Palm gets web search and portal features

Palm plans to improve the internet functionality of its handheld devices with the launch of a personalised portal for web-connected users.

The MyPalm portal, which will appear as a beta product for US users on 25 December, can be tailored to provide links to email, downloads, Palm's online shop, web clipping, and calendar and wireless synchronisation with the user's databank via Palm's servers. It will appear in Europe next year.

The portal can also be customised to provide easy access to online bill payment services. Barry Cottle, chief operating officer at Palm, said this account management feature is the "first step towards making the Palm a wallet".

Palm has created MyPalm using portal technology from Yodlee. The portal also includes a search engine for internet-connected Palms provided by Google.

Future developments for the Palm, outlined by Cottle at Comdex Fall 2000 in Las Vegas, include improved access to corporate email, instant messaging, a voice interface and single log-in for multiple applications.

European users still have no single Palm device that contains mobile phone technology, like the Palm VII in the US. However, a clip-on GSM unit for Palm III, V and M100 devices will be launched in Europe and Asia at the start of next year.

Palm also announced software that will let users connect their devices to the internet using a data-enabled mobile phone, connected via infrared or a cable. The software is available now in the US for about $40 and available in Europe by the end of the month.