Palm: Pre, webOS & app discussion

[Sunray]

I was listening to the Engadget pod cast, which is as interesting as is annoying. They were suggesting that the phone's software is alpha status, which is why Palm were coy when asked about the soft keyboard for landscape entry.

It might be a feature but its not written yet.

 

[editor]

I imagine Palm had to let it out of the bag because their shares were collapsing. If it is an alpha version it's looking pretty damn fine so far:

The UI is incredibly well thought out and smooth. Animations going in and out of apps, and all of the menus and switching are done with a grace and simplicity that we rarely see on any device. The UI outclasses most of its competition on a number of levels, and actually may be quite a bit more revolutionary than the iPhone. Multitasking works like a charm, and reps say you can push it quite hard before you'll need to close applications. One of the most fascinating components of the UI is that when you're zoomed out to cards, the data is still active in the previews.

http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/08/palm-pre-in-depth-impressions-video-and-huge-hands-on-gallery/

Here's the specs known so far:

• High-speed wireless (EV-DO Rev. A or HSDPA, depending on version)
• 802.11b / g WiFi
• Integrated GPS
• 3.1-inch 24-bit color 480 x 320 display
• Dedicated gesture area below display
• Slide-out portrait QWERTY keyboard
• Exchange email support in addition to POP and IMAP
• IM, MMS, and SMS messaging
• High-performance browser
• 3-megapixel camera with LED flash and "extended depth of field"
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR with A2DP
• 8GB of internal storage
• USB mass storage mode
• MicroUSB connectivity with USB 2.0
• Proximity sensor for detecting when phone is near face
• Light sensor to automatically dim display
• Ringer mute switch
• Removable rechargeable battery
• 59.57 x 100.53 x 16.95mm closed
• 4.76 ounces

Interface tour:
http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/01/09/palm-pre-interface-tour/

 

[editor]

It doesn't mean a great deal of course, but this US tech show is absolutely frothing about the Pre, with the presenters saying they'll be ditching their iPhones as soon as the new Palm comes out. Like I said, it means nothing, but it at least shows that there's something of a real hype and buzz already starting up over the handset in the States.


http://www.g4tv.com/ces2009/videos/35959/CES_09_iPhone_Challengers.html

 

[phildwyer]

<ed: pointless off topic shit removed>

 

[Sunray]

Amazing quality for Alpha.

The only issue for Palm is getting it out the door, the sooner the better but I think they have at least 6 months grace. That final hurdle is easily the hardest. Esp as the pressure is now well and truly on from every single angle you can think of, share holders, Sprint network, Senior management, users and their dogs.

 

[editor]

<ed: pointless off topic shit removed>

Stop this now, please.

 

[beesonthewhatnow]

The only issue for Palm is getting it out the door, the sooner the better but I think they have at least 6 months grace. That final hurdle is easily the hardest. Esp as the pressure is now well and truly on from every single angle you can think of, share holders, Sprint network, Senior management, users and their dogs.

They're in a head to head race with Android now I guess. If Palm can get this out (and it's as good as it looks) before Google have got a few more handsets out then they're gonna sell shitloads.

But if a lot of decent Android handsets come out in the next 6 months, and Palm have a delay, then I imagine a lot of their potential customers aren't going to wait and Palm could end up with an expensive flop on their hands.

 

[editor]

Unless Palm spectacularly screw up the rollout of the phone or come up with a bonkers price, I can't see it flopping.

It's got the kind of wow factor the iPhone created at its launch, and when it comes to functionality and interface, it's about as good as it gets.

 

[Sunray]

They're in a head to head race with Android now I guess. If Palm can get this out (and it's as good as it looks) before Google have got a few more handsets out then they're gonna sell shitloads.

But if a lot of decent Android handsets come out in the next 6 months, and Palm have a delay, then I imagine a lot of their potential customers aren't going to wait and Palm could end up with an expensive flop on their hands.

Personally, its twatted Android, its making the iPhone look seriously jaded, which I didn't think I say for at least a year or more.

Its got loads and loads of genuine innovation in the hardware and the software. The gesture bar at the bottom is quite a brilliant addition. The light glows when you use it.

All the new phones that are of this ilk are now going to be judged by the Palm Pre when its released, its that ground breaking. An Android phone had a task on its hands competing with the iPhone, but it was doing a reasonable job, I personally don't think the 1st version was as good but its not so bad. With the Pre the competition has moved onto another level, its going to be interesting to see how Apple and Google compete or if they pretend it doesn't exist.

But like I said in that post, it has to be available to buy before any of the above becomes reality.

 

[Kid_Eternity]

It doesn't mean a great deal of course, but this US tech show is absolutely frothing about the Pre, with the presenters saying they'll be ditching their iPhones as soon as the new Palm comes out. Like I said, it means nothing, but it at least shows that there's something of a real hype and buzz already starting up over the handset in the States.


http://www.g4tv.com/ces2009/videos/35959/CES_09_iPhone_Challengers.html

I'd disagree I think it means a great deal (not least because I've read similiar comments) and should worry Apple. That kind of momentum (or herde mentality) will be crucial in getting this to have a good launch which in turn ups the chances of success. They need to create the perception they're the hot new thing town...

Must say its a fucking great year for smartphone users, so much choice!

 

[Piers Gibbon]

ok...just to stop me wanting to get the Pre yesterday..is it missing anything?

for me:

- synch guarantee with Mac
- a Life Balance conduit

er

that's it

damn..so I'm likely to be ditching the perfectly good Centro and overpaying for this when it comes out in the UK...I hate that

 

[UnderOpenSky]

Must say its a fucking great year for smartphone users, so much choice!

Indeed, I keep holding of, because something new always seems to be around the corner. Almost got a Touch HD over xmas, but couldn't quite bring myself to sign up for 18/24 months when we're going to see some very cool kit in the next 6. I haven't been this interested in the phone market for years!

 

[Sunray]

None of the smart phones I've seen does video calling. How dead is that technology. I think it'll be revived when they really start to run out of idea on how to compete.

Remember that HP ad when they were up a mountain video calling their mates.

Never going to happen, but everything else you can do and nothing to do with HP.

 

[Kid_Eternity]

Indeed, I keep holding of, because something new always seems to be around the corner. Almost got a Touch HD over xmas, but couldn't quite bring myself to sign up for 18/24 months when we're going to see some very cool kit in the next 6. I haven't been this interested in the phone market for years!

I know what you mean, I'm glad I held off. Gonna see where we are in June/July (assuming my Centro keeps working) before taking the jump.

 

[Kid_Eternity]

Amazing quality for Alpha.

The only issue for Palm is getting it out the door, the sooner the better but I think they have at least 6 months grace. That final hurdle is easily the hardest. Esp as the pressure is now well and truly on from every single angle you can think of, share holders, Sprint network, Senior management, users and their dogs.

Yep for an alpha it's pretty amazing.

They're in a head to head race with Android now I guess. If Palm can get this out (and it's as good as it looks) before Google have got a few more handsets out then they're gonna sell shitloads.

But if a lot of decent Android handsets come out in the next 6 months, and Palm have a delay, then I imagine a lot of their potential customers aren't going to wait and Palm could end up with an expensive flop on their hands.

Agree about the grace period of 6 months, people have been waiting for sometime with Palm many fans had lost patience, they can't fuck up now.

Unless Palm spectacularly screw up the rollout of the phone or come up with a bonkers price, I can't see it flopping.

It's got the kind of wow factor the iPhone created at its launch, and when it comes to functionality and interface, it's about as good as it gets.

Yep, it's got the buzz, be interesting to see how Google and Apple (amongst others) respond.

 

[UnderOpenSky]

None of the smart phones I've seen does video calling. How dead is that technology. I think it'll be revived when they really start to run out of idea on how to compete.

Remember that HP ad when they were up a mountain video calling their mates.

Never going to happen, but everything else you can do and nothing to do with HP.

Funny how it was predicted by sci fi writers for years, but when we get it we can't be bothered with it. I had 3 phones with it on, in that time I only made about 5 calls with it for the novelty value and that was just because I had free mins.

Want something to set phones apart? I think they should do "tough" models, bit heavier, but rubber casing and thick screen protectors.

 

[Kid_Eternity]

Funny how it was predicted by sci fi writers for years, but when we get it we can't be bothered with it. I had 3 phones with it on, in that time I only made about 5 calls with it for the novelty value and that was just because I had free mins.

Want something to set phones apart? I think they should do "tough" models, bit heavier, but rubber casing and thick screen protectors.

I tried it when I first got the n73, mainly to call my little niece who thought it was amazing she could see her uncle on the phone, but it was too expensive and crap quality.

If the quality had been better and you could use your free minutes (maybe a 4=1 conversion) then perhaps I'd used it more...

 

[beesonthewhatnow]

The only person I know that regularly uses video calling is a colleague who is away from home an awful lot on tours, and uses it so his little girl can see her dad every night.

His bills are fucking horrendous though

 

[Kid_Eternity]

The only person I know that regularly uses video calling is a colleague who is away from home an awful lot on tours, and uses it so his little girl can see her dad every night.

His bills are fucking horrendous though

I imagine with a decent size screen it could be useful for deaf people...

 

[cybertect]

I only just caught up with this news.

Er.

Wow.

The first Palm I've wanted since I wangled purchasing a Treo 270 from my local O2 store the day before it was officially available in the UK because I was off to the US for two weeks after that.

e2a: The 'cards' interface concept echoes some of Jef Raskin's ideas. This is a good thing.

 

[Sunray]

Funny how it was predicted by sci fi writers for years, but when we get it we can't be bothered with it. I had 3 phones with it on, in that time I only made about 5 calls with it for the novelty value and that was just because I had free mins.

Want something to set phones apart? I think they should do "tough" models, bit heavier, but rubber casing and thick screen protectors.

http://www.mphone.co.uk/rugged_tough_phone.html

Not smart phones, but aimed at the outdoor worker like builders, engineering and squat party goers esp that XP3 when its esp squat juicy.

Cant imagine a iPhone being too useful to someone installing new track on the underground?

 

[Kid_Eternity]

It's a decent size too:

 

[editor]

Engadget has just done a piece on the wireless charger. The fact that even the phone's charger has managed to pack in real innovation and attract interest speaks volumes of Palm's design.






http://www.engadget.com/photos/palm-pre-touchstone-eyes-on-2/1274574/

 

[beesonthewhatnow]

A wireless charger is almost off the scale on my "meh-ometer", but each to their own I guess

 

[Piers Gibbon]

I wonder whether the wirelessness of the charger will catch on with other manufacturers...be nice if you could recharge all phones by just leaving them on a cafe table frinstance

or would that fry your elbows as well?

 

[editor]

A wireless charger is almost off the scale on my "meh-ometer", but each to their own I guess

Surely, it's got to be a bit more 2009 to just slap yer phone onto a funky cordless mat t'ing rather than fiddle about shoving in Ye Olde cables, no?

Cables are, like, sooooooo 2008, man.

 

[Kid_Eternity]

A wireless charger is almost off the scale on my "meh-ometer", but each to their own I guess

I quite like it, the 'puck' as apparently it's known...

 

[beesonthewhatnow]

Surely, it's got to be a bit more 2009 to just slap yer phone onto a funky cordless mat t'ing rather than fiddle about shoving in Ye Olde cables, no?

Cables are, like, sooooooo 2008, man.

I'm so behind the times

 

[beesonthewhatnow]

I wonder whether the wirelessness of the charger will catch on with other manufacturers...be nice if you could recharge all phones by just leaving them on a cafe table frinstance

or would that fry your elbows as well?

How long before stuff like that appears on the Jazzz-ometer?

 

[Lazy Llama]

So the Touchstone charger is an optional accessory rather than coming with the phone.

And the Palm site says "Requires Palm Pre back cover for Touchstone charging dock, sold separately."

Does that mean you have to buy the Touchstone and then buy a new back for your phone so that you can use the charger?

"Charges device in approximately four hours"