applications designed for use with all Palm Computing platform-based devices. The pdQsuite package includes the pdQbrowser application, an Internet-standard web browser, the Eudora for the Palm Computing Platform application, an email program and the conduit for the pdQsuite Eudora application, which allows users to synchronize their desktop e-mail with the new pdQsuite Eudora application. The pdQsuite package is available in a free 30-day trial version.

Handspring Visor handheld device owners can obtain books offered by electronic publisher peanutpress.com. In the future, they will also be able to purchase books on Springboard modules.

The Windward Group announced that it is working with Handspring to accelerate development of hardware and software expansion products for the Handspring Visor line of handheld computers. The Windward Group, together with System Design Group, will work with Handspring partners and licensees to create expansion modules and custom software applications.

Actioneer announced the Actioneer Smart Portal service, version 3.1. The new Actioneer Smart Portal 3.1 release greatly expands the list of available e-service connectors. The new capabilities will provide access to electronic organizers, including Palm handheld organizers and Palm Desktop, Microsoft Outlook and Lotus Notes desktop organizers.

Astraware announced the release of Zap!, a classic shoot-em-up for Palm connected organizers. Zap! is immediately available for the Palm. The Demo version is free to download and play without restriction, and contains two full levels of aliens and bosses

ZDNet’s Jesse Berst has this article predicting what will happen in the handheld industry over the next year and beyond. He says that wireless devices will be expand and handhelds will have MP3 and instant messaging capabilities.

JP Systems announced it will provide its One-Touch Messaging wireless messaging platform for the Handspring Visor. One-Touch Messaging is designed to work with the Handspring modem and Springboard communications modules from Widcomm, Inc. and other companies.

Xceed announced the formation of the Xceed Wireless Division, which will focus on creating applications for wireless devices including the Palm VII connected organizer and Microsoft Windows CE compatible handheld computers. The applications, built using Palm Computing’s Query Application Builder software, converts standard HTML into Web Clipping Applications for the Palm VII organizer.