About Newton 2.0

A number of significant improvements to the Newton platform have been implemented in the latest version of the operating system and through complementary add-on solutions from Apple and third parties. While advances in the Newton 2.0 platform include improving overall functionality, the focus has been on responding to customer feedback from both users and developers and implementing changes that improve capabilities in the areas of information organization, local and wide area network (LAN/WAN) communications, access to the enterprise environment and integration to both Windows and Mac OS-based personal computers (PCs).

 Organization

The advanced, built-in information management applications in Newton 2.0 are designed to improve productivity and overall information management and include the following features:

• Data Capture
  • New handwriting recognizer for printed words and improved cursive recognizer
  • New Apple external Newton Keyboard offers additional input method
  • Improved ink text can be used in all applications, easily edited and converted to typed text at any time
  • Smart lists provide the most commonly entered information for easy selection
  • Onscreen keyboard and pop-up menus readily available to speed data entry
• Built-in Applications
  • Significantly enhanced Names and Dates applications with user interface improvements and tighter integration
  • New Calls application for tracking phone calls
  • Improved Notepad with integrated Outline and Checklist stationery
• User Interface
  • New screen rotation enables users to change the screen view from portrait to landscape mode
  • Caret icon indicates where text will be placed and provides a quick way to enter punctuation marks
  • "New" button available in all built-in applications for rapid creation of new documents
  • Customization features such as the ability to add fields, label files and group contacts together, allows users to personalize their Newton personal digital assistant (PDA)

 Communications

Newton 2.0 takes advantage of an open system architecture, which accommodates a variety of communications options. The platform is designed to allow users to communicate through both wired and wireless methods--implementing direct connections to computer networks via a serial port, or with a PC card modem and cellular phone. Communications features include:

• Faxing
  • Built-in fax send and receive
• Built-in E-mail Client
  • Send and receive e-mail via:
    • - LANs such as CE QuickMail, Lotus cc:Mail, and Microsoft Mail
    • - public e-mail services such as America Online, CompuServe and eWorld
    • - wireless mail services such as RadioMail and WyndMail
    • - Internet mail such as Eudora
• Internet Access
  • In addition to third-party offerings, Apple plans to deliver a TCP/IP software package in the first half of 1996
• Database Access
  • Access databases on PCs, servers, and corporate networks using a Newton PDA
• Universal In/Out Box
  • Centrally locate all incoming and outgoing communications
• Wireless Messaging
  • Send and receive wireless messages with a variety of third-party PC cards and software
• Printing
  • Print documents to a variety of office printers
• Beaming
  • Beam information to other Newton PDA users who are in close proximity via the built-in infrared technology

For developers, the communications architecture of the Newton platform supports a variety of hardware, services and protocols allowing independent software vendors (ISVs) and in-house developers to more easily build in the communications features they need. In the first half of 1996, developers will have TCP/IP software to enable them to deliver applications that expand Internet access to Newton PDA customers.

 Integration

An important function of PDAs is the ability to synchronize with personal computers, import and export data and provide access to information. The Newton 2.0 platform offers customers these capabilities, enabling them to keep important information current and close at-hand. Several new Newton 2.0 products from Apple help simplify the process of exchanging information with a personal computer. Apple's new desktop integration utilities and applications for Newton 2.0 include the following:

• Newton Backup Utility
  • Allows users to back up and restore Newton 2.0 information to a personal computer
  • Installs software packages from a personal computer to a Newton PDA
• Newton Press
  • Provides a drag-and-drop method for creating electronic reference documents, or "Newton books." Created by simply dropping text files onto the Newton Press icon, Newton books are easily imported from a personal computer into a Newton PDA for viewing, faxing, printing or annotating
  • Imports graphics, e-mail, text and word processing documents such as travel itineraries, meeting agendas, price lists, user manuals and maps

For developers, Apple has created a suite of application programming interfaces (APIs) called the Desktop Integration Libraries (DILs), which will enable direct synchronization between personal computer applications and applications running on Newton PDAs. Examples of developers taking advantage of this technology include Now Software with their Now Synchronize solution and LandWare with Sync+ for Microsoft Schedule+. Apple, the Apple logo, and Newton are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. All other company and product brand names mentioned may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders, and are hereby acknowledged.

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