(Click here for animated set of weather screen shots)Handmark says that Pocket Express turns an Internet-enabled wireless handset into a "personalized instant information center." News, sports, movies, maps, and more can be automatically updated throughout the day, and accessed with minimal navigation, according to the company. Content can be reached using the five-way navigation buttons on the device or the number keys on a phone keypad.
Among its capabilities, Pocket Express can map any address in the US and Canada and provide turn-by-turn driving directions between two points, according to Handmark. Another function, the Directories search, allows users to look up any published phone numbers, perform reverse phone number and address searches, and locate a person or a business without paying traditional directory assistance charges. Once found, Pocket Express can add a listing to the device address book, dial the phone number automatically, or display a map showing how to get there.
Handmark lists the following new features in Pocket Express Version 2.0:
- "Tuxedo" interface makes all Pocket Express services accessible from a single screen called "PageOne."
- Location-based services enable delivery of geographic-specific information including nearby restaurants or movie theaters on handsets that support location detection.
- Better news coverage through a new affiliation with the Associated Press.
- More news photos with nine out of 10 Top Stories now including images from the AP photography team.
- Real-time sports scores along with sports news stories.
- Movie listings with showtimes, synopses, ratings, and ticket purchases all configurable for favorite theaters. Four regionally proximate theaters are auto populated based on the user's zip code. Palm OS and Windows Mobile users also get top 10 box office listings and movie news.
- Easier-to-read maps with new color schemes and new street name placement for increased legibility on small screens. Maps and turn-by-turn driving directions are available for any location in the US and Canada.
- Expanded weather coverage for more than 2 million locations worldwide.
- Dictionary services through a new Dictionary channel available on Palm and Windows Mobile editions of Pocket Express, draws directly from "The New Oxford American Dictionary,".
Pricing and AvailabilityPocket Express is available for wireless handsets including Windows Mobile Pocket PC and smartphone, BlackBerry, and Palm OS devices for $6.99 per month or $69.90 per year
online, retail, or for purchased directly on a Sprint PCS Vision phone. The new version will be available on all supported platforms starting October 7th.
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