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(NEWS)(IBM)(LON)(00001) New TI Travelmate Optimized For Windows 01/02/92 BEDFORD, ENGLAND, 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- Texas Instruments (TI) has announced that a new version of its notebook PC, the TI Travelmate 3000 Winsx, has been released. The new machine has been optimized specifically for Microsoft Windows, the company claims. Standard features on the machine include a 20MHz 80386SX microprocessor, 4MB of RAM (expandable to 6MB onboard), a 60MB hard disk and TI's Travelpoint pointing device, a thumb-operated tracker ball. Bundled with the 3000 Winsx is Windows 3.0 and MS-DOS 5.0. Both packages are pre-loaded on to the machine's hard disk, taking advantage of BIOS features specially configured to maximize performance while running under Windows, "The Travelmate 3000 Winsx is the total notebook solution for Windows applications," said Colin Day, UK product marketing manager for TI's peripherals products division. "Every element of the Winsx has been optimized for Windows, from pre-loaded software to the Travelpoint device and a larger hard disk. TI even provides 1MB of video memory to allow faster video speeds under Windows," he added. According to Day, many of the company's existing Travelmate users said that they wanted to run Windows on a notebook. "The Winsx is the only notebook PC today that has been specially developed to give users the best from their Windows applications," he said. Day added that the machine is already shipping in the US, with European versions expected shortly. UK pricing will be announced closer to shipment date on this side of the Atlantic. In use, the 3000 Winsx has a number of software and hardware features designed for convenience, ease of use and power savings. Users can change the size and shape of the cursor to make easier to locate on-screen. MS-DOS 5.0, meanwhile, has been enhanced to provide increased CPU performance, along with better memory management and power conservation. TI's Batterypro battery management software, which comes as part of the BIOS of the 3000 Winsx, extends battery life still further and there is also a standby function that suspends individual Windows applications, resuming the application with a single keystroke when required. The Travelpoint thumb-operated trackerball can be hand-held or mounted in to the right hand size of the 3000 Winsx. When attached to the machine, the Travelpoint can be tilted to a number of settings. The detachable Travelpoint measures 38 by 38 by 19mm in size, and is available as an optional extra to existing Travelmate portable PC users. (Steve Gold/19920102/Press & Public Contact: Texas Instruments - Tel: 0234-223505) (NEWS)(GENERAL)(LON)(00002) UK: Computerized Car Repair Estimates Available 01/02/92 LONDON, ENGLAND, 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- A highly advanced electronic repair estimation system called Glassmatix has been launched to the insurance industry by Glass' Guide Service, the publisher of acclaimed car valuation books, Glass' Guide. The system, based around a Grid 1550CD laptop from Victor Technologies (Victor, itself part of the Tandy group, markets Grid PCs in the UK), is designed to help insurance repair estimators to provide detailed, accurate, and printed estimates of car accident damage which can be agreed on the spot with the body shop proprietors. According to the company, using Glassmatix should enable Britain's 3,000 insurance repair estimators and engineers to speed up the lengthy process of assessing the repair quotations. This in turn should cut the cost of repairs, so lowering the cost of insurance rates. The Grid 1550CD incorporates what Victor claims is the industry's first truly portable CD-ROM drive that is available on a commercial basis. The machine, which can be driven from car cigarette lighter socket, has no current competition, company officials claim. Announcing the system, Mike Poole, Glass' development officer, said, "Glassmatix will save the insurance repair estimators an enormous amount of time, reduce their in-office paperwork and provide the insurance companies with substantial savings each year." Glass' Guide Service has been conducting a pilot program with the Glassmatix system. As a result of the pilot program, the company claims that its system has built-in flexibility to allow estimates to be tailored to the needs and policies of individual insurers. It can also be adapted by body ships to speed up their own estimation and task processing systems. The full version of Glassmatix contains 650MB of data on replacement parts and repair times for 95 percent of car models available in the UK. (Steve Gold/19920102/Press & Public Contact: Glass' Guide Service - Tel: 0932-853211) (NEWS)(IBM)(LON)(00003) Positive PC Announces Replaceable CPU Cartridges 01/02/92 CHATSWORTH, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- Positive Corp., which claims to be the leading supplier of PCs to membership warehouse clubs in the US, has announced the availability of a new family of upgradable machines. The key feature of the new PCs is that they are affordable and feature replaceable yet powerful central processing units (CPUs) that can be upgraded by almost anyone, the company says. This is possible using a cartridge approach to the way in which the CPU slots into the motherboard -- replacing the CPU is said to be as easy as changing an audio cassette. "The fear of obsolescence has traditionally forced the PC customer to overbuy," said Bryan Kerr, Positive Corporation's executive vice president. "With our replaceable CPU cartridge, we are providing the end user with an insurance policy that says you can save now, by buying only what you need today. You can upgrade your PC Positive, whenever you're ready, by investing a few hundred dollars instead of a few thousand," he added. Positive CPU cartridges currently range from entry-level 20MHz 80386SX-based units, through to a 33MHz 80486 microprocessor- based unit. Plans call for the company to release more power CPU cartridges as and when the new microprocessors become available. Registered customers are being offered special trade-in deals that the company claims deepen the already discounted CPU cartridge prices still further. Although exact pricing on Positive's machines depends on the mark-up that the supplied club is offering its members, Positive has a number of guideline prices. The PC Positive 1000, the company's entry-level machines, costs $1,400. For the money, buyers get a system (minus processor cartridge) with 4MB of RAM (expandable to 32MB onboard), a 105MB hard disk, 5.25- and 3.5-inch drives, a super VGA color monitor with video controller, 2,400 bits-per-second modem, and DOS 5.0 plus Windows 3.0. Other features of the bundle include MS-Works for Windows and Microsoft's Productivity Pack, both of which are preloaded onto the machine's hard disk. Also bundled with all of Positive's machines is a free Prodigy start-up kit with the first 30 days of online usage supplied free. An alternative entry-level system, also without a CPU cartridge, the Positive PC 2000, costs $1,900, and comes with 8MB of RAM and a 200MB hard disk. The modem is upgraded to 9,600 bps working along with the same PC features as on the PC 1000 series. Four CPU cartridges fit either base systems: a 20MHz 386SX unit is available for $199-99; a 20MHz 80386SX with 32K cache for $349-99; a 20MHz 80486SX at $699-99 and a 33MHz 80486 at $1,099- 99. (Steve Gold/19920102/Press & Public Contact: Positive Corporation - Tel: 818/341-5400) (NEWS)(IBM)(DEN)(00004) Nimbus Ships Paradox Report Writer 01/02/92 BEAVERTON, OREGON, U.S.A., 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- Nimbus Software has announced that it is now shipping its Nimbus Report Writer for Paradox. The company says the report writer provides desktop publishing layout features, with built-in query capability, for users of Paradox, a database program. Using the report writer allows Paradox users to perform formatting and layout of Paradox reports. Nimbus reports that the program has a WYSIWYG (pronounced whizzywig), or what you see is what you get, user interface coupled with terminology and methodology similar to Paradox itself. The program supplies a family of scalable fonts, block cut, copy and paste, and automatic word wrap and justification. Lines, boxes and shaded areas can be created using built-in drawing tools. The program will import PIC, PCX, CGM, and TIFF graphics. Imported graphics can be resized and placed at the desired location in the report. Using the built-in query capability, users can select multi-table records and calculate fields without having to first build and save answer tables within Paradox. Advanced partial key linking of up to 16 Paradox fields is possible, and conditional fields can be established. Nimbus says the user can also define expressions and variables for reuse in other expressions. For each record, the report writer can scan up to 12 detail tables to report one-to-many relationships, which the company says is in great demand by Paradox users. Once complete, the report can be printed from the Nimbus Report Writer, from a PAL script, or from DOS. Since Report Writer operates independently from Paradox, a copy of Paradox is not required to generate reports, as long as you have a copy of the appropriate data files. Nimbus Report Writer carries a suggested list price of $249, and runs on any IBM or compatible which has a hard drive. Nimbus has a toll free number (800-788-5999) which Newsbytes readers can call for more information. (Jim Mallory/19920101/Press contact: Tom Gifford, Nimbus, 503-626-0595) (NEWS)(APPLE)(DEN)(00005) Aldus Ships Pagemaker 4.2 for Macintosh 01/02/92 SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- Aldus Corporation has announced it is now shipping Pagemaker 4.2 for the Apple Macintosh in the US and Canada. Aldus says that the latest update to its page-layout program includes compatibility with Apple's System 7 operating system, features six Aldus Additions, and Includes Aldus PrePrint 1.5. The Aldus Additions technology enables users and third party developers to extend Pagemaker features to meet special needs as well as automate common production tasks such as creating drop-caps. Aldus PrePrint 1.5, which is now included at no additional charge, is a color-production tool enabling users to enhance and color-correct TIFF images as they prepare files for generating full-color separations for use in publications, including text, illustrations, and photographs. A new Control palette allows users to precisely position, move, and resize objects, as well as scale and crop imported graphics, by typing in numerical values and coordinates. There are also "Nudge' buttons for pixel-by-pixel (picture element) adjustment of an element's dimensions or position. Aldus says performance enhancement features in release 4.2 include a user-interruptible screen redraw, speedier text import, and faster launching of the application itself. Text autoflow has reportedly been improved through an option to flow stories without the program pausing to display each new page as the text comes in. Pagemaker 4.2 for the Mac has a suggested retail price of $795. The company says shipment dates and pricing of versions localized for Europe and the Pacific Rim will be announced later. Minimum configuration for color production is an Apple Mac II series or SE/30 computer equipped with 4MB of RAM and an 80 MB hard drive. For black-and-white production, you will need a Macintosh LC, SE, Classic or Plus with 2MB of RAM and a hard disk. The program will print to color, gray scale and black-and-white output devices such as Postscript-compatible and QuickDraw-compatible laser printers, as well as Postscript-language imagesetters. Registered owners of Pagemaker 4.0 or 4.01 for the Mac can upgrade to the new version for $85. Earlier version owners can upgrade for $150. For upgrade orders, call Aldus at 800-367-1892. (Jim Mallory/19920101/Press contact: Pam Miller, Aldus, 206-628-6594) (NEWS)(GOVT)(DEN)(00006) Atrix Int'l Sues Interactive Technologies 01/02/92 MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S.A., 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- Claiming willful infringement of its patents, Atrix International has filed suit in US District Court against Interactive Technologies. The suit alleges that Interactive has willfully infringed on a specific patent owned by Atrix covering certain types of remote condition reporting systems utilized in products such as home security systems and remote utility meter reading systems. According to Clifford Meacham, Atrix president, "The patent in issue applies not only to home security systems and remote utility meter reading systems, but also the remote reporting systems now being applied to photocopying machines throughout the United States." Meacham said Atrix intends to vigorously protect its rights to the patent, we it believes is a pioneer patent in the field. In December Atrix said it had reached an agreement with Copy Duplicating Products to install its copier monitoring system on CDP systems. Atrix monitors track total copy counts and report the numbers automatically to a remote site on a predetermined schedule. The system also provides alert counters that report automatically the supply needs for just-in-time deliveries of items such as paper and toner. Atrix is also a supplier of printed circuit board transport cases, vacuums for copier and laser printer maintenance, and static protection products. It also distributes electronic hand tools, instrumentation and diagnostic products, and custom tool kits. (Jim Mallory/19920101/Press contact: Tim Hanson, Atrix, 612-894-6154) (NEWS)(GENERAL)(DEN)(00007) Toshiba Cuts Prices on Two 17-Inch Flat Monitors 01/02/92 BUFFALO GROVE, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- Just two months after their introduction, Toshiba has cut the prices on two of its 17-inch flat square monitors. The price of the P17CS01, a .26 mm dot pitch display, was dropped 15 percent, to $2,100. The P17CM01, with .31 mm dot pitch, was dropped 10 percent to $1,900. Both units use Toshiba's Flat Square technology. According to John Keenan, Toshiba America Consumer Products sales and marketing manager, "The Flat Square CRT improves corner screen legibility, reduces glare and reflections, and minimizes visual pattern distortion." Both displays have a resolution of 1280 by 1024 pixels (picture elements); support VGA, 8514/A and Macintosh II systems; and include a microprocessor for memory storage of nine preset and nine end user mode selections. The units utilize a feature Toshiba calls Dynamic Astigmation Control which is designed to improve focus in the screen corners. In late December, Newsbytes reported the announcement of the Toshiba 17CU01 17-inch display, a .31 mm dot pitch display with a 1024 by 768 resolution. The price of that unit was not affected. (Jim Mallory/19920101/Press contact: Glynis Gibson, for Toshiba, 312-883-2388) (NEWS)(GENERAL)(SFO)(00008) New Book Helps Mediate Legal Disputes Without Court Costs 01/02/92 NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- A new book called the "Patent Alternative Dispute Resolution Handbook" is designed to assist parties to a patent dispute solve patent disputes faster, without the need for court cases. The book, published by Clark Boardman Callaghan, looks at the many Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADR) options that can solve the dispute out of court. Tom Arnold, the book's co-author, maintains that ADR is relatively unknown within the high technology community. Arnold claims though, that ADR can assist companies get a timely resolution, in addition to helping companies select a neutral third party experienced in law and technology. He also claims that ADR can resolve the dispute without damaging publicity in which trade secrets or confidential material may be compromised, because the hearings are often closed and usually do not entail transcripts. Arnold also maintains that, because ADR settlements are usually final, there are no remands or new trials. The book, priced at $85 and running to 334 pages, teaches attorneys to deal with ADR settings and procedures. The company claims the book, which will be updated annually, covers such subjects as the advantages of ADR and the limitations of court dispute resolutions, formal binding arbitration and informal non-binding arbitration, private judging, mini-trials, rent-a-judge, summary jury trials, moderated settlement conferences, and mediation. An appendix includes rules of arbitration, agreements to use ADR, and a mediation outline. Arnold claims to have served as arbitrator, mediator, or council in trials and summary judgement trials for patent disputes. He teaches the subject at the University of Houston Law School Center. Co-authors Michael G. Fletcher and Robert J. McAugham Jr., are with the Houston, Texas-based firm of Arnold White & Durkee. To order a copy of the book call 1-800-221-9428, or fax 212-924-0460. (Ian Stokell/19920102/Press Contact: John Hogan, Clark Boardman Callaghan, 212-929-7500) (NEWS)(BUSINESS)(SFO)(00009) The AmCoEx Index of Used Computer Prices 01/02/91 The following prices are for December 30, 1991. Buyer's Seller's Machine Avg. Bid Avg. Ask Close Change IBM XT 089 200 500 300 ** IBM AT 339 350 700 675 +50 IBM PS/2 Model 30/286 20MB 600 950 700 ** IBM PS/2 Model 70 60MB 1600 1900 1850 +50 Clone AT 20M 400 775 625 +25 Clone Notebook 386SX, 40MB 1450 1900 1575 +25 Clone 386SX 40MB, VGA 750 1250 1000 ** Clone 386/25 40MB, VGA 700 1250 1125 ** Clone 386/33 40MB, VGA 1150 1550 1225 -25 Clone 486/25 65MB, VGA 1500 2050 1725 -25 Compaq SLT/286 20MB 900 1300 925 -25 Compaq Portable III 40MB 700 1150 800 ** Compaq Deskpro 286 40MB 400 800 650 +25 Compaq Deskpro 386/16 40MB 1050 1600 1275 -50 Macintosh Plus 400 700 675 ** Macintosh SE 20MB 600 1050 1025 +25 Macintosh II 40MB 1500 2250 2125 ** Toshiba T-1600 900 1350 1025 +25 Toshiba T-3100 SX, 40MB 1600 2100 1850 ** HP Laserjet II 600 1100 1025 -25 Apple LaserWriter Plus 900 1500 1200 ** Forecast by John Hastings Earlier this year, Advanced Micro Devices predicted it would capture 10 percent of the 386 chip market from Intel before the end of 1991. It now appears its share of the market is closer to 20 percent. It is now boldly predicting it will it will own over 50 percent of this market before the end of 1992. This market share could only be achieved through lower chip prices indicating lower system prices in the new and used markets next year. AMD should also have full scale production of its 486 chips by mid-1992. Digital Research, Inc. has indicated it may incorporate IBMUs OS/2 into its DR-DOS operating system soon. Digital Research is owned by Novell. This integration of OS/2, which will run Windows software, with NovellUs dominate networking software could pose a serious threat to future versions of MicrosoftUs Windows. This alliance may explain why five vice presidents of Microsoft sold over $9 million of stock last month. Some printer manufacturers are promising Postscript laser printers next year for less than $1000. This may force the prices of all laser printers lower by mid-1992. John Hastings is the president of the American Computer Exchange. The American Computer Exchange matches buyers and sellers of used microcomputer equipment. For more information contact the American Computer Exchange Corporation at (800) 786-0717. (John Hastings/19910102) (NEWS)(APPLE)(SFO)(00010) ****Mac Powerbook Modems In Short Supply 01/02/92 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- If Powerbooks, Apple's newest laptop Macintoshes, are in short supply, even more so are internal modems for them. As modems are considered essential peripherals for laptops, Powerbook owners who need modems have been forced to use external models until the supply increases. Newsbytes contacted three announced makers of internal modems for the machines. All are behind in their shipments. PSI, a company in Silicon Valley specializing in telecommunications software and fax/data modems, is currently shipping in extremely limited quantities its Powermodem, the least expensive internal 2400 bits-per-second/9600 bps fax modem currently available. Michelle Cassis, spokeswoman for PSI, says the one ounce unit, which retails for $299 but can be street-priced as low as $225, has been shipping since Fall COMDEX. She claims that a dealer must wait only a week and a half to receive an order. In an unscientific survey of Macintosh dealers, Newsbytes found only one dealer for PSI who was waiting several weeks to receive any product shipment from PSI. Cassis says PSI is shipping its modems worldwide to 20 countries. The units are manufactured in the US. Global Village, based in Menlo Park, California, plans to ship in January a $795 suggested retail priced 9600, V.32 internal data/fax modem and plans to ship by the end of the first quarter a 2400 bits-per- second internal modem for the Powerbooks. Len Lehmann, president, tells Newsbytes that the modem, which weighs under four ounces, will probably have a street price of $600 and is bundled with fax software. The modem works even when the CPU is in "sleep" mode, so there is no need to keep the battery-powered laptop powered up all the time when a data or fax call is expected. "The market is confirming that the Powerbook is in great part a communications device," Lehmann said. "We have large numbers of purchase orders in hand. We're swamped for the next 60 days." Apple Computer is shipping in tiny quantities an internal, 2400 bits-per-second fax modem for the Powerbooks which has a suggested retail price of $349. However, an Apple customer service representative told Newsbytes that a great number of units are "back ordered," and suggested that users seek a supply of internal modems from third parties. (Wendy Woods/19920102/Press Contact: Global Village, 415-329-0700, PSI, 408-559-8544) (NEWS)(IBM)(SFO)(00011) New For PC: Games For Busy Executives 01/02/92 REDWOOD CITY, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- Epyx has announced Getaway, an entertainment six-pack developed specifically for the on-the-go executive with an IBM-compatible laptop. Optimized for LCD displays, Getaway supports all popular laptop notebook display modes. Mouse and hard disk are optional. For mouse users, the product provides modes to correct mouse "blur," characteristic of LCD displays. While each of Getaway's games can be played in a five- or ten-minute coffee break, they are designed to provide continuing play depth, the company claims. Cascade challenges you to create multiple, high-scoring, simultaneous and sequential "cascades" of dice arranged on a 5 x 6 grid. Stuffin the Briefcase poses the puzzle of how to pack objects into a briefcase, with 63 levels. Totem is a logic puzzler set in the Pacific Northwest, with more than 20 difficulty levels. Word Salad, designed for word game lovers, requires you to find words hidden in an array of letters with 32 levels and up to 600 words per level. Getaway also includes the classic Solitaire and Dominoes games. Getaway has a suggested retail price of $39.95 and is available on 3 1/2-inch disks and supports CGA, DCGA, Hercules, EGA and VGA display modes. For more information, call 415/368-3200. (Computer Currents/19920102) (NEWS)(IBM)(SFO)(00012) New For PC: Universal Font Conversion Software 01/02/92 CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- A new software package that converts, modifies and installs virtually any font for use with Windows or DOS-based applications is now available from Atech Software of Carlsbad, Calif. Called AllType, the software's key feature is its ability to perform bidirectional conversion of fonts in nearly every major format, the company claims, including Adobe PostScript Type 1 and Type 3, Microsoft TrueType, Agfa Compugraphic Intellifont, Bitstream Fontware, Digital Typeface Corporation Nimbus Q, and Atech Software FastFont. AllType's font translations preserve the typeface's hinting information so that the newly-created typeface maintains its quality and clarity at smaller point sizes, Atech explains. The software also allows users to modify a font's appearance. Through the use of AllType's Variation feature, a user can create bold, oblique, condensed, expanded, and two-dozen other standard variations of an original font. The software's Customize function lets the user change the typeface's weight, pitch, italic angle, and leading to create a nearly limitless variety of fonts from the original. AllType provides automatic setup and installation routines for a number of software packages. AllType for DOS will run on any IBM PC or compatible with 640K of RAM and mono, CGA, EGA, or VGA graphics. AllType for Windows requires a PC running Windows 3.0 or 3.1 and a minimum of 1MB of RAM. The two versions have a suggested retail price of $79.95 each. For more information, contact the company at 619/438-6883. (Computer Currents/010292) (NEWS)(IBM)(SFO)(00013) New For PC: Interactive Japanese Lessons 01/02/92 MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- Bayware, Inc., has just begun shipping Power Japanese, a colorful, interactive program designed to teach Japanese. The Windows-based package comes with its own PC sound adaptor and headphones so users can hear correct pronunciations. "The program's designed to give someone a good grasp of conversational Japanese within six to eight weeks," says Rob Wright of Bayware. Power Japanese ($389, suggested list price) includes dozens of progressive and interactive drills using sound and color. The program is designed so that a person should be able to read, write and correctly pronounce simple words in Hiragana, a set of Japanese syllables similar to the English alphabet, within the first thirty minutes of using the program. In a demonstration, it was clear Power Japanese makes extensive use of graphics and sound to make the learning process more interesting and even fun. Power Japanese, produced with the help of native Japanese speakers, is the brainchild of Bayware co-founders Andrew Wang and Norman Donald. Wang, a Ph.D. physicist from U.C. Berkeley, said he spent years trying to learn Japanese through traditional methods but found it frustrating because "it seemed everyone was teaching an Anglicized version of Japanese, rather than the real thing. It's like trying to learn English without learning the alphabet." He adds that having a PC respond in perfect Japanese makes the program infinitely more interesting than other approaches. "How else can you have a phrase repeated 5, 10 or 10,000 times just by clicking on a mouse?" A Macintosh version of Power Japanese is planned for release in February. For the name of a local reseller carrying the product or to order direct, Bayware can be reached at 800/538-8867. (David Needle & Computer Currents/19920102) (NEWS)(APPLE)(SFO)(00014) New For Macintosh: Thought I Could Ships Wallpaper 01/02/92 NEW YORK, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- Thought I Could is now shipping Wallpaper, a utility for displaying large color patterns on the Macintosh desktop. Wallpaper is a Control Panel device which provides expanded tools for creating and editing color patterns up to 128 pixels on each side and 256 times the area supported by Apple's general Control Panel. Wallpaper includes an infinite "wraparound" graphics editor for creating seamless patterns, a miniature multi-tool painting environment, and an interface that's fun to use, according to the company. Wallpaper automatically records the artists' names on the patterns they create, which may then be freely distributed. "With your eyes glued to your Mac, the art on the walls of your room, no matter how beautiful, has become invisible," said Linda Kaplan, president of Thought I Could. "By letting you choose from hundreds of exceptional desktop patterns, Wallpaper gives you fine art where you can actually enjoy it... Wallpaper can even randomly change patterns for you." Wallpaper provides a drag-and-drop interface to install new patterns, while a single-click previews patterns to desktop. The program displays patterns in black and white or in up to 256 colors per pattern, works with multiple monitors, and adapts to changes in monitors' orientation. The company says that displaying patterns with Wallpaper uses an insignificant amount of RAM. Registered owners receive an additional free art disk with hundreds of patterns and "other surprises." Wallpaper carries a suggested retail price of $39 through January 1992, $59.99 afterward. For more information, call 212/673-9724. (Computer Currents/19920102) (NEWS)(TELECOM)(TOR)(00015) Telecom Canada Expands Digital Links With AT&T 01/02/92 OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- Telecom Canada, the consortium of Canadian telephone companies, has expanded its Digital Switched Network (DSN) links with AT&T. Telecom Canada customers can now call AT&T customers on the switched digital services. Before, only northbound calls from AT&T customers to those of Telecom Canada were supported. Telecom Canada customers have been able to call customers of the U.S. local carriers' digital switched services since July. Digital switched network connections currently operate at 56,000 bits per second (56Kbps), and will provide 64Kbps service once Canadian regulators approve Telecom Canada's proposed Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) access services. The services provide an end-to-end digital connection over the public switched telephone network. Digital switched telephone service is currently available from more than 250 switching centers across Canada, Telecom Canada said. The services are intended for applications such as desktop videoconferencing, image processing, connecting local-area networks over long distances, transferring large files between computers, and telecommuting. (Grant Buckler/19920102/Press Contact: Tom Schwarzkopf or Penny Edwards, Telecom Canada, 800-461-7800 or 613-560-3009) (NEWS)(TRENDS)(TOR)(00016) Canadian PC Market Maturing Rapidly, Study Says 01/02/92 TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- The vast majority of organizations using personal computers in Canada have now had them for more than three years, and about three quarters of the sites have had PCs for more than five years. International Data Corp. Canada points to those figures from its 1991 Canadian PC Usage and Acquisition Patterns study as evidence that the PC market is maturing rapidly. In 1989, IDC said, 52.4 percent of surveyed sites said they had been using PCs for more than five years. The figure is now 76.5 percent, and 95 percent of sites said they have had PCs for at least three years. More than a third of those who responded to IDC's survey said their PC budgets were lower in 1991 than in 1990. But market saturation was not the main reason, IDC researcher George Bulat told Newsbytes. Most respondents said the recession was the biggest factor affecting purchases. Indications are that the PC market will continue to grow, Bulat said, and that budgets will increase again when the recession lets up. More powerful PCs are catching on. PCs using the Intel 80386 processor have gained popularity over the last two years, the research firm reported, as have those using the even newer 80486, although these are still not big sellers. However, IDC found the most widely installed machines are still those using the older 80286 and 8088 processors -- IBM PC AT compatibles were found at 145 out of 196 sites while IBM PC XT machines were reported at 102 sites. IBM-compatible PC ATs were the most common among installed machines, followed by IBM-compatible 386 systems, IBM PC XTs, and XT-compatibles. The IBM PS/2 line was ranked the fifth most popular. The IBM PC AT came sixth, and the Apple Macintosh seventh. For new purchases, the most popular category was 80386-based PCs from manufacturers other than IBM. IDC also noted rapid growth in the use of portable computers. More than 80 percent of the businesses that responded to IDC's survey said they had at least one portable computer. (Grant Buckler/19920102/Press Contact: George Bulat, IDC Canada, 416-369-0033, fax 416-369-0419) (NEWS)(IBM)(WAS)(00017) ****Insider's Look At Microsoft's New OS: NT 01/02/92 WASHINGTON, DC, U.S.A., 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- Rick Vizachero, an editor for Government Computer News, reports in his latest column that the demo version of Microsoft's Windows NT operating environment is less than friendly when it comes to older MS-DOS applications software or hardware. Having seen it running on a 75 megahertz 80486-based computer, a workstation, and a 33 megahertz 80386, he reports that it appears the new 32-bit operating system, which Microsoft is putting up against the long-awaited IBM OS/2 2.0, will require a minimum of a 33 megahertz 80386 with eight megabytes of memory to run. A Microsoft demo technician reportedly gave out the standard line that "well-behaved" MS-DOS programs are running OK under the as- yet unfinished Windows NT, but that some, notably those that deal directly with hardware, are having problems. One computer industry insider pointed out that "well-behaved" is just code for "this one works!" (John McCormick/19920102/) (NEWS)(TRENDS)(WAS)(00018) Spectrum Holobyte Moves To Virtuality 01/02/92 ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- Spectrum Holobyte has announced an agreement to launch Cyberstudio, the exclusive developer for Great Britain's W Industries Virtuality, an arcade- type consumer virtual reality environment that takes up a five-foot-by-five-foot floor space and provides a surround-action video arcade action environment which will cost users $3 for the average three-minute session. In virtual reality entertainment, the computer creates the illusion of the player actually entering the game's playing field. You are able to walk around, explore, and interact within a computer-generated environment. Virtuality provides arcade games with quadraphonic sound, stereoscopic depth vision, and 360 degree real-time action for players fitted with headsets, gloves, and joysticks. Players must wear a head piece that weighs almost seven pounds as well as strap a four-pound control unit around their waists. They stand on a small platform while connected to the game units. Game movements are controlled by the player's hand movements on a specially designed joystick. As Newsbytes reported earlier, the first game in the series, Dactyl Nightmare, is a battle game for one to four players. Players walk up and down platforms and try to shoot one another while avoiding being captured by a pterodactyl. In the first generation of this game, the graphics are blocky and movements are somewhat jerky. First generation graphics are polygon-based but subsequent generations will use a different graphics technology, Newsbytes was told. Spectrum HoloByte and Cyberstudio will start by enhancing and porting existing Virtuality titles and then move on to develop completely new games. Spectrum HoloByte says it will also port its entire electronic battlefield line of simulations to the new environment, starting with Falcon 3.0 and Avenger A-10. According to Spectrum HoloByte, players should begin seeing some of the new games at selected malls by now. (John McCormick/19920102) (NEWS)(GENERAL)(WAS)(00019) Spectrum Holobyte's Star Trek NG And Spanish Tutor 01/02/92 ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- Spectrum Holobyte has announced that it has obtained the exclusive license to produce video games using the name and characters from Paramount's Star Trek: The Next Generation television series. In conjunction with Berlitz, Spectrum HoloByte will also develop its first CD-ROM game title, a Spanish-language tutor and game called "The Cry of the Jaguar" or "El Grito Del Jaguar," a mystery game set in Mexico. El Grito is designed for English-speaking players but leans heavily toward Latin American culture and history and teaches a basic Spanish vocabulary as the player investigates the theft of an object from a Mexico City museum. (John McCormick/19920102) (NEWS)(BUSINESS)(LAX)(00020) Software Toolworks To Develop Genesis Games 01/02/92 NOVATO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- The Software Toolworks, publishers of game software and probably best known now for its Miracle Piano Teaching System, has announced an agreement with Sega America to develop software for the 16-bit Sega Genesis System. Bob Lloyd, president of the Software Toolworks, said the move is consistent with the company's goal of expanding into the game market. The company plans to move titles that have been successful in the personal computer market to the Genesis system, the first being The Chessmaster. Chessmaster has sold over one million copies on other computer platforms, Toolworks said. Two other titles will be announced in the next six weeks, for a total of three titles to be available in the second half of 1992, the company predicted. Sega is demanding those developing software compatible with it's game system be licensed by Sega to do so. Newsbytes reported in early November Sega's announcement of a suit filed against Accolade for developing Genesis titles without being a licensed Sega third-party developer. Accolade claims the suit is totally without merit and plans to fight. Accolade had been marketing titles for the Sega system for some time before the suit was filed and says it plans to fight to continue. Whether or not Sega can enforce the licensing standard remains to be tested. (Linda Rohrbough/19910102/Press Contact: Vince Turzo, Software Toolworks, Tel: 415-883-3000, ext. 568, Fax: 415-883-3303) (NEWS)(IBM)(LAX)(00021) New For PC: Tool For Video Images In Database Apps 01/02/92 DALLAS, TEXAS, U.S.A., 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- T-Base, a library to allow software developers to add pictures and document images to database applications, is shipping in version 3, said developer Videotex. T-Base is royalty free and hardware independent, automatically adjusting to the hardware video display configuration. It supports the following video graphics display formats, Super- VGA, VGA, EGA, CGA and monochrome, Videotex said. The product also supports Hewlett-Packard Laserjet II/III printers and is network compatible, the company added. Videotex says T-Base offers new features not available in other database imaging libraries: images can be displayed with standard commands used to display text, such as @SAY and @GET; automatic image scaling; image scaling on-the-fly; support for 1024x768 monitors with 256 colors (Super-VGA); and automatic color correction for multiple VGA images with different color palettes. The T-Base library only adds 25 kilobytes to the random access memory (RAM) required by an application with which it is used, said Bob Gillman president of Videotex. However, Gillman said the source code is not available. The library is bundled with another product, Chromatools, a color manipulation and conversion utility which allows conversion of a variety of graphics file formats to a single format. This is useful for including graphics in desktop presentations, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) libraries, picture databases, demo disks, bulletin boards, and kiosks, the company said. Chromatools normally retails for $249. T-Base works with C, C++ and nearly every dBASE language, Videotex said. The product supports the .PCX image file format. Retail for T-Base with Chromatools is $495. More information is available toll-free from Videotex at 800-888-4336. (Linda Rohrbough/19910102/Press Contact: Bob Gillman, Videotex, Tel: 214-343-4500, Fax: 214-348-3821) (NEWS)(IBM)(SFO)(00022) New For PC: Sierra's Environmentally-Correct "EcoQuest" 01/02/92 COARSEGOLD, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- In an effort to introduce children to ecological threats facing Earth's oceans, Sierra On-Line has introduced the adventure game "EcoQuest: The Search for Cetus," for the IBM PC and compatible platform. In the game, players adopt the persona of a young boy called Adam, who is taken on an undersea journey by a friendly dolphin to search for a missing whale king. The boy travels to a ruined city hidden in a coral reef and encounters undersea creatures damaged by pollutants. To finish the game, Adam must face the evil creature driven mad by toxic chemicals and discover the fate of the missing king. According to Sierra, handpainted and digitized backgrounds and character close-ups bring to life the exotic beauty of Cetus's undersea kingdom. The game is targeted at ages 10 and up. Continuing the "environmentally-correct" theme, the company claims "EcoQuest" is packaged in recycled and recyclable boxes and the box sleeve is printed with biodegradable soybean ink. The company is packaging a book called "I Helped Save the Earth: 55 Fun Ways Kids Can Make a Difference," which consists of constructive ideas to help save the planet. Sierra claims it will also donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each "EcoQuest" to The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California. "EcoQuest: The Search for Cetus" is shipping with four 3.5-inch or four 5.25-inch high density disks, at the suggested price of $59.95. All major sound cards are supported and hard disk is required. Last month, the company announced plans to enter the home education field with the launch of two educational products, "The Castle of Dr. Brain" and "Mixed-Up Fairly Tales." The company maintains that two additional releases are planned by mid-1992. (Ian Stokell/19920102/Press Contact: Anita Greene, Sierra On-Line, 209-683-4468, ext. 504) (NEWS)(TRENDS)(NYC)(00023) ****IBM Offers Art "Repository" Of The Future 01/02/92 YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NEW YORK, U.S.A., 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- IBM has announced that its scientists and engineers have developed a system for recording, storing, cataloguing, managing, displaying and reproducing publication-quality color images of paintings and other graphic artworks that "could become the fine art repository of the future." The system, developed at the instigation of the American artist Andrew Wyeth, was installed as a prototype a year ago at the Wyeth Collection's offices in Chadds Ford, PA where approximately 10,000 of the artist's works reside in the vicinity, many as original paintings, most as color transparencies stored in hanging folders inside numerous filing cabinets. The system is now being used to scan and store images of the majority of these works. The system consists of five major components: two IBM PS/2 Model 80 personal computers, a high-resolution scanner, a color monitor and an "optical jukebox" to hold and deliver thousands of computerized color images, each with its own descriptive text. Wyeth, who has been personally involved in the project, was quoted by IBM as saying that the IBM computer images "accurately portray (both) the content and intent of the artist's works." Describing system benefits, IBM's Fred Mintzer, leader of the software development team, pointed out that the system converts paintings into numbers that can regenerate the images exactly and, while photographic records are perishable and 30-year-old transparencies of some Wyeth paintings were found to be in poor condition, "digital images are forever." Mintzer said that IBM will be adding software to the system to "correct" photographic records that have faded, restoring the images to the artist's initial intent. The release expounded on this point, stating, "In some instances, the computerized version of a painting can be adjusted to satisfy the artist more than the original photograph." IBM spokesperson John A. Osmundsen told Newsbytes that while the prototype is being continually improved and the "system has received very positive comments from the museums and publishing houses that are looking at it, there is no plan at this time to offer a commercial product based on the prototype. This is a research and development project and the offering of a product would have to be evaluated through normal cost benefit analysis and marking studies by the organizations responsible." Osmundsen also said that the response to the system to date has been "very positive. The system has demonstrated the feasibility of producing images of high enough quality to be reproduced in art books. Additionally, the ability to electronically transmit the images to other locations opens up brand new opportunities for museums and publications." (Barbara E. McMullen/Press Contact: John A. Osmundsen, IBM Research Division, 914-945-2392/19920102) (NEWS)(GOVT)(NYC)(00024) Analog Devices Receives $9 Million SDI Contract 01/02/92 NORWOOD, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- Analog Devices, Inc., has announced that it has been awarded a five-year, $9 million contract by the U.S. Army Strategic Defense Command (USASDC). Under the Phase II contract, Analog will develop two radiation-hardened mixed-signal integrated circuits for use in the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) program. The contract is in conjunction with Phase II development of the SDI program and, according to the release, builds on exploratory work performed by Analog Devices and its teaming partner, the Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Equipment Division, during a Phase I contract that ended in February 1991. Both of the devices to be provided are are ultra high-performance monolithic analog-to-digital converters that employ Analog's proprietary high-speed pipelined multiple-flash architecture. One is a 10-bit, one-million-samples-per-second (MSPS) device and the other is a 12-bit, 10-MSPS device with additional on-chip functionality. The proposal for the more highly-integrated 12-bit device was based on the company's recently-developed AD872, a 12- bit, 10-MSPS analog-to-digital converter intended for commercial applications. Additions to that design include 16 input channels, a sample-and-hold-amplifier, an autoranging programmable-gain amplifier and autocalibration capability. The contract also calls for further development of Analog's proprietary advanced radiation-hardened bipolar CMOS process, RBCMOS, which will be used to manufacture the two ICs. (Barbara E. McMullen/Press Contact: James O. Fishbeck, Analog Devices, 617-461-3282/19920102) (NEWS)(TELECOML)(ATL)(00025) Ameritech Implements Unbundled ONA Tariff 01/02/92 CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- Ameritech has implemented its national Open Network Architecture tariff, a move it says opens the phone network in the Midwest to competition. Ameritech filed its "unbundled" ONA tariffs ahead of the other 6 regional Bells, and the tariffs have been criticized for their high costs. Online services like GEnie, for instance, have tried to rally their users against the tariffs, even though they can continue to use regular business lines at current rates, according to the FCC. The services fear that their future need for specific, unbundled ONA services will impose high costs on them and provide a market advantage to Bell competition. Allnet, a small long distance company, has formally protested the ONA tariffs on just that ground. About 30 separate features are part of the new tariff, including such things as Call Forwarding No Answer, which would let a voice mail company take orders from customers even when its lines are tied up, and Caller ID, which displays a caller's number on the recipient's machine as the call is placed. Some analysts have predicted the dawn of unbundled ONA offerings will allow true competition for the Bells in offering local phone service. Illinois regulators, in fact, have proposed making that state a "telecommunications free trade zone," allowing any company to compete with Ameritech's Illinois Bell unit. But Allnet attorney Roy Morris pointed out in a recent FCC filing that this may be a chimera, if in fact the Bells are pricing their ONA offerings substantially above true costs, allowing them to undercut competitors not only in local service, but in enhanced services like voice mail. The competitive door could quickly slam shut, critics like Morris charge, not only in the local loop but in all enhanced services requiring it, unless unbundled ONA tariffs reflect true costs and don't give the Bells an unfair advantage. (Dana Blankenhorn/19920102) (NEWS)(TELECOM)(ATL)(00026) Pacific Bell Accepts National ISDN Standard 01/02/92 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- Pacific Bell began the process of converting its switches to the new National ISDN standard, through an agreement with Northern Telecom. National ISDN is a standard, supported by the seven regional Bells, which will standardize the way digital services are offered on various large telephone switches. AT&T and Northern Telecom dominate the market for such switches in the U.S., with Siemens of Germany and Ericsson of Sweden also holding market share. Pacific Bell is a local operating unit of Pacific Telesis, one of the seven regional Bells. In a press statement, a Pacific Bell executive noted the standard will let it link what he called ISDN "islands," individual switches offering ISDN services, and implement digital offerings throughout its system. However, that day will be long in coming. Under the agreement, the standard will only be incorporated into Northern DMS-100 switches starting in early 1993. Through 1997, Pacific Bell will order 112 of the switches, serving 2.5 million customers. (Dana Blankenhorn/19920102/Press Contact: Pacific Bell, Scott E. Smith, 415/542-0597) (NEWS)(TELECOM)(ATL)(00027) Illinois Implements 900 Lines For Gun Background Checks 01/02/92 SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- Illinois opened a pay-per-call "900" phone line offering instant background checks on gun purchases. The line, which is run by the state's police, tells gun dealers whether the prospective purchaser is ineligible to purchase a gun due to a criminal record or history of mental problems. Police answering the "900" line can use computers to check whether a Firearm Owners Identification card is valid. The calls cost $2 each, and the revenue is used to pay for the link. Gun shop owners will not be told why a customer's been denied under the new law, to protect privacy, but customers can appeal such denials directly to the police, and fugitives risk being picked up at the gun store. Illinois still has a 72-hour waiting period for handgun purchases, and a 24-hour waiting period on rifle purchases, which are not impacted by the new law. The "900" number was a compromise between gun-control advocates and the National Rifle Association, which opposes all forms of gun control. Instant background checks, like those in Illinois, would supercede any 10-day waiting period for handgun purchases which was part of the 1991 "Brady bill" -- that bill passed the Congress but died as part of an unpassed crime package. The new Illinois system is similar to those in Virginia and Florida -- Virginia governor Douglas Wilder has been touting it in his Presidential campaign. (Dana Blankenhorn/19920102) (NEWS)(GOVT)(ATL)(00028) Tax on Airfone Upheld 01/02/92 CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, U.S.A., 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- A Cook County judge upheld the validity of Illinois' use tax against GTE Airfone, according to a press statement from Illinois state attorney general, Roland Burris. A GTE spokesman contacted by Newsbytes said the company disagreed with the attorney general's statement, insisting that the case is still pending, and declined to comment further. At issue is $5.3 million in fees held in a protest fund since 1988, which would go to the state if the decision by judge Alexander P. White is upheld. The use tax is a variant on the sales tax, and was imposed based on the sales price of phones Airfone sold to airlines for use in airplanes. The phones work with Airfone's own air-to-ground phone network, and the company has been working to install them in every row on the nation's airliners. Credit cards are used to operate the phones, and calls cost roughly $2 per minute. GTE Airfone had argued in court that it did not have to pay use tax on the sale price of the telephones because most components were purchased from out-of-state vendors and because the aircraft are interstate carriers. GTE spokesman Tommy Hamilton told Newsbytes, "Our position is the case has not been fully decided, that it's still pending. The court has asked both parties not to discuss it. Our policy is not to discuss pending cases. We disagree with the news release from the attorney general." (Dana Blankenhorn/19920102/Press Contact: GTE Airfone, 708-575- 1448) (NEWS)(IBM)(LAX)(00029) New For PC: R&R Code Generator, Unix, Paradox Versions 01/02/92 WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A., 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- Concentric Data Systems, the developers of R&R Report Writer for report generation from database applications, has announced R&R Code Generator Version 4, and Unix and Paradox versions of the R&R Report Writer product. Report generation in the database world has been plagued with problems, especially when database users try to handle all the variations in printers and type-styles. R&R Report Writer was created by Concentric Data Systems in an attempt to deal with those problems. However, developers wanted report generation capability inside their database applications, and Concentric says it attempted to answer that need with R&R Code Generator. Concentric claims R&R Code Generator allows database application developers to create complete, commented, ready-to- run programs for printing reports. The report definitions are prepared using R&R Report Writer in Lotus-like menus and What- You-See-Is-What-You-Get (WYSIWYG) on-screen previews, the company said. The generated programs can be modified and compiled as an integral part of applications, Concentric added. Printing with proportional fonts on Hewlett-Packard Laserjet, Postscript, Epson, and compatible printers is a new feature of version 4, as is printing reports with pre-processed totals. Code Generator version 4 generates code for dBASE IV, Clipper Summer '87 and 5.0, Foxbase+ and Foxpro and compatibles, Concentric said. It requires an IBM or compatible computer with 384 kilobytes (K) of random access memory (RAM), a hard disk and DOS 3.0 or later. Suggested retail is $199, Concentric said. The Santa Crux Operation (SCO) Unix/Xenix version of R&R Report Writer has all the features of the DOS version. These feature include band-oriented report writing to eliminate the need for programming to create reports, report design using Lotus-like menus and the ability to specify database relationships and selections in plain English, Concentric said. Users of the Unix version can create reports from dBASE IV, SCO Foxbase+, and compatible databases. The multi-user runtime available with a royalty-free license allows developers to distribute reports created with R&R with custom applications. Concentric added that reports can be transferred between DOS and Unix as well. The SCO Unix/Xenix version of R&R requires an IBM personal computer or compatible with an 80286, 80386 or 80486 microprocessor and a hard disk with 1.3 megabytes (MB) of space available. Retail pricing is set at $495 for the single user version and $2295 for the Multi-user Six Pack. The Paradox version of R&R Report Writer was created after the company had received requests from developers and end-users for such a product, Concentric said. The laser printer support and a WYSIWYG page preview are features not available in Paradox, the company added. A multi-user runtime with a royalty-free license is included for developers so reports created with the Paradox version can be included in custom Paradox applications, Concentric said. The Paradox version requires an IBM personal computer (PC) or compatible with a hard disk with 1.3 MB of space available. Retail price is $249, and a local area network (LAN) Six Pack version is available for $1249. More information on R&R Report Writer products is available from Concentric at 800-325-9035. (Linda Rohrbough/19910102/Press Contact: Claudine Belsky, Concentric Data Systems, Tel: 508-366-1122, Fax: 508-366-2954) (NEWS)(IBM)(LAX)(00030) New For PC: Watercolor Drawing & Animation From AXA 01/02/92 IRVINE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A., 1992 JAN 2 (NB) -- AXA Corporation says it has developed a way for artists to create watercolor- like drawings and animation on a computer using tools that look and feel like traditional artists tools and without ever touching a keyboard. The company's first product, Watercolor, was geared toward artists who paint backgrounds for cel animation. The company said it developed a way to simulate the physical attributes of water, paper and brushes on the computer and called the result the Virtual Tools Technology. For example, the software can simulate the phenomenon of the bleeding of color that occurs when a wet brush paints on paper. With this new technology, the artist creates the drawing in the same way he normally would but uses a digitizing tablet or a mouse, AXA added. Quickcel, the companies animation product, uses the same tools. With Quickcel, AXA says the artist can sketch out a rough animation and Quickcel can create the intermediate to make the animation smooth. Precise mixing of watercolor shades can be done on screen, a variety of brushes are available, and so are a variety of quickly built backgrounds, the company said. Backgrounds can also be scanned images or video graphics. AXA says Quickcel handles the sequencing details (the timing) for the artist. An electronic exposure sheet, laid out like a spreadsheet but using pictures instead of formulas, tracks each frame in the production. Quickcel allows images to change shape and perspective as they move which makes possible effects like corporate logo that pulsates, an airbag inflating or a caterpillar changing into a butterfly, AXA said. The company says the artist need never touch a keyboard and the production of animation work can be accelerated from 50 to 200%. The Watercolor and Quickcel software require an IBM or compatible 80286- or 80386-based computer with DOS 3.0 or higher, 2 megabytes (MB) of random access memory (RAM) and at least a 20 MB hard disk drives. The graphics video interface requires a Truevision Atvista board. Retail price of Quickcel is $9,995. A Atvista board is available from AXA for &795. More information is available from AXA at 714-757-1500. (Linda Rohrbough/19910102/Press Contact: RoseMarie Menapace, AXA Corp., Tel: 714-757-1500, Fax: 714-757-1766)