Other Platforms

Other Platforms
Additional wireless technologies and platforms are under development for 3G networks.
EPOC is an operating system deployed by Symbian for wireless devices. Another platform,
Binary Run Time Environment for Wireless (BREW), is an operating platform that allows
users to develop applications that can run with Qualcomm's CDMA system. Both have the
potential to grow and expand development as networks move toward 2.5G and 3G technologies.
10.6.1 EPOC
EPOC is an operating system platform designed for next-generation wireless devices. It is
a product of Symbian, Nokia, Motorola, Psion, Ericsson and Matsushita. EPOC provides
computing and communication power for wireless devices comparable to that of today's
desktop computers.49
EPOC supports both mobile-phone and PDA platforms. EPOC technology allows
users to send and receive mail, fax, messages and connect to the wireless Internet at 2.5G
speeds and may support 3G speeds.50 EPOC allows developers to use four programming
options—C++, Java, WAP and the Internet. In addition, EPOC will support TCP/IP protocols
(which are commonly used for the wired Internet), GSM, Bluetooth and infrared standards.
GSM is discussed in Section 10.3.3 and Bluetooth is discussed in Chapter 21,
Bluetooth. EPOC also provides support for data synchronization with PCs and other
devices. EPOC supports Unicode characters—a standard alphabet that can be used by any
language across any platform (Unicode is discussed in Appendix C, Unicode). EPOC is one
of the first platforms to integrate Unicode into its working environment. EPOC devices are
not widespread to date but a few are available on the market. For more technical information
about EPOC, please visit www.symbiandevnet.com/techlib or www.ericsson.
com.
One of the most notable EPOC products is the Ericsson R380 World™ smart phone
which incorporates GSM cell-phone technology with Symbian PDA capabilities
(Fig. 10.5).51 The R380 is one of the few phones that can operate in the U.S. and Europe.
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This device supports SMS, popular in Europe, WAP browsing and e-mail.52 The R380 currently
is available only directly through Ericsson.
Fig. 10.5 Ericsson R380 phone which uses the EPOC operating system. (Courtesy of
Ericsson).
10.6.2 Binary Run-Time Environment for Wireless (BREW)
Binary Run-Time Environment for Wireless (BREW) is a new software applications platform
developed by Qualcomm. The platform enables software developers to create applications
that can be accessible through a variety of wireless devices. BREW is a layer of
code that works with Qualcomm chips and various operating systems for cell phones, allowing
them to run application programs that are written using development kits distributed
by Qualcomm.53
There are a lot of areas in which BREW could have an impact on the wireless market.
Developers have a new alternative to write code for applications on CDMA devices from
Qualcomm. BREW’s ease of use and development allows manufacturers to reduce costs
and shorten time to market for products. BREW’s possible applications include navigation
assistance, instant messaging, e-mail, e-wallets, games, Internet radio, music players,
music videos and personal information management.54 BREW was introduced in May,
2001. Developers that wish to make their applications available to BREW-based users can
undergo a certification program of applications offered by Qualcomm for a fee.55 BREW
is discussed in detail in Chapter 29, Binary Run-Time for Wireless (BREW).