Socket Communications Releases Wi-Fi Companion Software for Pocket PCs With Built-In 802.11 WLAN; Intuitive, Graphical User Interface Provides Enhanced Ability to Find, Connect and Manage WLAN Connections

Business Wire, May 2, 2005

NEWARK, Calif. -- Socket Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:SCKT), the Mobile Connection(TM) Company, today announced the Socket Wi-Fi(R) Companion. Designed for Pocket PCs with integrated 802.11 WLAN, the Socket Wi-Fi Companion is an intuitive, graphical software application that greatly improves the user's experience detecting hotspots, setting up and monitoring a connection, performing basic site management functions, viewing access points and determining the strength of a wireless connection.

"The growing presence of WLAN access points and hotspots is creating demand for smart mobile devices with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity," said Shail Talati, product marketing manager, WLAN and Ethernet Products at Socket Communications. "With an intuitive graphical user interface and the ability to quickly determine a Wi-Fi network's parameters, the Socket Wi-Fi Companion empowers the mobile user to easily go immediately from detecting available networks to configuring a connection."

Socket's Wi-Fi Companion software improves the built-in Pocket PC WLAN by providing an intuitive graphical user interface, along with tools to improve the user's experience with WLAN connectivity. Integrated Profile Configuration Capability enables users to quickly identify available networks and configure for connection. Socket's Wi-Fi Companion determines the presence and level of wireless coverage, whether security is enabled and the type of security used. With ping and trace route diagnostic tools, troubleshooting to determine where network issues exist becomes effortless. In addition, connection persistence capability continuously manages and maintains the user's connection. The Wi-Fi Companion also automatically manages the WLAN power save setting to maximize the Pocket PC's battery life.

Specifications

Socket's Wi-Fi Companion is compatible with HP, ASUS and Dell Pocket PCs with built-in WLAN capability. It also efficiently integrates with all of the WLAN security protocols supported by Windows Mobile (WPA, WPA-PSK, 802.1x, 40/128-bit WEP, Open).

Pricing and Availability

Socket's Wi-Fi Companion is available immediately in CD-ROM format through Socket's North American distribution channels with an MSRP of $24.99. The Wi-Fi Companion is also available for download from Socket's website and www.handango.com

Existing Socket CF and SDIO Wireless LAN Card customers can download the Wi-Fi Companion at no charge beginning May 16.

About Socket

Socket Communications, Inc., the Mobile Connection(TM) Company, provides a broad range of connectivity and data collection products for mobile devices using Microsoft's Windows Mobile, CE, XP, and Palm, RIM, and Symbian-based operating systems. These mobile devices include PDAs, Smartphones, Tablet PCs and notebooks that support standard expansion mechanisms. Socket's Mobility Friendly(TM) products are feature-rich while promoting ease of use and lead the market with the smallest footprint and the most Battery Friendly(R) power consumption in their class. Socket's Development Services team provides hardware developers with solutions using mobilityIC(TM) interface chips, KwikBlue(TM) modules with embedded Bluetooth(R) Wireless Technology, as well as other technologies implemented in Socket's wide range of products. Socket is headquartered in Newark, California and can be reached at 510-744-2700 or www.socketcom.com.

Socket and Battery Friendly are registered trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. The Mobile Connection Company, Mobility Friendly, MyNavigator and KwikBlue are trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Socket Communications, Inc. is under license. Wi-Fi(R) is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. All other trademarks and trade names contained herein may be those of their respective owners. (C) 2005, Socket Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.