The launch of the first Visual Basic development environment for Palm OS and a surprise visit by supermodel Claudia Schiffer led the flurry of news at this week's Palm developer conference in California.

AppForge, which specialises in application development for handheld and mobile devices, rolled out a technology that enables Visual Basic programmers to create software for Palm OS.

The company said its eponymous product is fully integrated into Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0, which gives developers the ability to create applications for the Palm platform without having to learn a new or proprietary language. Previously developers had to use programming languages such as C++ or Java.

FileMaker showcased its FileMaker Mobile Companion for the Palm, which enables users to transfer and synchronise data between FileMaker Pro databases and Palm OS-based handhelds.

Users can select and load the FileMaker data they require from their desktop computer to their Palm-based devices. Later, the data on the handheld may be re-synched via the Palm HotSync technology with the individual's single-user FileMaker Pro database on the desktop computer.

On a lighter note, Schiffer appeared on stage to announce that Palm Vx Claudia Schiffer Edition is available now at www.claudiaschiffer.com. The special edition comes in a blue brushed metal case instead of the traditional silver colour and includes software that the model personally picked.

These include a DietLog, which keeps track of food intake and gives suggestions on how to lose weight; a FitnessTracker, which keeps track of various fitness routines; and a puzzle featuring images of Schiffer.

The edition, which the manufacturer said is specifically aimed at women, also include travel guides with currency and clothing converters, and a list of shops suggested by the model.