Despite the cover over Nintendo's handheld device having lifted somewhat of late, CNN Money today proves that there's plenty of speculation left in the gizmo yet, citing a new report from P.J. McNealy of American Technology Research.

According to McNealy's report, the DS will include support for Instant Messaging functionality, and this mode will probably function on a local rather than national basis, providing the service free to users via the free bandwidth of the unlicensed RF spectrum. The RF spectrum is basically what most two-way radios currently use.

Whilst no non-gaming functionality has been revealed by Nintendo, McNealy claims that a two-hour has already been demonstrated on the device, and it is the mass market whom are firmly aiming it at.

Free wireless gaming is also planned though whether this will work as simply a wireless-'wired' mode, or actually across small distances is currently unknown. Users will be able to type using a stylus/touch screen combo in utilising the messaging capability, and we're told the DS is still on course for a release this Autumn. Hopefully we'll receive some clarification on all this at E3, or sooner.

By Luke Guttridge