Introducing New PocketChess Deluxe 2.0 — The No. 1 Chess Game for Palm Handhelds Just Got Better; Pocket Express Ships Upgrade to the Enormously Popular PocketChess Program

Business Wire, Dec 4, 2000

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

NOVATO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 4, 2000

Pocket Express today announced that the upgrade to the enormously popular Palm OS chess program, PocketChess(TM), is now available. Answering requests from PocketChess users and breaking new ground for handheld chess games, the 2.0 release boasts many new features such as infrared chess between 2 players on different Palm handhelds, full color support, the ability to save and reload any game, a Windows-based desktop companion, and the ability to custom tailor game play to a user's personal skill level. Pocket Express teamed with Tinyware, the original developer of PocketChess, to bring this robust, featured-filled update to market. First released in 1996, PocketChess quickly developed a huge fan base among Palm handheld owners and reviewers, earning the prestigious "Game of the Year" award in the Palm OS software category from ZDNet in 1999. Since its initial release, over 500,000 Palm handheld owners have downloaded PocketChess.

PocketChess Deluxe's Desktop Companion Helps Users Organize and Review

PocketChess Deluxe comes complete with a desktop companion program that offers import and export of games as well as the ability to transfer games between their handheld and PC with a simple HotSync operation. Users will appreciate the ability to see their games on a bigger screen as they review the game notation and walk through the moves. In addition, this easy-to-use PC companion offers users the ability to organize their games into categories. Any changes the user makes to his games, whether on the handheld or the desktop companion, are fully synchronized at each HotSync.

Share Favorite Games with Fellow Chess Enthusiasts with PGN Import and Export

PocketChess Deluxe fully supports the universal chess file format "PGN", making importing and exporting games a breeze. Users can import or export games easily on the desktop companion and then perform a HotSync to transfer games to or from their handheld. For added convenience PocketChess Deluxe can also import and export PGN files to and from the Palm Memo Pad application directly on the handheld. The PGN import feature allows users to take advantage of the thousands of free PGN files available for download on the Internet, and the PGN export feature allows users to share games with friends or post them to chess web sites. Plus, PocketChess Deluxe's ability to display a complete list of moves with comments and annotations for each game makes the sharing of games more worthwhile.

Many Other Features Round Out New Pocket Chess Deluxe

As in past versions, PocketChess Deluxe includes built-in library of opening moves, a hint feature, an easy-to-use interface, and an Undo Move command that remembers moves all the way back to the very first move of any game. Game play includes the following options: player vs. palm, player vs. another player, palm vs. palm (the computer plays itself), and new Infra-red chess between two players on two different handhelds. In addition, PocketChess Deluxe includes the following new features:

-- A collection of "mate in `n' moves" problems

-- A "famous games" database with games from grand masters past and present

-- Customizable skill level settings

-- Save and re-load games to re-live their wins and learn from past mishaps.

-- Full support of all regulation chess rules.

-- Full-color support on with customizable color schemes

-- Optional game clock for timed games

-- View a complete list of moves with comments and annotations.

-- Move forward and back through all moves.

-- Full variation support: at any point in the game, go back to a previous move
and enter a new series of moves.

-- Beam games or collections of games to other PocketChess Deluxe users.

Pricing and Availability

Consumers can purchase PocketChess Deluxe for $24.99. This price includes both the Windows-based desktop companion and the Palm handheld program. The game is available on the Pocket Express website, www.pocketexpress.com. Registered owners of prior versions of PocketChess, including owners of the Pocket Express Entertainment Pack, are eligible to purchase PocketChess Deluxe 2.0 for the reduced price of $9.99, 60% off the regular price. As it does on all Pocket Express products, the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on PocketChess Deluxe. The Palm OS version of PocketChess Deluxe works on handheld devices with Palm OS 3.0 and above. The included desktop companion requires Windows 95 or higher. Please note that the PocketChess Deluxe desktop companion is not compatible with the Macintosh. Macintosh users can, however, install the fully functional PocketChess Deluxe handheld program.

About Pocket Express, Inc.

Founded in January 2000, Pocket Express develops high-quality software applications for mobile users and their multi-device environments. Pocket Express, a privately held company based in Novato, California, is one of the fastest growing Palm OS software developers. The company recently released Pocket Express Entertainment Pack, a game collection featuring the only official Tetris(R) and Lode Runner(TM) games for the Palm OS. In addition to entertainment licenses, the company's internal development is focused on products that provide rich functionality on multiple devices, offering sophisticated solutions for synching and sharing information. Pocket Express' newest release, dbNow, is the one easy-to-use database that works on your desktop, laptop, and Palm handheld. Visit www.pocketexpress.com for more information on the company and its products.