Apple Computer Inc has now firmed up its proposed collaboration with Sharp Corp (CI No 1,849), and signed the Osaka-based company to a long-term partnership to develop next-generation personal information devices. The move makes it clear that, as John Sculley has said, Sony Corp is only one of several Japanese allies Apple is wooing, and already it has a liaison with Canon Inc, whose Canon Sales Inc arm markets the Macintosh in Japan.Under the agreement, the pair plan to marry Apple’s software and hardware expertise with Sharp’s experience in making small electronic devices that display information on liquid-crystal diode displays – it is regarded as having about the best screen technology. Apple has been talking for some time about personal pocket-sized communications devices that combine the functions of personal computers with those of pocket organisers and would be able to grab data out of the ether by radio, and even transmit as well as receive electronic mail. The partners will set up a joint product development team and plan to launch their first product in early 1993. Each company will have the rights to make the products that result. Apple will license to Sharp the software it has developed for use in personal digital assistants, never so far publicly demonstrated, but will also license it to others where appropriate. Sharp’s Japanese sales organisation will also join Canon in selling the Mac family in Japan.
