Mass Chinese PC market stymied by massive keyboard

Article Abstract:

The burgeoning Chinese PC market is being hampered by computer vendors' inability to develop functional, convenient keyboards that incorporate the written Chinese language's 5,000 separate characters. Voice- and handwriting-based forms of data entry are under consideration by leading computer manufacturers. The phonetic structure of the Mandarin and Cantonese languages of China are well-suited to ulterior forms of data entry because of the repetitive aspects of the language. Apple's form of speech-recognition requires that users speak 60% slower than usual, makes mistakes, utilizes tremendous amounts of energy but is a vast improvement from keyboard-based alternatives. Motorola, IBM and Dragon Systems are all likewise developing input devices for the Chinese market, ensuring that viable alternatives to cumbersome 5,000-character keyboards will be found.

Communications Software NEC, China, Planning, Product development, Forecasts and trends, Industry trend, Market trend/market analysis, Information management, Telecommunications software, Voice recognition, Voice recognition software, Input device, Speech recognition, Speech recognition software, Input devices (Computers), I/O devices

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Netscape, a hot developer of software tied to Internet, plans initial offering

Article Abstract:

Netscape Communications Corp has indicated its plan for an initial public offering of 3.5 million shares of common stock by filing plans with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Netscape is regarded as one of best Internet software developers, despite its 1st qtr loss of $2.7 million on revenues of $4.7 million. The developers' plan to go public in mid-Aug could net the company over $45 million for the 38 million shares the company has outstanding. The company's move seems to be aimed at leveraging the rapidly expanding market for high-technology issues, instead of any cash needs. Netscape has $14.7 million in working capital and received a $17.3 million cash influx, equal to an 11% stake, from a group of vendors, including Adobe Systems, Knight-Ridder Inc and Times Mirror Co., in Apr 1995.

All Other Information Services, Business services, not elsewhere classified, Info Services ex Database, Database Mgmt Software Pkgs, Computer software industry, Software industry, Internet, Database access software, Information services, Securities, Initial public offerings, Netscape Communications Corp., Company public offering, Database searching, Online searching, Company Financial Information

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Motorola-Apple licensing pact aims to enhance image and Power PC chip

Article Abstract:

Motorola agrees to license Apple's Macintosh operating system in an agreement designed to simultaneously promote Motorola's PowerPC microprocessor and Apple's reputation in the US and international markets. Motorola intends to sub-license the Apple operating system to competing vendors, develop its own Apple clones for retail sale and create inexpensive PCs for the burgeoning Chinese market. Apple intends to leverage the agreement to expand its platform and increase the profitability of independent software vendors that create programs for the Macintosh. Motorola's tremendous presence and brand-recognition in the Chinese market promises to increase Apple's prestige in the market through association.

Systems Software Pkgs, Operating system, Operating systems (Software), Operating systems, Contracts, Licensing agreements, Company licensing agreement, Motorola Inc., MOT, Contract agreement

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