VoiceStream’s cellular phone customers will be able to access e-mail, calendars and address lists or send America Online instant messages at a connection speed comparable to the average home-modem hookup under a new service unveiled Wednesday in Bellevue. Called iStream, the service lets users go online via their cell phone at speeds of around 40 kilobits per second – about the speed of a regular land-line modem connection – using new wireless connection technology called General Packet Radio Services. VoiceStream’s service will run on a Motorola T193 Internet-capable cell phone, which VoiceStream plans to sell for about $50 after a rebate. The basic iStream service will cost about $3 a month and will run via the WirelessInbox technology developed by Seattle-based ViAir.
Amazon.com’s stock surged a little more than 30 percent Wednesday, leaving industry sources at a loss to explain the reason behind the increase; there was no major news from the Seattle-based online retailer. Shares of Amazon.com were up $2.20, closing at $9.49 on the New York Stock Exchange.
Ford Motor Co. said Wednesday it will extend zero-percent financing on 36-month contracts for most 2001 and 2002 Ford cars, trucks, sport utility vehicles and minivans through Jan. 14. Low-interest rates also were being offered on longer-term contracts.
A hand-held heart scanner manufactured by Bothell-based SonoSite Inc. can help doctors without extensive training to quickly find hidden heart disease, according to a study being presented during the 2001 Annual Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association under way in Anaheim, Calif., company officials said. The study on the SonoHeart device was conducted by Dr. Richard Kerber of the University of Iowa.
The Boeing Co. says engineers have reached an important milestone in designing two longer-range models of the Everett-assembled 777. Half the design details are complete and have been handed over to Boeing factories and suppliers for the building of parts, assemblies and tools for the new airplanes. The two new 777s, the 777-200LR and 777-300ER, will extend the range of the 777 airplane family while providing airlines with the ability to increase revenue, officials said. For example, an airline flying a 777-300 with 365 passengers and 2,000 pounds of cargo from Los Angeles to Tokyo could carry an additional 43,500 pounds of cargo on the new 777-300ER.
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