AvantGo, one of the first purveyors of Internet-based content to mobile devices, is getting a facelift. The iAnywhere Solutions (a subsidiary of Sybase) division is delivering a host of new features for managing and viewing content offline or online, at any place and at anytime.

One key (and long overdue) update to AvantGo improves wireless synchronization. In the age of smartphones, when even many basic PDAs and cell phones can access the Internet, the service's reliance on desktop synchronization has quickly become outdated for many mobile device users.

According to the company, planning for the service upgrade started about a year ago with focus groups and a twenty question on-device survey sent to users.

AvantGo Senior Director Neil Versen said, "Since the AvantGo service was launched five years ago, we've received thousands of requests and suggestions for new features. Today, with the launch of the next-generation AvantGo, we're responding by delivering the most powerful and comprehensive mobile Internet service available anywhere."

AvantGo Product Manager John Asmussen told PDAStreet the company wanted to refresh the user experience to reflect changes to mobile space in general. While users can still sync and go, they can also access and browse the network and the Internet in general more efficiently.

Asmussen asserted, "The next-generation AvantGo delivers an unparalleled mobile content experience. Smartphone and wireless PDA users will find added convenience and functionality, and all users now have the opportunity to explore and personalize the service to a greater degree."

Specifically, AvantGo's upgraded service should offer abbreviated sync times and minimize wireless costs by letting you select the channels you wish to sync; surf the Web using AvantGo from a new section of the homepage; and browse and search all 1200+ AvantGo channels while connected in real-time. This last feature should prove a real boon to free subscribers tired of the 2MB content limit (longtime users get 3MB & $14.95 gets you 8MB).

You can now also access wireless-only channels—such as web mail channels remotely—and forms within channels (e.g. supply zip code for movie times) can be submitted wirelessly in real-time.

Perhaps the most noticeable change to users is a complete redesign of the AvantGo interface, including tabbed navigation, choice of fonts, and new color themes. In all, navigation has been small-screen optimized to for ease-of-use.

New Interface

New Wireless Management Channel

In terms of on-device channel management, you can customize the layout of your channel list and create personal channels from your device. There is now on-device help & alert sections and trouble-shooting tips and service alerts. The service also recommends channels based on the channels you've already subscribed.


Manage Channels on Your PDA or Smartphone

The updated AvantGo service is available now for Palm OS 5, Pocket PC (2000, 2002 & 2003), Symbian UIQ, and Symbian OS v.6.1 Series 60. Palm OS 4.x users can still access AvantGo through the current software.