Brother Debuts Bluetooth Mobile Printing Software for BlackBerry Devices

Oct. 11, 2005--Brother International Corporation today introduced its new BlackBerry printing software and software development kit (SDK) for its MPrint MW-140BT mobile printer, featuring Bluetooth wireless technology. The new Brother MPrint software allows users to print from BlackBerry Messages, Tasks, and Calendar on A7 size (4.1" x 2.9") MPrint paper. The Brother MPrint SDK for Blackberry devices provides the tools for software developers to integrate MW-140BT printing into their mobile BlackBerry applications.

Printing e-mail, task lists and daily appointments is easy with MPrint printers and the BlackBerry software. Brother's software adds a 'Print' menu option in each of the three BlackBerry applications. The MPrint SDK for BlackBerry toolset includes a Bluetooth connection library, classes for the MPrint ESC/P command set, and methods for printing via the Bluetooth wireless interface.

The MPrint software and SDK for BlackBerry currently support only English. Multilanguage support for German, Spanish, Italian, and French is planned for release later this year. The software and SDK are compatible with BlackBerry devices with Bluetooth technology, currently the BlackBerry 7100 series, the 7200 series, and the 7520. BlackBerry OS version 4.0.2 or higher is required.

"BlackBerry devices are the wireless solution of choice for many mobile professionals, and the MW-140BT is a perfect complement to any BlackBerry mobile solution. Together they can increase field worker productivity, and save time and improve customer satisfaction by providing on-the-spot printing of data and transactions that are critical to your business," says John Biancamano, Brother Product Manager.

With the MPrint mobile printers and a full suite of printing SDKs, Brother is actively supporting efforts to move handheld devices beyond their e-mail and personal information management functions by encouraging and participating in the development of custom mobile applications. Developers can download a copy of Brother's MPrint software and software development kit at www.brother-usa.com/mprint/login.aspx.

There are as many MPrint mobile applications as there are vertical markets. Doctors can use it to provide hard copy backups for electronic prescriptions. Visiting nurses can quickly print out home healthcare instructions for patients and care givers. Field maintenance personnel can print repair reports and certified inspection stickers. And field sales people can print up-to-the-minute business quotes, customer receipts, product information, and order confirmations.

MPrint Mobile Printers: Family Features
Three MPrint mobile printer models are available: the MW-100, which has USB and IrDA interfaces; the MW-120, with USB, Serial* and IrDA interfaces; and the new MW-140BT, with USB and Bluetooth interfaces. (All other product features are identical)

The MPrint ultra-portable mobile printers measure just 6.3" x 3.9" x 0.7", and weight less than 11 ounces! Included with each printer are a 50-sheet paper cassette and a built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery capable of printing up to 100 pages on a single charge. In a sleek silver case, the MPrint printers produces crisp, quiet 300 dpi printing on five different media cassettes, including notepaper, self-adhesive labels, and 2-ply carbon copy sheets (additional purchase required).

MPrint printers interface to Windows laptops and tablet PC's, PocketPC, Palm and BlackBerry devices, and Windows Mobile Smartphones. Their compact size, internal paper cassette and variety of output media make the MPrint a versatile addition for a wide variety of mobile solutions. Software development kits are available for Pocket PC/2002/2003, Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC, .NET CF, Windows 98/2000/XP, and BlackBerry.

The MPrint mobile printers use ThermaPlus M paper tailored specifically for mobile applications. It feels like plain paper, is easy to write on, allows the use of highlighters and reduces print fading. The unique carbon copy paper simultaneously prints an original and a copy. It even supports capture of a client signature for authorization or proof of receipt.

The MPrint paper options include:
-- 4.1" x 2.9" ThermaPlus M Paper (item # C-11)
-- 4.1" x 2.9" Adhesive Labels - 1 per sheet (item # C-21)
-- 2.9" x 1.0" Adhesive Labels - 4 per sheet (item # C-41)
-- 2.9" x 2.1" Adhesive Labels - 2 per sheet (item # C-42)
-- 4.1" x 2.9" Carbon Copy Paper - 2-ply (item # C-51)

MPrint printers uses a stationary print head that delivers high-quality, whisper-quiet printing. There is no warm-up time at all, so printing is available as soon as the MPrint printer is switched on. The built-in software even makes it possible to print letter size documents onto the MPrint A7 size paper, scaled to size.

The MPrint Bluetooth mobile printer is available online at MobilePlanet, CDW, PC Connection, GTSI, and Amazon.com. Brother is also a BlackBerry ISV Alliance Member. The estimated street price for the MW-140BT is $399. For more information on the Brother MPrint printer product line, go to www.brother.com or call 1-800-276-7746.

*Additional purchase required for serial cable.

SOURCE BROTHER