VirusGuard for BlackBerry
VirusGuard is an anti-virus program from SMOBILE Systems for RIM's full line of Blackberry wireless handhelds. According to the company, the software offers the same advanced features as other versions of the product, including real-time on-device protection with automatic over-the-air updates and portable licensing. The solution is available for a number of platforms, including Symbian, Windows Mobile, Blackberry, and Palm OS devices.

BlackBerry Scanning
RIM's BlackBerry 7290 and 7100 series devices now support Socket Communications bar code scanning solutions. The Socket Cordless Hand Scanner (CHS) Series 7 connects to BlackBerry devices using Bluetooth, enabling users to scan bar code data directly into any application on the device as virtual keystrokes.

SocketScan, the keyboard wedge application shipped with every CHS Series 7 product, reads bar code data directly into any BlackBerry application without the need for additional programming. The software includes Socket's exclusive 'Error Proof Protocol' that allows for real-time validation of data and notification to the user in case of error. A beeper in the scanner confirms the BlackBerry has accurately received the transmission of data. Additionally, the CHS product line features a powerful Class 1 Bluetooth radio, enabling users to stay connected to their desktop, laptop and mobile device at distances of up to 300 feet.

The Entry Level CHS 7E uses CMOS linear imaging technology, and scans most popular linear (1D) bar code symbologies. The Mid-Range 7M and ruggedized Performance-level 7P models are based on Class 1 and Class 2 laser engines respectively, featuring Fuzzy Logic for reading damaged, poorly printed or hard to read bar code labels and extended bar code symbologies support, such as RSS-14 and RSS-Composite. The CHS Series 7 also includes a built in touch screen stylus tip to facilitate one-handed use and is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the palm of a hand.

Socket¹s CHS Series 7 products sell for $398 (CHS 7E), $598 (CHS 7M) and $698 (CHS 7P).

Ultimate Bowling Fighter & Sudoku
Following the recent release of Ultimate Bowling Fighter ($19.95), Astraware and Gamazura have released versions of the game for Windows Mobile for Smartphone and VGA-enhanced Windows Mobile for Pocket PC handhelds.

Ultimate Bowling Fighter is a non-stop round-the-world bowling tournament for your handheld. Select your character to battle against international opponents, unlock new challengers and locations and display your special skills as you attempt to become the Ultimate Bowling Fighter. Choose from a number of different characters and three play moes.

Astraware has also brought its Palm OS game Sudoku to Windows Mobile for Pocket PC. Sudoku is a logical puzzle game, originally created in puzzle books and then made available in countless newspapers worldwide. The grid is 9 cells high by 9 cells wide and within the grid are 9 boxes each featuring 9 cells. The object is to fill in the numbers 1-9 in each row, column and box, but they must only appear in each one once.

Many people are put off by seeing a grid with numbers in it, but in fact the puzzle doesn't require any arithmetic at all - just deduction and logic, and with the inbuilt assistance in the game and the aid of our accompanying website, everyone can play Sudoku.

Farkle
Smart Box Design has released the game Farkle on the Windows Mobile platform. In Farkle ($14.95), Players roll a set of six dice for points and can continue rolling the dice as long as their roll continues to yield points. Any non-scoring roll is called a Farkle and the player forfeits their turn and any points accumulated during that turn.

Players must gauge the risk of rolling again after setting aside scoring dice and decide whether to “bank” their points or risk them for a potentially higher score. Like most games of chance and skill, Farkle’s attraction stems from players hoping to beat the odds and roll a high scoring combination.

Palm News Reader
New Yanoff is a news reader for the Palm OS. The company that develops it, SonLight Software, has updated the application to version 1.3. It is available in two versions: Yanoff- and Yanoff+.

Yanoff- is freeware:

Essential MIME support

Yanoff+ ($24) contains everything in Yanoff- plus