Press Releases

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Socket Now Shipping Bluetooth Evaluation Kit for Embedded System Developers

Miniature hardware modules and software helping developers add Bluetooth
to portable devices

SAN JOSE, CA, July 17, 2001 — Socket Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCKT,
PSE: SOK) today announced it has begun shipping a Windows CE Bluetooth Evaluation Kit for Embedded System Developers. Each kit includes one of Socket’s small form-factor Bluetooth hardware modules plus a versatile adapter board that allows the module to communicate with a standard computer interface for development and testing purposes. Socket’s modules will support both intelligent appliances that include an operating system and simple devices that may not have an operating system.

“Socket’s Bluetooth Kit for Embedded System Developers has been designed to support a wide range of products,” said John Doub, director, Socket’s Bluetooth program. “The kit is a great complement to our existing CompactFlash version of the Windows CE Bluetooth Evaluation Kit, and will help accelerate the deployment of Bluetooth technology by making it easy to Bluetooth enable both new and existing devices.”

The Evaluation Kit is intended to make it easy for hardware designers and software developers to test the operation of Socket’s miniature Bluetooth modules with a broad range of Windows CE custom portable devices whose size, target cost or usage profile make embedded Bluetooth connections preferable to conventional Bluetooth plug-in cards. More detailed information on the kit is available on Socket’s web site ( http://www.socketcom.com/product/bluetooth_dev.htm ).

Additionally, Socket offers OEM customers design services that provide partial or complete turnkey support to developers seeking to embed Bluetooth capabilities within their products.

O’Neil, Inc., has sampled Socket’s Bluetooth modules and intends to use them to Bluetooth-enable the company’s rugged portable printers. “We are excited about working with Socket to add Bluetooth wireless connectivity to our product line,” said the company’s Founder and President, Tim O’Neil.“Socket has proven to be a valuable development partner and a leading-edge supplier of embedded Bluetooth technology for mobile devices.”

About O’Neil, Inc.

O’Neil Product Development, incorporated in 1981, designs and manufactures portable printing solutions and related peripheral products focused on the emerging bar code market. Over the years, the company has manufactured a variety of mobile printing systems, mobile docking stations, and “briefcase office” type products for a variety of customers in an OEM capacity. To
learn more about O’Neil, Inc., visit www.oneilinc.com .

About Socket

Socket Communications, Inc. develops and sells connection products for handheld computers and other devices. Socket's products include the Battery Friendly® family of plug-in cards and modules for enhancing mobile computers by adding wireless Internet connectivity, local area networking, bar code scanning, and data communication. Socket's products incorporate the company's energy-efficient chip technology and utilize custom software drivers, making them ideal for battery-operated mobile computers. Socket is an Associate Member of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) and is developing products that will add Bluetooth wireless technology to handheld computers, and other electronic appliances. For information about Socket's complete range of products, visit www.socketcom.com. 

Socket and Battery Friendly are registered trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. Bluetooth is a trademark owned by the Bluetooth SGI, Inc., and licensed to Socket Communications, Inc. All other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. 

Editorial Contact:

Jennifer Weland
Socket Communications
510/744-2821
Jennifer@socketcom.com 

Ó 2001, Socket Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

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