HandMark Launches Express Wireless Info Service

HandMark has released Handmark Express, a wireless information service targeted at smartphones. The application works with any internet connected Palm OS device to deliver streamlined news, maps and other information services.

HandMark touts Express as a much faster and easier method for searching with the micro-browsers found on wireless PDAs and smartphones. HandMark Express is a direct Internet client application that works via a subscription, as opposed to a web browser based service. It provides automatic and on demand updates to news, market data, weather, sports scores, maps and directions, directory lookups, movie times and ticket purchases.

Handmark Express enables a wireless search of residential and business directories by name, address, or as a reverse directory. Express users can avoid paying for 411 directory assistance calls. With Express look-ups the complete listing information for all possible matches, including name, address, and phone number, are displayed. Users can choose the correct listing, dial directly from Express, add the complete listing data directly to the device's permanent built-in address book, and display a map of the location.

According to Handmark vice president Douglas Edwards, "even if there were no constraints on bandwidth, viewing web pages through a tiny two inch screen is a less than satisfactory experience. Express is an application that talks directly to Handmark servers for an optimum user experience, it's faster, easier and does much more than try to squeeze a service designed for desktops onto a handheld screen. Express was created specifically for the mobile device. It's much more than just better than browsing, Express makes smartphones smarter."

Express is available for $6.99 per month and at retail with a prepaid one-year subscription for $69.90 USD.