Newton Users Now Can Surf the Net with Pocket Call 2.0
MACWORLD BOSTON, Booth 5512 — August 8, 1995 — For the first time, Newton(TM) users can access the Internet to run programs such as text-based browsers for the World Wide Web and corporate e-mail programs, using the new PocketCall(TM) 2.0 communications software from Ex Machina, Inc. The new version adds powerful VT100 terminal emulation capabilities, a flexible programming language and a host of other new features to PocketCall — already one of the all-time, best-selling Apple Newton applications. PocketCall 2.0 provides text-based terminal emulation for online services, bulletin boards and the Internet, including the World Wide Web. With built-in tap-keypad support for VT100 and Lynx emulation, PocketCall also connects Message Pad(TM) users to existing corporate information and e-mail systems, such as UNIX(TM) mail, IBM Profs(TM), DEC All-In-One(TM) news readers, mail editing programs and custom applications.
PocketCall 2.0 accesses the Web through a standard, dial-up shell account. For users who don't yet have shell accounts, each copy of PocketCall 2.0 comes with a Netcom Internet account with no start-up fee and one month of free access. PocketCall 2.0 users enter information and respond to queries from host systems simply by handwriting text on the MessagePad's screen, or by typing on a pop-up on-screen keypad. To make it easier for users to connect to popular mail services, PocketCall 2.0 includes pre-written scripts for common services such as CompuServe, GEnie, Delphi and MCI mail, to automate the whole process of logging on and off, collecting and sending mail and browsing special interest forums.
"PocketCall 2.0 answers Newton users' strong demand for a VT100 terminal emulator," said David S. Rose, CEO of Ex Machina, Inc. "Now Newton users can carry the power of Internet access and their corporate systems with them and have all the information of the World Wide Web at their fingertips, no matter where they may be." PocketCall 2.0 allows current PocketCall users to access even more information on their Newton Message Pads. In addition, anyone with PocketCall 2.0, a Message Pad, a Newton modem and a dial-up Internet account now can access e-mail, browse the World Wide Web and Telnet to any Internet site. For the millions of corporate terminal-based systems, PocketCall 2.0 is an out-of-the-box solution for any company requiring remote, portable and inexpensive VT100 access for users. The VT100 capabilities also open up Newton technology to all vertical markets needing portable, PDA-based communications abilities. PocketCall 2.0 will work with existing desktop and workstation information systems.
The major enhancements in PocketCall 2.0 include:
o VT100, VT52 and ANSI terminal emulation
o Improved scripting language with conditional statements, sending/capturing of notes and looping o Lynx support (allows one-touch, text-based Web surfing and navigation)
o Connection scripts for CompuServe, MCI Mail, Delphi and Netcom o Increased display area to 24 lines on Message Pad 110/120
o Bundled Netcom Internet Shell Account. Netcom Shell Accounts provide access to Lynx (Text-based WWW), Mail, News, FTP and Telnet.
PocketCall 2.0 will ship with a connection script for Netcom dial-in and basic feature access.
Available in September, PocketCall 2.0 has a suggested retail price of $ 119, but will be shipped as a free upgrade to users of PocketCall 1.0. Installation is done from a disk through the Newton Connection kit or free Newton Package Downloader.
Founded in 1988, Ex Machina, Inc., a privately held company based in New York City, develops and markets wireless communications software products that allow mobile workers to efficiently send, receive and access information at or away from their offices. The company offers a complete line of communications software, ranging from simple paging applications to sophisticated wireless messaging solutions. Ex Machina's products are sold through OEM relationships with companies including Motorola, Apple, Hewlett Packard, Delrina and AST, as well as leading paging carriers, computer mail order catalogs and retail stores. Ex Machina's technology also provides wireless messaging capabilities to hundreds of software applications from publishers. Ex Machina can be reached at (800) 238-4738. PocketCall is a trademark of Ex Machina, Inc. Newton is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. All other product and service names used are U.S. trademarks, service marks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
CONTACT:
Joshua Weinberg
Technology Solutions Inc.
(212) 696-2000, x229
joshuaw@tsipr.com
or
Scott Samios
Ex Machina, Inc.
(212) 843-0000, x12
scott@exmachina.com