sr101
Member
Registered: Jul 2001
Location: East coast
Posts: 2 |
Stooping low?Missed Checkmarks Panic Palm And Handspring
?
Missed Checkmarks Panic Palm And Handspring
By Kristy Bassuener
August 30, 2001
The FCC Office of Engineering and Technology pulled its approval of new devices from Palm and Handspring at the request of the companies themselves. Such approval is necessary for all devices containing radio transmitters.
On Monday, the commission endorsed the wireless-enabled Palm i705, and on Tuesday gave the regulatory thumbs up to two Handspring smartphones that include organizer functions as well as mobile voice and data access. The gadgets now have 'pending' status, which prevents public access to stats and photos.
Coincidentally, both companies forgot to check a box that would keep pending status until the products were ready to roll out and then panicked, an FCC official said.
Neither Handspring officials nor those at Palm would comment on the issue. Insiders speculate that the companies requested the change to help fuel sales of currently available handhelds, instead of releasing new information that might prompt consumers to wait for the most up-to-date product.
This summer, handheld manufacturers have slashed product prices and offered deals to move gadgets off store shelves. On Tuesday, Handspring began offering its VisorPhone attachments -- enabling wireless calls from a Visor organizer -- for free with new purchases. Originally, the component sold for $299. Handspring shares fell 10.8 percent at midday to $2.71 per share
|