myCasio Beta Set for Launch

An entirely new realm of possibilities is opening up for Cassiopeia users who feel the handheld does not do enough. In conjunction with ActionEngine, Casio is set to begin testing a new wireless service available exclusively on its popular brand of PDA. Dubbed myCasio, the service promises to open up a pipeline of information and media, extending the device well beyond its traditional role as simply an organizer. Augmenting a user's computing experience, content for business productivity or just plain entertainment purposes will be accessible from the tiny Windows CE based machines. Officially slated to launch this fall, the service matches steps taken by competitors to squeeze as much Internet functionality as possible into portable devices.

While wireless products ranging from cell phones to competing models of handhelds using the OmniSky service provide similar offerings, this marks Casio's first attempt to act as a true content provider to customers.

Business travelers will be able to book flights, get directions, rent vehicles, and find a local restaurant that would be the best place for a meeting. In their spare time, Cassiopeia owners can enjoy reading e-books, play games, watch films and animation, listen to music, purchase movies tickets for a night out, or even take time off from their busy schedules to check out the latest family photos. Interested parties can apply to enter the myCasio beta phase by filling out the survey located on the service's Web site at mycasio.com.