PocketGenie
Developer(s)WolfeTech Corporation
Initial release1997
Final release
3.2
PlatformBlackBerry, Motorola, SkyTel, PalmPilot, Windows CE devices
TypeBusiness collaborative software, Finance
LicenseTrialware[1]

PocketGenie was an embedded wireless application developed for two-way pagers in 1997. At the time WAP was commonplace for mobile services; PocketGenie utilized HTML and URL links.[2][3] It was the first commercial wireless service for RIM (BlackBerry) and Motorola.[4]

WolfeTech was founded by Surya Jayaweera (CEO) in January 1997. Jayaweera developed PocketGenie in November 1996. Two days later, he drove to COMDEX and pitched the idea to Motorola. Its approval led to the start of WolfeTech.[5][6] PocketGenie was announced to the public in 1997.[7]

PocketGenie was a text-based software before it upgraded to an icon based GUI in 2000. Users could type keywords into the software's menu to access the Internet services of WolfeTech's business partners; users could check stock reports, news headlines, get driving directions or purchase assorted goods. Later versions made improvements to business transactions and included a multilingual translator.[8][9] Over 200 different services were provided.[10] A companion software PocketInternet permitted global web browsing and full HTML functionality.[2]

PC Mag gave PocketGenie a good performance rating but noted its sluggish lag times in its review.[1] In 2011, the trademark for PocketGenie expired.[11]

References

  1. 1 2 Brown Bruce, Brown Marge (01 August 2000). "WolfeTech PocketGenie". PCMag. Retrieved 5 October 2015.
  2. 1 2 Simmons, Curt. How to Do Everything with Your BlackBerry, Chapter 13 Extending the BlackBerry, pages 260~278. Osborne/McGraw Hill, 2001, ISBN 0-07-219393-X
  3. ↑ (18 May 1999). "Research In Motion and WolfeTech Corporation Deliver Wireless Portal with BlackBerry and PocketGenie". BlackBerry Press Releases. Retrieved 5 October 2015.
  4. ↑ (24 January 2002) "PocketGenie 3.2 Receives 4 COWS on Tucows; WolfeTech's Information-On-Demand Software Receives Top Rating From Leading Distributor of e-Business Services and Applications". PR Newswire. Retrieved 5 October 2015.
  5. ↑ Hermann, David. Entrepreneur's epiphany engineers success. Inland Valley Times. 21 March 2001.
  6. ↑ Prather, Michelle (28 February 1999) "Beep, Beep! Hot high-tech entrepreneurs". Entrepreneur. Retrieved 6 October 2015.
  7. ↑ Kaplan, Karen (08 September 1997) "A Genie Grants Wish for Tiny Web Surfer". Heard on the Beat, LATimes. Retrieved 5 October 2015.
  8. ↑ Felps, Bruce The Dream: Leaving Laptops Behind. The Wireless Week. 19 August 1999.
  9. ↑ Gregson, Reily (28 June 1999) "Wolfetech Upgrades PocketGenie". RCR Wireless News. Retrieved 5 October 2015.
  10. ↑ Gregson, Reily (15 March 2002) "PocketGenie app available on SkyTel devices". RCR Wireless News. Retrieved 5 October 2015.
  11. ↑ "POCKETGENIE". Trademarkia. Retrieved 5 October 2015.
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