A startup company called InfoGear is developing a smart telephone that can link directly to the internet, and open its information resources to every phone user. Known as i-Phone, the new appliance will be a full-featured telephone that can bring the internet to consumers who do not have a computer. Using a touch screen keyboard and a
built-in Web browser, it will provide access to many popular Internet services such as e-mail, travel schedules and reference material.
In May 96, InfoGear entered a
partnership with Cidco, manufacturer of "intelligent" subscriber terminal equipment used by telephone operating companies for advanced network services. Cidco will produce and market infoGear's i-Phone.
The misc/infogear1.htm>technology was licensed to InfoGear by National Semiconductor Corp. National originally developed the technology in its Israeli Development Center to working prototype stage. InfoGear has opened its own development center in Israel to continue the momentum and is building its core team from a few
selected former senior National Semi engineers and managers.