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22/08/2002 Interview with Bobby Kolev from Beiks LLC.
When was Beiks formed and how many people are associated with the company?
Beiks was started 1997 by 3 people. Can't be sure how many are currently associated though.
What has been your most successful product and which one are you most proud of?
We call BDicty Dictionary Reader "possibly the most popular dictionary for Palm" and we're proud to believe chances are this is true. It was the second ever for Palm (only DDH's dictionary was there before us) and it remains the most successful product we have.
What PDA do you use and why?
Clie T615C and I love it: sleek, stable and multifunctional. It still manages to suppress the PocketPC temptation. Believe it or not, Microsoft was giving me a free iPAQ on one of their well known get togethers during Palm Source, but I didn't get it. Aaron Ardiri can confirm it.
Why do you make such a diverse range of programs and which type do you enjoy making the most?
Because of our business model. We're in talent hunting business, maybe more than in software development. Everyone we get on board is used according to his best capabilities. My job is to only keep that within sane borders and that's what I enjoy.
What's the best film you have seen?
I just can't name best. But here's what I've learned: if a movie is based on a book I'd rather read the book!
Are you looking to support the extra features of the Clie range (hi-res etc.)?
But of course, who isn't? Just keep on pushing Clieworld and we'll VERY soon meet again.
Do you see one PDA platform winning the race and if so, which one?
Short term (1-3 years) there will be no winners. Long term I see two major players - NET vs J2ME. Same old Microsoft against everyone. So far everyone's chances look better, but I wouldn't hold my breath just yet. Sad to say I wouldn't consider Palm before SONY or someone their level buys them.
Do you have any future releases planned that you can tell us about?
There will be more games and language/educational tools cooperating with each other. Here's a few titles which are already in advanced testing: Wordful, Literati, xQuizMe, Kid Paint, Woman 5.0 (totally redesigned), and of course, a ton of new features for BDicty Dictionary Reader.
What 2 features would you like to see in the next PDAs?
I'd LOVE to see them make breakfast, but I'd be OK with full screen and better integrated applications.
As you make so many language programs- who speaks the better English (Americans or the British) ?
This question has been bothering me for some time. When I first heard Eminem I was close to making up my mind for the British. Then I got to talk over the phone with Oxford Press in UK and that seem to have restored the status quo. I have no american equivalent for P.G.Wodehouse, though.
If you want more information on the applications talked about here please visit Beiks.com. Many thanks to Bobby for taking the time to answer my questions.