New Enhancement Pack Extends Functionality of Newton Technology-Based PDAs
CUPERTINO, Calif. — January 4, 1995 — StarCore, the Newton software publishing and distribution arm of Apple Computer Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL) today announced the Newton Enhancement Pack, a suite of applications designed to enhance and extend the overall functionality of Newton technology-based Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs).
The Newton Enhancement Pack features a trio of applications on one 2MB flash storage card at an Apple price of $149. The Newton Enhancement Pack offers alternative text entry options via "Graffiti"; shortcuts and memory enhancement functions with "Newton Utilities"; and extended names, calendar and to-do functions with "Action Names" software. The application will be available in January for all Newton technology-based PDAs, including the Apple MessagePad, the Motorola Marco and the Sharp ExpertPad.
The three applications on The Newton Enhancement Pack use up approximately 1MB of the flash card's memory, leaving users with more than 1MB of free space for storing additional applications or other data.
"The Newton Enhancement Pack is a great companion for Newton technology-based PDAs," Ken Wirt, director of marketing, Apple's Personal Interactive Electronics division, said. "The applications greatly enhance the built-in functions of Newton technology-based PDAs, plus the storage area left on the card gives users more than double the existing internal system memory, which they can use for storing their own personal information or other applications."
'Graffiti'
The Newton Enhancement Pack features Palm Computing's popular "Graffiti" software, an optional text entry method that works with a unique simplified version of the existing alphabet. With "Graffiti," people enter words on the PDAs screen via electronic ink using easy-to- learn strokes for each letter. The software instantly translates those strokes into the corresponding text characters, allowing the user to gain control by immediately verifying the information.
'Newton Utilities'
"Newton Utilities," a suite of four powerful, customizable applications that allow Newton technology-based PDA owners to quickly and easily create new entries and move between tasks; maximize available memory; manage software usage; and copy and paste frequently-used text and graphics into Newton documents, is also included in the Newton Enhancement Pack.
'Action Names'
The Newton Enhancement Pack also features iambic's "Action Names," an application that seamlessly integrates the names file with the calendar and to-do functions. Using "Action Names," the day's calls, meetings and to-do items appear on a one screen agenda with complete information which can be printed or faxed from the PDA, if desired. "Action Names" also extends the capabilities of the names file by allowing users to add up to 18 customizable fields; provides call and client management features, such as logs of calls received and calls attempted; plus maintains a comprehensive history for all contacts.
Apple Computer Inc.'s StarCore group, a part of the Personal Interactive Electronics (PIE) Division, publishes and distributes software on PCMCIA cards and floppy diskettes for devices based on Newton technology.
Apple Computer Inc., a recognized pioneer and innovator in the information industry, creates powerful solutions based on easy to use personal computers, servers, peripherals, software, online services and personal digital assistants. Headquartered in Cupertino, Apple develops, manufactures, licenses and markets products, technologies and services for the business, education, consumer, scientific & engineering and government markets in over 140 countries.
Apple, the Apple logo, Newton and Macintosh are registered trademarks. MessagePad and StarCore are trademarks of Apple Computer Inc. Marco is a trademark of Motorola. ExpertPad is a trademark of Sharp Electronics. Graffiti and Graffiti Shortcuts are trademarks of Palm Computing. Action Names is a trademark of iambic Software. via fax, call 800-AAPL-FAX and enter I.D. number 6172.
CONTACT:
Heidi Davis or Lisa Hennessy of Faiola Davis PR, 213-933-4959