Dev Bits: Handango Localization, Java, AppForge, Awards

Handango is now offering a free localization program, enabling developers to localize their applications for European markets. IBM's J2ME for Palm OS runtime will ship soon, Appforge had announced MobileVB support fro OS 5, the European Powered Up awards have been announced and photos from the conference are online.

Handango Localization
Handango is launching a free localization program to grow the quantity of German, French, Italian and Spanish applications. For a limited time, developers with approved applications are eligible to receive free localization services from Handango. Interested developers should contact: localization@handango.com

At the European PalmSource Developer Conference, Handango is also unveiling the first of several innovative promotions for the European market. Starting today, Palm and Handango are offering developers a cost-free method for discounting their applications throughout October and November. Developers can offer their customers 10% off the price of their applications at the Palm Europe Software Stores. The discount is entirely funded by Palm and Handango, enabling developers to grow sales at no additional cost and encourage customers to try new applications. Interested developers can contact Handango at partners@handango.com.

IBM Java - J2ME Runtime
According to ZDNet, Palm said Tuesday that it will embed IBM's Java software, called WebSphere Micro Edition, in its high-end Tungsten devices. A developer toolkit is available from Palm now, and the company expects to ship the Java "runtime" software with its Tungsten devices later this year. A version of that software that's optimised for the ARM processor is expected for release early next year, according to Palm. PIC has more information about the J2ME runtime here.

AppForge MobileVB
AppForge, Inc has announced MobileVB 4.0, with support for Palm OS 5 running on Palm Powered mobile devices. MobileVB is a mobile and wireless development tool that integrates seamlessly into Microsoft Visual Studio. Palm OS developers use specialized MobileVB controls, libraries, and modules to create applications within the Visual Studio IDE. MobileVB ships with more than 30 standard controls, as well as modules and libraries for database synchronization, telephony, and gaming. MobileVB applications can be tested from within the IDE and compiled into single-file installation packages for distribution. The comany has also announced there will be no charge for standard AppForge Booster for Palm OS 5.

With the addition of Palm OS 5 support, Microsoft developers can create mobile applications using their existing tools and knowledge and deploy those applications on more than 90 percent of the leading mobile and wireless devices. MobileVB 4.0 will enable existing Visual Basic developers to create robust solutions for Palm Powered mobile devices, while encouraging new developers to build on the Palm OS platform. The suggested retail price of AppForge's MobileVB 4.0 version is US $899. The product will be available in October 2003. Customers who purchase MobileVB between September 1 and the release of MobileVB 4.0 will receive a free upgrade to 4.0. All other registered users of MobileVB can upgrade for US $249.

PalmSource Europe Pictures
Our friends at PDAFrance have a excellent photo gallery of pictures from the European PalmSource Developer conference.

The European Powered Up Awards
Created by PalmSource to celebrate innovative Palm OS applications from our European developer community, the 2003 European Powered Up winners are:

Best European Productivity Solution :PiLoc by Paragon Software , a comprehensive language localization solution for the Palm Powered mobile device.

Best European Enterprise Solution :Agendus Professional by iambic , a complete and integrated contact management and communications solution for the Palm Powered mobile device. Contacts, Calendar and To Do List history, linking and grouping, together with integrated email and SMS allow users to manage business information and corporate communication.

Best European Leisure and Entertainment Solution :Table Tennis 3D by Xavier Martin is an interactive table tennis simulation game on the Palm Powered mobile device. The award recognizes the quality of the graphics and an the array of digitized sounds and customizable features found in the program.

Best European Student Developer Solution :ProjectX, by Alexander Mlazev , is a fast-paced action adventure game on the Palm Powered mobile device.