Microsoft has released the commercial version of its software for robots, hoping to shape the market much as it did for PC software a few decades ago. Its Robotics Studio includes programming tools intended to make it easier to write robot applications, and a runtime environment that allows them to be used and reused on different types of hardware. The software is free for hobbyists and academic use; companies that want to use it commercially must buy a license, which starts at US$399. The software is for programming all types of robots, according to Microsoft, from toys all the way up to industrial equipment.

Palm and Orange France Business Services have announced the Treo 680 smartphone, running on the Palm OS platform. The Treo 680 smartphone is ideal for the professional consumer who wants a more advanced phone experience on a single device, including access to email, Web browsing, messaging and a range of features that are easy to use.

If Steve Jobs’ Apple decides to build a wireless phone, as widely rumored, the company has the chance to shake up not just the wireless device business–an industry dominated by the likes of Motorola and Nokia–it also could upend the entire wireless distribution model in the United States. Very little is known about the Apple’s plans for a cell phone. Apple isn’t talking, but wireless represents a huge opportunity–and threat–for Apple, and every other consumer electronics and computer maker.

NormSoft has released version 4.0 of their Pocket Tunes music application for Palm OS. New features include a new interface, improved audio quality, Internet radio presets, AAC and aacPlus support, album art, and lots more. Pocket Tunes Deluxe also provides access to music subscription services such as Rhapsody To Go, Napster To Go, and Yahoo! Music Unlimited.

Linux has been mentioned as a potentially leading platform for mobile devices for as long as there have been mobile devices. However, mobile Linux is still largely missing in action. The new crop of high-visibility smart phones such as the Samsung BlackJack, the Nokia E62 and the Treo 680 are based on Microsoft’s Windows Mobile, the Symbian and the aging Palm OS platforms. So why are some in the mobile industry saying, once again, that Linux is on the brink of becoming a significant platform for advanced mobile devices such as smartphones? And why should anybody but industry insiders and geeks care? “Linux has had peaks and troughs in the mobile industry, but it’s looking quite positive at the moment,” said Matt Lewis, research director at ARCchart. The market research company recently issued a report entitled “Linux: The New OS Celebrity.”

One of the most discussed topics amongst the Palm community in the 2nd half of 2006 has been the myriad of bugs, quirks, and general “issues” surrounding the Treo 700p, Palm’s flagship Palm OS device. Steve Sinclair, Palm’s Senior Product Manager for Palm OS Wireless Products, has responded to an open letter from a member of the TreoCentral forums. Steve has replied with a surprisingly detailed letter detailing his thoughts on the 700p ROM and on Palm’s communication strategy. In short, Palm is working on addressing some of the major issues plaguing the 700p but nothing is expected to be released until Q1 2007.

Sybase iAnywhere updated its XTNDConnect PC synchronization software to version 6.0. The application allows users to sync contacts, calendars, tasks, email, and notes between mobile devices and Microsoft Outlook, Lotus Notes, ACT!, Novell GroupWise, and Lotus Organizer. With the latest edition, the company said it made the application easier to use through a new interface and the implementation of a profile selector and progress bar. Added Windows Installer options allow system administrators to repackage and perform customized deployments.

Banks and credit card agencies are gearing up security for financial transactions over cell phones and other handheld devices. Aware that a growing number of consumers–especially those under 35–are comfortable using cell phones as digital wallets, leading financial institutions are concocting mobile-security options to protect them from hackers and cyberthieves.

Nintendo is offering to replace the original version of the wrist straps for the Wii Remote with a newer version. Because Wii consoles shipped starting in early December already utilized the newer version of the strap, you will need to determine which version of the strap you have before ordering a replacement. If you have an original version of the strap, complete this form to get a replacement.

Alltel Wireless and Palm announced the availability of the Treo 700wx smartphone, which comprises all the functionality and ease of use for which Treo smartphones are known, with the power and security of Windows Mobile, on Alltel’s network.