Holy Update WAP-Man!

Scott Goldman, WAP Forum CEO, said the next generation of WAP specs, WAP 2.0, is being designed for entertainment apps on 3G networks. WAP 2.0 will include a markup-language migration from HTML to XHTML, more compelling features for developers and users, and advanced user interfaces, including pop-up menus, color, graphics and animation. XHTML is based on XML, the next-generation language of the Internet.

With wireless entertainment applications, WAP finally may be appreciated.

"WAP is going to be more important and pervasive in the future because (it) is an evolving, organic process," Goldman said. "It will evolve into a vehicle that will deliver video clips and multimedia using XHTML."

And, he said, WAP is limited only by the speed of networks. 3G won't be ready for two or three years, but WAP specs are being written in advance of network evolution.

"WAP has a very durable future," Goldman said. "Even i-mode is migrating to XHTML - they have to if they want to export their services."

Goldman said to look for WAP 2.0 draft specs in mid-December, with the final specs coming in June 2001.