[124] in bcs-newton
First Newton--The MessagePad--Hits The Market
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Albert Willis)
Sat Jul 31 09:29:52 1993
Date: Sat, 31 Jul 93 09:24:00 EST
From: awillis@MIT.EDU (Albert Willis)
To: bcs-newton@world.std.com, newton_pda_group@bcsmac.bcs.org
First Newton--The MessagePad--Hits The Market
Contact:
Christopher Escher
Apple Computer, Inc.
(408) 974-2202
First Newton--The MessagePad--Hits The Market
CUPERTINO, California--July 30,1993--Apple Computer, Inc. today
announced that the first product based on its innovative Newton
technology--the Newton MessagePad--will ship on Aug. 2, 1993. The
Newton MessagePad is a handheld communications assistant that allows
people to gather, manage, and share information with tremendous ease
and spontaneity. By combining rich communications capabilities with
technology that actively assists people in getting work done, Apple
has created a new class of personal digital assistant (PDA) devices--
one that lets people communicate ideas with greater speed, clarity,
and effectiveness. The Newton MessagePad is also a rich platform for
a wide variety of new applications and software titles that take
advantage of its unique technology, convenience, and usability.
The Newton MessagePad is the first in a family of products based on
Newton technology: others will be introduced in the future by both
Apple and its licensees.
"We believe that Newton will be seen as the defining technology of
the digital age," said John Sculley, Apple chairman. "It will be a
focal point for the coming convergence of industry sectors such as
computers, communications and consumer electronics. Communications
is a key component of this new emerging industry and the Newton
MessagePad demonstrates how this capability can be powerfully yet
intuitively built into a handheld device. I look forward to a full
lineup of products and services based on Newton Intelligence, not
just from Apple but from innovative, creative companies around the
globe."
The Newton MessagePad is based on the concept of Newton
Intelligence,
which is a combination of software and silicon. Newton Intelligence
is what makes Newton understandable, friendly, intuitive and useful.
It is the "soul" of the Newton MessagePad that allows the product to
"learn" the user's preferences and requirements. For example, the
user could receive a wireless message from a colleague to attend a
meeting and Newton could automatically place the appointment in its
calendar. More importantly, Newton Intelligence actively assists
users in completing their tasks. It "learns" users work habits and
patterns--and then implements them on cue. Whether it's printing a
letter in an accustomed format, or faxing a message to a client's
office, the MessagePad learns over time to adapt to the user's
preferences.
Communication capabilities
Because of Newton technology's robust communications architecture,
the MessagePad comes with a wide variety of powerful communications
capabilities. The Newton Communications Architecture is highly
modular. This means that when new applications and services become
available, they can easily be added and supported in an integrated,
plug-and-play manner. The communications capabilities in the
MessagePad allow users to send, receive, and share information
through virtually every communication method in the workplace today--
through telephone lines, wireless networks, and computer networks.
--Faxing. The MessagePad can act as a handheld facsimile (fax)
machine--allowing users, with the optional modem, to send facsimiles
to virtually any fax machine in the world. Additionally, Newton
Intelligence makes the process of sending a facsimile simple: With
the press of one button, the MessagePad automatically formats the
output, adds a cover page, and places the facsimile in the system's
Out Box, awaiting connection to a telephone line. It is anticipated
that future products in the family will additionally offer the
capability to receive fax messages.
--Wireless Messaging. Users of Newton MessagePad are expected to
have access to a wireless messaging service with both national (U.S.)
and local access. This service will deliver alpha-numeric paging and
messaging capabilities to users of the Newton MessagePad. This
service is expected to give the users a fully-featured method of
keeping in touch that is totally integrated with the MessagePad.
(Full details of this service will be available in the near future.)
--Electronic Mail. MessagePad users will be able to send and receive
electronic mail messages to and from other MessagePad users who are
NewtonMail subscribers--or just about any computer, by using the
NewtonMail service and the optional modem. NewtonMail is a
subscriber-based service to be offered by Apple that is an extremely
cost effective way of communicating across the United States and the
rest of the world. Availability of the NewtonMail service will be
announced at a later date. Over time, it is anticipated that
NewtonMail will be expanded to offer a wide range of information such
as news, weather and financial information as well as the potential
for online transactions.
--Beaming. Making use of its built-in infrared function, the
MessagePad can send--or "beam" in Apple engineer parlance--quick
messages to other Newton devices across a one meter distance, without
any wiring or cabling. This capability is ideal for the quick
exchange of items such as business cards, meeting notes, maps, or
appointments.
--Printing. The MessagePad can print any document it creates--notes,
drawings, addresses, maps, letters--on most popular dot matrix,
portable inkjet, thermal and laser printers. These printers can be
either connected directly, or accessed through a local area network.
Desktop Connections
The Newton MessagePad can share information--quickly and
easily--with
millions of personal computers. Using the optional Newton Connection
package, users can transfer, synchronize, back up, and update
information between a Newton MessagePad and a Macintosh personal
computer or a personal computer running the Windows operating system.
Newton Connection is based upon a technology Apple calls "Smart
Synchronization," which automatically updates information between a
MessagePad and a personal computer. Any changes made to the
information on the Newton--or on the personal computer--will be
automatically synchronized and updated between the two when they are
connected. Newton Connection also includes a set of complementary
Newton applications intended to let users create, view, and edit
Newton information on a personal computer, even when the computer is
not connected to a Newton.
Newton Connection is planned to be available in the following
versions for either Macintosh or PCs running Windows: The Newton
Connection Kit, which backs up and restores information; and The
Newton Connection Pro Kit, which gives complete file to file
synchronization. The product allows creation of a "virtual Newton" on
the desktop.
Availability for Newton Connection products will be announced at a
later date.
Keeping in Control
The Newton MessagePad also includes a collection of capabilities
that
help people capture and organize an array of information in the way
that suits them best. The system can capture and file notes, sketches
and other details on file, ready for almost instant access. Built-in
calendars, alarms, and reminders help people keep track of busy
lifestyles. Its built-in address book holds hundreds of names and
addresses. The MessagePad's advanced recognition architecture not
only understands printed and cursive script, but also cleans up
drawings and diagrams, making them easier to understand and communicate.
Applications, Titles, Developer Support
More than 20 developers are announcing products for Newton
MessagePad, including CE Software, Claris Corp., Fingertip, Great
Plains, Integrated Systems, On Technology, Pastel and Pastel, Slate
and Strategic Mapping. These products range from specialized realtor
systems to titles for sports enthusiasts. Many more developers are
in the process of creating innovative new applications for the
system. In addition, Apple's PIE Publishing group, Starcore,
announced six titles ranging from financial assistance to interactive
city maps. (see associated releases).
Licensing
From the beginning, Apple had signaled its intention to broadly
license Newton technology. This activity has resulted in agreements
with leading corporations around the world, including Sharp and
Kyushu Matsushita Electric in Japan and Motorola in the United
States. Siemens/ROLM will also be incorporating Newton technology in
its forthcoming NotePhone product. For customers, it is anticipated
that this licensing effort will mean that software, titles and
accessories can be used across a variety of products from these and
other corporations.
Distribution and Availability
Initially the Newton MessagePad will be available in limited volume
at Apple Computer resellers in Boston and New York. During the week
of August 2 Newton MessagePad will also be sold at MacWorld Expo in
Boston. By mid to late August, it is anticipated that the product
will roll out across the United States, and will be available in more
than 2,000 computer retailers and consumer electronic stores.
Availability in some international markets will follow in September,
with localized versions following through 1994.
Pricing
There is no suggested retail pricing for the Newton MessagePad.
Individual retailers will price the products according to their
specific solutions offerings. However Apple expects the Newton
MessagePad to be priced from $699 to $949, depending on
configuration:
-- Newton MessagePad with AC Adaptor
-- Newton MessagePad Communications System (Newton MessagePad with
AC Adaptor and External Modem)
-- Newton MessagePad Professional Communications System (Newton
MessagePad with AC Adaptor, External Modem and Newton Connection
Pro)
-- Apple Messaging Service: Formal pricing to be announced upon
availability.
-- Newton Messaging Card: pricing to be announced
-- NewtonMail: pricing to be announced
-- Newton Connection Kit: pricing to be announced
-- Newton Connection Pro: pricing to be announced
-30-
Apple, the Apple logo and Macintosh are registered trademarks, and
Newton, MessagePad, Newton Connection and NotePhone are trademarks of
Apple Computer, Inc.
Note to Editors: See attached product specificiations for additional
detail.
Attachment
Product Specifications for Newton MessagePad and Accessories
Newton MessagePad Hardware Architecture
-- ARM 610 processor at 20 MHz
-- Apple custom system ASIC
-- Low-power, reflective LCD display (336 x 240 pixels)
-- Transparent tablet with passive pen
-- 4MB of ROM
-- 640K of RAM
-- One PCMCIA type 2 card slot
-- LocalTalk compatible serial port
-- Low-power, half-duplex, infrared transceiver (9600 baud at 1
meter)
Size and weight
-- Height: 7.25 in. (184.75 mm)
-- Width: 4.50 in. (114.3 mm)
-- Depth: 0.75 in. (19.05 mm)
-- Weight: 0.9 lb. (0.4 kg)
7/93
END
