MSN to provide content for Handspring browser

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By Sumner Lemon

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(IDG) -- While Palm OS handhelds made by Palm and Handspring may face growing competition from PDAs (personal digital assistants) such as Compaq's iPaq that are based on Microsoft's Pocket PC, that hasn't stopped Handspring from teaming up with Microsoft Network (MSN) to provide content for its Web browser.

Under an alliance entered into by the two companies, MSN Mobile will provide the content for the default home page on the Handspring Blazer Web browser, according to a statement released by Microsoft, adding that Blazer users will have access to the MSN MoneyCentral personal finance service, Expedia travel, and MSNBC news and weather information. Blazer connects to the Internet via a modem attached to a Handspring Visor PDA or any other device based on the Palm OS, Version 3.1 or higher, it said.

Microsoft and Handspring will also explore opportunities for future collaboration on smart devices based on Microsoft's emerging .NET platform, the statement said.