Foleo Fanatics

Welcome Back PalmGear.com!

2008-09-03T17:53:00.005-04:00

PalmGear.com, one of the early staples in the Palm ecosystem, returned to service today under new management.

PalmGear.com, was shutdown earlier this year by parent company, Motricity. and customer accounts were migrated to sister site, PocketGear.com. During the process, many freeware and shareware applications disappeared while most commercial Palm OS software was rolled into PocketGear site.

Under new management, lead by a former Motricity executive, PalmGear.com has gone back online in all it's former glory. To help celebrate the return of PalmGear.com to the Palm community, a 20% discount promotion is in effect for all of the software being sold on the site. During check out, use the coupon code "NEWOWNERS". The code will remain in effect until September 14th, 2008.

I'm glad to see PalmGear.com return. I do hope that the PalmGear brand can be rebuilt by the new owners. I'm even more excited that I don't have to deal with the old PocketGear.com site that I griped about in my 1SRC Editorial, "Adios, Motricity." And while I have yet to receive a "welcome back" email that I suggested in the editorial, I have confirmed that my old PalmGear.com account is still in effect providing me access to all of the great Palm OS software and license codes that I had previously purcased.

Welcome back, PalmGear! We've missed you.

Rumor: Rose and Green Centros Coming To Sprint

2008-09-01T21:59:00.004-04:00

The SprintUsers Sprint customer's community website is reporting that Palm and Sprint will be rolling out two new colored Centro smartphones on October 19, 2008.

The leaked Sprint Quick Reference Brief states that a rose and green colored Centro will go on sale in October. No device specs or pricing are listed in the brief, but at this point, we have to assume that the new Centro units will be exactly like the other CDMA Sprint units with new shells.

Checkout SprintUsers.com for more details and discussion...

The Continuing Search for Mobile Nirvana

2008-09-01T21:30:00.003-04:00

For this week's 1SRC Editorial, I continue my search for mobile computing bliss for a smartphone/keyboard solution that will afford me a more flexible solution while I wait for Palm to release a Foleo.

From this week's editorial:

I love the idea of having information at my fingertips. Whether it is my PIM information, the mobile web, or my documents. In the last few years, I've only been able to achieve half of my mobile Nirvana. Once again I am going to try for mobile bliss.

The Story So Far

Back in the 1990's I had the dynamic duo of PDAs: a Palm handheld and a folding hardware connected full sized keyboard. It was a winning combination that kept me productive on the go. Type in web addresses was a snap, composing email messages was a breeze, and taking notes in meetings couldn't be easier. That last point also ensured I was able to read my notes after the meeting.

When I made the jump to a Treo, things started to fall apart. Wireless keyboards, connecting over Infrared or Bluetooth were plagued with connection and compatibility problems. In the end, I became frustrated with the whole solution of wireless keyboards and I gave up on the idea and went back to using pen and paper. Not exactly the technological wonder I was looking for.

Mobile Bliss Take 3

"They" say that the third time is a charm. I'm hoping that the saying rings true.

I have a small collection of wireless keyboards in the bottom drawer of my desk. The latest addition to my collection is the iGo/ThinkOutsde Bluetooth Sierra wireless keyboard. I originally purchased it to pair up with my Treo 700p. Any one who has used a Treo 700p in the past knows that the Bluetooth stack had, to put it politely, issues.

Years later, I have come to own a Palm Treo 750 powered by Windows Mobile Professional 6.0. While doing some "fall cleaning" in m home office, I came across my Sierra keyboard. Could this Windows Mobile device and this Bluetooth keyboard offer the solution that I have been longing for?

Read the full editorial over at 1SRC.com...

I’ll provide you with an update to see how I’m doing with my Treo 750 and iGo/ThinkOutside Bluetooth Sierra wireless keyboard during this week’s 1SRC podcast, show 197, and 1SRC Chat on 9/6/08.

The Price of Technology

2008-08-31T13:56:00.002-04:00

While doing a little "fall cleaning" in my home office I happened across an old receipt for a SanDisk SD card from January 2004. I was really excited to have all of this extra storage space for my trusty Palm handheld.

Oh, think of all the wonderful things that I was able to store on that card: Pictures, a handful of my favorite .mp3 files, Office documents, and articles clipped from the web for offline reading thanks to iSilo. Those were the days.

It is funny how our perception of technology changes over time. Back then that 256MB SD card cost me $74.95. Today, for less than half of what it cost me to purchase a 256MB card in 2004 I can now buy a 4GB microSD card for my Palm Treo 750. Just imagine what $15 will buy in 2012 and what we will be doing with all of that space on our mobile computers.

Ah, technology.

Resco View On Sale Until Sept 7

2008-08-30T17:37:00.002-04:00

Resco Viewew is now on sale until September 7, 2008. Resco Viewer, available for Palm OS, Windows Mobile Power PC, and Windows Mobile Smartphone edition is the mobile photo application.

"Resco Photo Viewer is optimized for browsing albums and folders with numerous images. The split mode allows easy browsing of your image folders with instant preview. Resco Viewer offers several thumbnail modes and common image operations such as copy/move, rename, delete, reorder, send via email/IrDA/Bluetooth. All of this can be done in the multi-selection mode. "

"Despite the word "Viewer" in its name, Resco Photo Viewer contains several image editing features as well. After entering the Edit mode, the application offers the possibility to crop the image area and change the image resolution. Moreover it is possible to adjust the contrast, brightness and gamma correction. Once the image is ready, it can be saved in one of 3 common image formats (JPG, PNG, BMP). "

Use the following coupon codes to receive $10 off your purcahase of Resco Viewer when purchased at the Resco online store.

Palm OS:
Resco Viewer for Palm OS (ID 156)
Coupon name ViewerTamsPalm

PPC:
Resco Photo Viewer 2007 Standard Edition
Coupon name ViewerTamsPPC

WMS:
Resco Photo Viewer for Smartphone
Coupon name ViewerTamsPPC

Documents To Go for Windows Mobile Pocket PC

2008-08-27T21:42:00.005-04:00

Today, DataViz, the company that has the best mobile office suite on the market, has released Documents To Go Premium 3.0 for Windows Mobile Pocket PC Edition.

Unlike the previous Windows Mobile Standard/Smartphone edition designed for non-touchscreen devices, this new edition has been specially formulated for Windows Mobile devices that use a touchscreen. In other words, you can now run Documents To Go on your Treo 700wx, 750, or 800w. Documents To Go for Windows Mobile Pocket PC devices also works with other popular smartphones like the HTC Touch and Touch Diamond, and the AT&T Tilt, or other devices running Windows Mobile 5 or 6.

According to the DataViz press release issued earlier today, Documents To Go for Windows Mobile Pocket PC edition will allow "users to view, edit and create Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files (Windows: Office 97 – 2007, Mac: Office 98-2008) as well as view PDF files on their devices and in their native formats."

“We are excited to expand our product line to include Windows Mobile Pocket PC devices,” said Danny Tu, Product Manager, DataViz, Inc. “Our latest release is an answer to our many customer requests to develop for this platform.”

Documents To Go Windows Mobile Pocket PC edition is available for purchase now for $29.95 directly from the DataViz website. Volume license are available when purchasing for 5 or more users.

For more information about Documents To Go, including the new Windows Mobile Pocket PC edition, visit the DataViz website.

I am really excited about learning that DataViz has released this edition of Documents To Go for Windows Mobile. I have been using Documents To Go on my Palm OS devices since version 2.0. When I had an opportunity to interview Mr. Tu for the 1SRC Palm-Powered Podcast I recall specifically asking for this edition of Documents To Go. Now that I carry a Treo 750 in addition to my Treo 755p, I'm looking forward to using Documents To Go with it's built-in InTact conversion engine to ensure I can stay every bit as productive out of the office as I am in.

Rumor: CDMA Treo Pro on the Way

2008-08-26T20:25:00.006-04:00

The China Economic News Service is running a story on their website reporting that Palm could be preparing to place an order with HTC for a CDMA version of the Treo Pro.

"Furthermore, Palm is planning to launch CDMA (code division multiple access) version of Treo Pro series phone in the future for CDMA telecom service providers, like Verizon, Wireless and Sprint. The phone will also be supplied by HTC. "

There is no word on when Palm may be ready to place the order, or whether or not the order has already been placed.

Keep things in perspective

Many readers know that I tend to get a little "Fanatic" about Palm OS II/Nova and the Foleo. Before this rumor gets too out of hand, we should note that the recently announced unlocked Treo Pro is a Windows Mobile device. With Palm OS II reportedly not scheduled to be released before the middle of 2009, any CDMA Treo Pro is likely to also be running Windows Mobile 6.1.

Handango Secret Sale

2008-08-23T08:09:00.003-04:00

Handango is quietly running a "secret sale" between now and the end of the day on August 26, 2008 at 11:59pm.

Use coupon code "SECRET20" while checking out at the Handango.com online store to receive a discount on your order. Handango sells mobile software for platforms like Palm OS, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, and even Symbian OS, Linux, and Sony's PSP.

You can start shopping here...

Palm Officially Announces the Treo Pro

2008-08-20T11:59:00.005-04:00

Palm has announced the highly rumored Treo Pro Windows Mobile 6.1 super sexy smartphone earlier today.

In their press release, Palm writes:

"Palm, today introduced Treo(TM) Pro, an effortlessly usable smartphone for businesses that want to simplify their IT infrastructures and lower costs, and for users who want to stay on top of their professional and personal lives. With its streamlined design and Palm(R) shortcuts layered on Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, Treo Pro is a unique combination of sleek simplicity and robust productivity -- including email, Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities(1) -- that meets the needs of businesses and end users alike. Treo Pro, which will be available from Vodafone and O2 in Europe(2) and from Telstra in Australia, also will be available in an unlocked version in the United States, Europe and Asia Pacific."

"Businesses want the control and savings that Windows Mobile affords, in an innovative and elegant package that keeps their users happy. That's where Palm comes in," said Ed Colligan, president and chief executive officer, Palm, Inc. "Everything about Treo Pro -- from the hardware design to the packaging and accessories -- embodies the elegant and simplified end-to-end experience that our customers expect from Palm."

"I'm really happy with Treo Pro -- it's a technology leap from a device design and capability standpoint, enhancing Palm's presence in the Windows Mobile realm," said Wasif Malik, senior systems consultant, Student Educational Services & Mobile Solutions, Ohio State University Medical Center. "It's cleverly designed for Windows Mobile, with a large touch screen, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and all the productivity applications for Windows Mobile 6 in a much thinner design."

Read the full Palm press release...

The Palm Treo Pro, in what I consider a surprise move, is being announced with out a launch wireless carrier partner and is being released in the coming days as an unlocked phone.

The specs page on the Palm website also confirmes the leaked information that has flooded the Internet over the past few days.

For full details, and the registration page to be notified when the Treo Pro begins shipping, visit the Palm website.

Coming Soon: The Palm Treo Pro

2008-08-19T23:21:00.004-04:00

I have posted this week's 1SRC.com Editorial, Coming Soon: The Palm Treo Pro.

The Palm Treo Pro: Coming Soon

Two months ago, Palm President and CEO Ed Colligan told us that Palm would be delivering new smartphones offering “major advancements” built on the Windows Mobile platform. The new Treo 800w on the Sprint network and recently leaked images and details for unannounced Treo Pro/850/Drucker show that Palm is serious about delivering on the promises made back in June.

Making Good on Promises

Palm has been talking about returning to a leadership position in the mobile computing arena by focusing on people, design, and platform. With Elevation Partners help, Palm has addressed “People.” We know that Palm is addressing “Platform” with the continuing development of the Palm OS II/Nova operating system. That leaves “Design” and if the recent Treo 800w and leaked images of the Treo Pro/850 are any indication, Palm has figured out how to make devices that work well, and look great while they are doing it.

WMExperts, PalmInfoCenter (here, here, and here), and Brighthand have posted several good articles that provide product details and clear pictures of the unannounced addition to the Treo product family. What I find encouraging about the Treo Pro rumors is that Palm is poised to provide an elegant looking phone with a robust operating system that enables them to deliver value added features such as Wi-Fi, GPS, and the usual Palm refinements that making using their hardware a delight.

Corporate customers and Windows Mobile power user will have plenty to be happy about with the Treo Pro. Included in this device are a number of nice features including a flush with the body, 320x320 touch screen display and integrated Wi-Fi and GPS radios. According to the rumors, the Treo Pro will also have lots of memory (about 100MB each for application and storage space), a peppy 400MHz processor, a 1500mAh removable battery, and a 3.5mm headphone/headset jack. BlackBerry who?

The recent digital flood of “leaked” Palm Treo Pro information can only be seen as a back door product announcement and leads me to believe that the official release of the new smartphone is imminent. I would be surprised if the Treo Pro doesn’t go on sale in Europe on Vodafone in the next four weeks. The photos and videos that have surfaced on the Internet clearly show a production-grade device. If that prediction turns out to be true, customers in the United States should expect the Treo Pro/850 to arrive on AT&T before February 2009.

What’s In a Name?

Another thing to consider about the new Windows Mobile Treo is the name; the Palm Treo Pro. The Centro is clearly the entry level, consumer-oriented smartphone. The Treo Pro, as the name suggests, stands poised to take over as the corporate flagship smartphone from Palm. But I have to wonder what else Palm has planned for their smartphone line up.

Palm has segregated their smartphones into two clear lines: Palm OS for non-business customers and Windows Mobile for corporate customers. Will Palm further segment their Windows Mobile phone business? The Treo Pro will become the new corporate smartphone. Is Palm’s intent to make the Palm Treo 500v, or similarly styled device, an entry-level device, and what would Palm position as a mid-range candidate for the Windows Mobile platform? Should we expect two see five smartphones in Palm’s 2009 line up? The Centro and a Palm OS II/Nova would hold down the entry-level and consumer mid-range device market. On the Windows side, the Treo 500v would be the value smartphone, a less expensive and feature-laden edition of the Treo 800w/Pro for the mid-market, and the Treo Pro for the high-end enterprise customer.

In Conclusion

Fans and enterprise customers should be very happy with Palm’s new high-end feature phones. The yet to officially be announced Treo Pro is a great looking device that incorporates features that have long been absent from Palm’s smartphone line up. The recent appearance of high-quality photos and video of the Pro indicate that that the device will likely be announced and go on sale in the not too distant future on Vodafone’s wireless network.

[Via 1SRC.com...]

PalmInfoCenter - More Treo Pro Photos Surface

2008-08-15T12:47:00.005-04:00

Ryan Kairer over at PalmInfoCenter has posted a new article containing additional Palm Treo Pro photos from Chinese Treo enthusiast website treo.net.cn.

The latest photos to surface are of a test unit as some of the photos have a little blue Photoshoped line (see above) to cover up the test unit's number. While impossible to know for sure, the photos of the Treo Pro have what appears to be a digital camera watermark of a time stamp that reads "14 12:47pm" on them. At the very least, this suggests that the photos were taken yesterday, on 8/14/08.

More details over at PalmInfoCenter...

Palm Treo Pro Makes A Cameo Appearance

2008-08-15T12:02:00.005-04:00

Yesterday pictures of what appears to be a new Windows Mobile Treo appeared briefly on the Palm website. WMExperts forum member "scottymomo" discovered the Treo Pro, which bears a striking resemblance to the rumored Treo 850, while visiting the Palm Self-Paced Learning site. References to the Treo Pro have already been removed from the site.

If the Treo Pro is in fact the rumored Treo 850/Drucker that was leaked back in January, I think that many people will be pleased with Palm's next Windows Mobile smartphone.

To see the three screen grabs, including the uncropped version of the above photo, visit the WMExperts discussion forums. (Registration required)

Jeff Hawkins Talks About the Foleo

2008-08-08T20:49:00.004-04:00

Palm founder, Jeff Hawkins, spent some time talking about the Foleo with Patrick Seitz of Investor's Business Daily.

The Q&A with Hawkins was originally published as a sidebar to a larger article discussing the growing popularity of the "netbook", a small form factor notebook computer designed to ultra portable providing easy access to the web, email, and writing. Palm chose to cancel the Foleo in September of 2007 to focus on rewriting the aging Palm OS mobile operating systems that powers many of the company's most popular smartphones, including the consumer-oriented Centro.

The following is an excerpt from the Investor's Business Daily interview with Mr. Hawkins:

"IBD: Why didn't Palm have the confidence in Foleo to go forward?

Hawkins: I don't think that Palm didn't have confidence in it. Palm has its issues and challenges. At the time, they were in the process of closing this major financing, restructuring deal with Elevation Partners.

And as part of that deal, they brought in Jon Rubenstein, who's a great guy. He was at Apple (AAPL) and did all the iPod stuff. He came in basically to take over product stuff, because I really hadn't been running the product design center at Palm for several years. They came in with a particular strategy that they wanted to pursue at Palm, and that strategy didn't have room for Foleo.

It was clear Foleo had technical issues. It was a first-generation product. We'd have to launch it and then do another gen within a year. And that's a big commitment of people and dollars.

It was a strategic decision to pursue a different approach. I don't think they made a mistake. We haven't seen the outcome of that decision yet. It really was not acrimonious at all. It was just business.

I'm a little disappointed, only because I loved the product concept. I'd really like to own one. And I'm a believer in it. And I'd love to end my design career at Palm with a success there.

They may still come back to it. They haven't totally written it off.

IBD: So you didn't get to keep a Foleo?

Hawkins: Oh, I have one. Oh, yeah, I got to keep one. I have the beta release. The hardware is very reliable. It works great."

You can read the full Hawkins Q&A here.

As many of my long time readers know, I was one of the few people who did get to play with a pre-production Foleo. It really was a great idea. At the end of the day, I didn't care that it wasn't running a Linux varient or Microsoft's Windows XP. I wanted a light-weight device that looked great and offered long battery life with easy access to the web, email, and an office suite. (DataViz provided a Foleo specific version of their award-winning Documents To Go application.)

However, the Foleo, as originally designed, was not a stand along computer. It needed to be tethered to a Palm OS or Windows Mobile smartphone and, as discussed in the article, the Wind River Linux operating system and core applications were not ready to go live. I'm looking forward to 2009 when Pam OS II/Nova smartphones are shipping because if Palm does decided to do a new Foleo, the Nova opertaing system will likely be the foundation for such a device.

Read the full Investor's Business Daily interview...

Insaniquarium Deluxe by Astraware and PopCap Games

2008-08-07T14:38:00.003-04:00

Astraware(R) and PopCap Games, Inc. are excited to announce the release of one of PopCap's flagship titles for Palm OS(R) and Windows Mobile(R) smartphones. Insaniquarium DeluxeTM offers hours of frantic aquarium fun as you feed your fish, watch them grow and protect them from alien invaders!

Insaniquarium Deluxe is the craziest aquarium game ever - tend to your fish and keep them happy and they'll reward you with precious coins and jewels. Use the money you earn to buy upgrades for your tank or egg parts which hatch lots of different in-tank pets with special powers. These pets can help you feed your fish, collect coins, or even protect against the aliens that will invade your tank and wreak havoc. You can also use the money you earn to buy better weapons to see the aliens off quicker!

Insaniquarium Deluxe includes 3 fun ways to play:

Adventure - keep your fish healthy and protect them from aliens through 4 fun aquarium stages each with multiple levels of mayhem;

Time Trial - feed your fish and fight off the alien invaders to make as much money as possible against the clock. A new time trial is unlocked as you complete each stage in Adventure

Challenge - once you've mastered Adventure, face the ultimate challenge as you feed your fish and try to protect them from ever increasing alien attacks. The challenge ends when the last fish is zapped!

Insaniquarium Deluxe is available for Palm OS(R) 5 smartphones and PDAs with at least a 320x320 screen, and for smartphones and PDAs running Windows Mobile(R) 2003 and later. For more information, to try and to buy, visit http://www.astraware.com/insaniquariumdlx.

Resco Launches IDGuard for Palm OS Smartphones

2008-08-03T14:48:00.005-04:00

Resco IDGuard is a brand new Windows solution for protecting sensitive data of any kind - passwords, documents, images etc. The application provides a complete workflow for secure documents and can synchronize effortlessly with the Palm OS® platform.

Resco, the leading provider of end-user mobile applications and developer tools for the .NET platform, proudly announces the release of the Resco IDGuard - a new security solution for the Windows platform.

Resco IDGuard was initially implemented for the Palm OS® mobile platform, the Windows release can automatically synchronize its data onto a handheld device running IDGuard for Palm OS via HotSync.

Resco IDGuard can be used as a classic password manager with a very general data structure:
Records (PINs, logins, accounts...) can have notes, reminders and attachments and can be structured into the tree of any complexity.

Unique feature - Document Safe
Nowadays, every software house has a password manager. But Resco IDGuard does much more:
it be used to store business documents or private data of any kind.

Moreover, IDGuard offers complete secure work flow for the common document types, so that the users can safely preview or edit sensitive documents. Secure handling is provided for MS Office documents, PDF, common image types and media files.

In case of "unsupported" file types, IDGuard provides semi-automatic mode, where the document is opened in its editor and IDGuard reminds the user to close it manually when done editing.

About Resco IDGuard
The Windows version is compatible with Windows 2000/XP/Vista, the PDA version requires Palm OS® 5.0+. Both version use the industrial standard in encryption technology to provide the maximum level of security - the AES encryption which is considered safe even by the US government.

A free 14-day trial can be found at http://www.resco.net/palm/idguard/. IDGuard costs $19.95 USD and covers the license for both the Windows and PDA versions. The application is provided in the English language, Palm OS® German version is distributed via pdassi.de.

All Resco products are available for immediate download from www.resco.net.

Astraware Hot Summer Summer Sale!

2008-08-02T13:59:00.003-04:00

Summer's here and it's time for some fun! Whether you're on vacation, or just want something new to play, Astraware(R) has the solution - the Astraware Hot Summer Sale!

Starting on 1st August, Astraware is offering 25 games each with at least 25% off the regular price. Several of the games are as low as $9.95 each!

If you're looking for action games like Platypus or GTS World Racing, strategy titles like Westward or Tradewinds 2, word games like Bubble Babble, or favorite classics like Astraware Sudoku - they're all included with special prices for a limited time! The Hot Summer Sale only lasts until midnight on 17th August, so make sure you don't miss out.

For all the details and to bag yourself a bargain, visit the Hot Summer Sale page at: http://www.astraware.com/promo/summer08.

2 Million Centros, Treo 800w BT Update

2008-07-29T22:33:00.004-04:00

Palm Sells 2 Million Centro Smartphones

Earlier today, Palm issued a press release stating that the smartphone maker had sold it's 2 millionth Centro smartphone.

"Consumers are ready to do more on their mobile phone, and Centro has struck a chord around the world," said Brodie Keast, senior vice president of marketing for Palm, Inc. "Centro has everything a person needs to stay connected with everyone who is important to them -- and at a price point and size that make smartphones more attractive to a much wider audience."

The same press release continues:

"Now available from almost 20 carriers worldwide, including the three largest carriers in the United States, Centro has reached more young adults and women, as well as a broader range of household income, than any prior Palm smartphone. It offers customers an affordable, simple and fun option for staying connected and doing more with their mobile phones."

With the consumer-oriented Centro smartphone, the ease of use of the Palm OS, stylish design, and a great price point come together to create a solution that does delight the first smartphone customers.

Palm Releases a Bluetooth Voice Dialing Update

Owners of the recently released Windows Mobile Treo 800w are now able to install a small patch that will allow them to use hands-free voice dialing commands over a Bluetooth headset.

The 131kb patch can be install from your desktop Windows XP or Vista computer, over-the-air directly to your Treo 800w, or via a microSD card. The installation and download links can be found on the Sprint Treo 800w downloads page.

Since this is a software patch, and not a full flash ROM upgrade, if you hard reset your Treo 800w, you will need to reapply this patch. Furthermore, this update is only intended for Sprint Treo 800w smartphones running the TREO800w-1.03-SPNT software image.

Up In the Air

2008-07-29T22:18:00.004-04:00

I have published this week's 1SRC Editorial; "Up In the Air."

Back in June I talked about how Palm might be transforming the MyPalm.com portal into a cloud computing solution for the company’s products. With the recent announcement of the MyPalm.com shutdown, I have become more convinced than ever that a new Palm cloud solution is coming.

Recent evidence suggests that even though Palm is closing down their MyPalm.com beta service, work at the company is preceding full steam ahead on a new Internet-based solution.

I suspect that Palm will re-launch their software portal, Software Connection. As you may recall, Motricity has sold all of their direct to consumer businesses, included the eReader and PocketGear properties. Fictionwise acquired the eReader assets and is moving forward with their new assets. I’m glad to see the eReader business in good hands. I really do plan on reading more ebooks before the end of the year. The future of Palm’s Software Connection is a little bit less clear. There is a new management team in place at PocketGear, and their relationship with Palm is still an unknown. The question in my mind is whether or not the new management team is interested in running other company’s software stores in the same manner that Motrcity did for Palm. 

One of the key features of the MyPalm.com portal was the ability to deliver new applications to your smartphone over the air (OTA). This was a very nice feature. Simply provide your mobile number and a SMS message is sent that includes the download link for the software. Tap the link and the software is downloaded and installed on your phone. There is no need to sync with a desktop computer. This is the kind of easy of use and simplicity that Palm is so good at. Come September, I expect that Palm will have an enhanced software portal that will allow you to download and purchase software for Palm OS and Windows Mobile devices OTA. If you are a MyPalm member and haven’t tried OTA software installs, go test it out. You will become a convert.

An OTA software store is only a part of the total picture. It is very likely that Palm is moving forward with a new cloud-based service. The Palm Backup beta application alone should be proof of that. If you do need more proof, Palm writes in a recent 10-K SEC filing report that they, “substantially [acquired] all of the assets of a corporation focused on developing solutions to enhance the performance of web applications.” This information taken in consideration with other information that is available strongly suggests that a new cloud application is coming.

Look at it this way; the MyPalm portal beta will have been running for over a year by the time it is closed down. That is plenty of time to learn how people would use a new cloud service and to perfect OTA content delivery. Integrated cloud applications like Google Docs, Mail, and Calendar have been come popular because your information “parked” on servers accessed from the Internet on a wide range of devices. (Yes, I agree that not everyone will want to put all of their data out on servers they don’t control. Lets agree that criminals will get your data one-way or another if they really want to, regardless of where you store your data.) Apple’s Mobile Me service launch was, and still is, a complete mess with tens of thousands of users unable to fully access their account. As flawed as Apple’s implementation of Mobile Me was, rest assured, the underlying concept is sound. I believe that Palm could be working on a “Mobile Me Too” service that will allow their customers to store data on a Palm server and have that data available to smartphones, other Palm products, and all of your computers. Corporate organizations already have these features with Microsoft’s Exchange Server product. Palm has an opportunity to deliver an enterprise class messaging solution targeted specifically at new Centro owners, “prosumers” and small business owners. There is an enormous potential for success here.

All of these new features won’t come with out a price. I fully expect that if Palm does offer a “Mobile Me Too” solution, like Apple, they will charge customers an annual maintenance fee. At $99 a year, Apple’s Mobile Me service is a good value. If Palm where to charge something on the order of $60-79 annually for the kind of service I am talking about, they could potentially steal customers away from Apple.

In conclusion, while I don’t have any first hand information about what is going on at Palm, there is plenty of evidence available that Palm is working on a server based product offering leveraging web technologies. I expect that Palm is working on more than just a new software store and I am looking forward to seeing a cloud-based synchronization solution from Palm.

If the early success of the Treo 800w is any indication of the new management atmosphere introduced by Elevation Partners, Palm can deliver a new data synchronization and OTA content delivery system if they want to.

[Via 1SRC.com...]

1SRC Podcast 191

2008-07-24T11:31:00.003-04:00

Jeff Kirvin is my special co-host for this week's show as we run down this week's topics:

Jeff Kirvin is my special co-host for this week's show.
Jeff's review of the Treo 800w and why he is a Palm customer again.
Palm InfoCenter is reporting the Treo 755p is being phased out.

Listen to the 1SRC Podcast show 191 now...

Sprint Centro 1.07 Software Update

2008-07-23T13:39:00.003-04:00

Palm has released a software update for the Sprint edition of the Palm Centro smartphone. This update is designed only for the Sprint device.

According to the Palm website, the 1.07 software includes several enhancements:

Improved Gmail IMAP compatibility
Updated compatibility for Google Mobile Maps My Location feature
Improved ongoing delivery of email sent to VersaMail accounts viaExchange ActiveSync
Bluetooth usability enhancements and updates
Sprint TV performance enhancements
Enhanced AOL Instant Messenger performance
Improved performance when adding a contact using Mobile Voice Control
Improved email attachment handling
Changed default camera shutter sound to “ON.” Audible shutter “click” will be heard
Allows Preferred Roaming List updates over the air

Before applying this update, I recommend that you back up your device either by performing a HotSync operation with your computer or by using a backup application, like Alex Pruss' free NVBackup application.

This software update can not be undone, even by means of a hard reset. Make sure that you are ready to commit to the update before applying it.

For more information and the download link, visit the Palm website...

Windows Mobile Sync Troubleshooting

2008-07-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

I went to sync my Palm Treo 750 with my Dell Optiplex 755 running Microsoft Windows Vista Business SP1 this evening and ran into trouble. (Imagine that!)

When I placed the Treo in the cradle, the Windows Mobile Device Center didn't recognize that there was a device connected to the system. Sure, I heard that familiar "plink-plunk" when you connect a USB device to Windows, but the Treo and the PC just wouldn't talk to each other.

Windows Mobile Synchronization Troubleshooting Steps

Here is a short list of the troubleshooting steps that I took to resolve the issue.

1. Soft reset the Treo. (Just pull the batter, wait 20 seconds, and put it back in.)
2. Reboot the PC. (Stopping and restarting the Windows Mobile services didn't seem to work.)
3. Use the Windows Mobile Device Center to delete and recreate the partnership.
4. Resync the Treo with the Vista PC.

Upon initial resync wtih Windows and Microsoft Office, there was a sync error, however, performing a second data sync immediately after the first seemed to have cleared that error up.

Using the Treo to view the last sync status

You can check what the status was of the last data synchronization with your Treo was by using the ActiveSync application on your device. To view the last sync status:

1. Press the Start button (Windows flag key)
2. Select Programs from the Start menu (or press the "P" key)
3. Tap the ActiveSync icon
4. Use the right button (or tap the screen) to select the software Menu button
5. Select Status (or press "T") to view the sync log

1SRC Podcast 190

2008-07-18T11:25:00.006-04:00

This week on the 1SRC podcast, I tackle:

Palm rolls out the new electric blue Centro on AT&T.
AT&T slashes the price of the Centro to $69.99 with a 2-year service plan.
Palm launches the Treo 800w on Sprint! WinMo fans cheer with glee!
1SRC Editorial: Palm's Marketing Must Be Better

Listen to the 1SRC Podcast, show 190 now...

Palm's Marketing Must Be Better

2008-07-14T21:59:00.005-04:00

I’ve been talking a lot about makeovers and transformations that are probably going on at Palm. Now it is time for Palm to overhaul their marketing department.

September 2007 can been seen as the official kick off for all of the transformations that Palm is undergoing. To get things started, Palm sold a 27% state in the company to private equity firm Elevation Partners. Then all of the non-essential businesses where sidelined, including the Foleo mobile companion, the traditional handheld PDA business, and Palm’s retail locations. Next came staff reductions and realignment of the remaining teams. Palm has begun to roll out smartphones that are grabbing enthusiastic reviews. Coming up next up for Palm is a new Linux-based mobile operating system that will modernize the venerable Palm OS. With all the positive momentum being generated at the company, the time is right to overhaul their marketing department.

In less than a year, Palm has sold more than a million consumer-oriented Centro smartphones. And they are on track to sell 2 million units by the end of the year. All in all, Palm’s marketing has been resonating with customers looking to replace their feature flip phones. This is a very good thing for Palm. (Evidence also suggests that Palm may soon be able to break even or begin making money on their Centro smartphones.)

However, the events of this past weekend border on being reckless. Just in case you missed it, Palm launched a new edition of the AT&T Centro this weekend. The electric blue Centro went on sale this past Friday at AT&T retail locations and online at the Palm website. AT&T also implemented a temporary price cut for the Centro. You can now get an AT&T Centro for just $69.99 when you sign up for a qualifying 2-year service agreement. (The discount is in effect until September 20, 2008.) And then on Sunday, Sprint began selling the highly anticipated Palm Treo 800w smartphone. Reviews for the Treo 800w are just starting to come in, however, according to the Palm blog, people are writing things like; “ the best Treo ever,” and “the most productive Windows Mobile Pro device.” It is a same that the long lines weren’t for Palm’s new products and that no one heard Palm’s message because the new hardware was introduced during the insanity that was the international Apple iPhone 3G and iPhone 2.0 software launch.

With Palm running lean and mean, it seems that their marketing department isn’t on the same page as the management. How else can you explain Palm spending money to launch new devices during the same weekend as a major product launch as the iPhone 3G? Why not postpone the product introductions by a weekend? The only thing that I could dream up for a reason to roll out a new Centro this past weekend would be in a vain attempt to be disruptive of Apple’s iPhone launch. If that was the case, Palm’s plan backfired as Apple reported today that they sold over a million iPhone 3Gs internationally as of Sunday; the third day of the new iPhone’s availability.

In the time remaining between now and whenever Palm is ready to deliver the first products running Palm OS II/Nova, I hope that Palm takes a hard look at their marketing efforts. Palm OS II/Nova will probably be the single most important product developed by Palm over the next five years. Palm’s message about the new version of Palm OS and the devices that run it needs to be loud and clear.

There is still time for Palm to put their marketing house in order. To get the ball rolling, Palm has taken the first major step forward by bringing Elevation into the fold. Elevation brings the disciple of product execution to the table and product marketing needs to be part of project plan. Secondly, Palm has hired Lynn Fox away from Apple; a feat that I’m sure Palm Executive Chairman Jon Rubinstein had a hand in. In her role as director of Macintosh PR, Fox will know how to add the sizzle to Palm’s steak. Lastly, Palm needs to engage the media and the Palm user community in a combined marketing assault that gets the word out that a new Treo running Palm OS II/Nova will run circles around your current phone.

If Palm can generate excitement for their brand, their new Treo and Palm OS in advance of their delivering the smartphone that there customer base has been clamoring for, Palm won’t just have a smash hit on their hands, they will be on their way to being a meaningful player in the mobile computing field.

[Via 1SRC.com...]

Jeff Kirvin on the Treo 800w

2008-07-14T21:00:00.002-04:00

Now batting for the Palm lineup - Jeff Kirvin!

"The Kirv" has picked up a new Windows Mobile Treo 800w. Jeff writes:

"I picked up a Treo 800w over the weekend and man, I have to give Palm their props. This is a wonderful refinement of the venerable Treo form factor. It’s comfortable, light and elegant. But what really make the difference is software, Palm’s “special sauce”."

Read Jeff's full post on JeffKirvin.net...

Palm Officially Launches the Treo 800w

2008-07-14T14:03:00.007-04:00

Earlier today, Palm has launched the Treo 800w smartphone for the Sprint wireless network with Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, 802.11g Wi-Fi, and GPS capabilities.

"Palm is adding a unique stamp to the Windows Mobile experience with the Treo 800w," said Stephane Maes, vice president, product marketing, Palm, Inc. "It's an easy-to-use feature-packed smartphone that will keep users happy, empowered and productive."

The complete list of Treo 800w product specs can be found on the Palm Treo 800w website.
A downloadable PDF datasheet for the Treo 800w is also available.

The Treo 800w can be purchased for as little as $249.99 with a qualifying service plan and after instant and mail in rebates. Without a service agreement, the Treo 800w sells for $599.

You can purchase the Treo 800w from Palm's online store or Sprint's retail outlets and online store.