Handspring Updates Palm Blazer Browser

Handspring has released an updated version of its Blazer Web browser for Palm OS handheld computers designed to give users a faster and more secure browsing experience.

Blazer 2.0 retails for $19.95 and is available from Palm add-on distributors Handago and Palm Gear. It will be offered as a free upgrade to Blazer 1.1 customers, Handspring said. Blazer 2.0 is designed for handhelds running Palm OS 3.1 or higher, with a minimum of 8MB of memory.

Blazer 2.0 now supports a wider range of security protocols than its predecessor, including HTTP proxy servers and 128-bit Secure Socket Layer encryption. For a richer browsing experience, Blazer 2.0 also supports 16-bit color and a range of markup languages, including HTML and Wireless Application Protocol. Other new features include an improved bookmarking tool and the capability to choose a Web site as the homepage displayed when Blazer launches.

Blazer 2.0 will be built into Handspring's forthcoming Treo series of mobile phone/personal digital assistant combo devices, Handspring said. The first Treo device is scheduled for release in early 2002. Blazer licensee Sprint PCS Group, a division of Sprint, said it will offer Blazer 2.0 as a free upgrade to its customers using Palm OS products.

Bolster Treo

Handspring introduced the Treo line earlier in October. The new family of handheld products is designed to integrate phone capabilities and PDA functions.

The first models are scheduled to ship in the first quarter of 2002. Handspring first unveiled the Treo 180, which uses a small keyboard for data entry, and the 180G, which features Palm's Graffiti handwriting recognition.

Previously, the only way to add wireless data capabilities to Handspring's Visors was to purchase a Springboard module that attaches to the back of the PDA. The new devices have a flip-up cover with a window the same size as the display on the unit.

Handspring has apparently met mixed success with the Springboard-connected VisorPhone add-on phone. The company twice cut the price of the module this summer.