• editorial,  web os

    Editorial: The Evolution of Palm OS

    February 16, 2009 /

    I was talking with a friend of mine the other day about Palm OS and her Centro. She was surprised to see that my email signature read, “Sent from my BlackBerry Curve” and not “Sent from my Palm Treo 755p.”

    The conversation continued a few hours later when Geri and I met face to face. The problem wasn’t that I was using a BlackBerry. My friends are used to seeing me with some new gadget every few months. In fact they expect it, demanding to see my new “toy” when we get together. Geri has never been one to pull her punches and asked, “Is the Palm OS dead?” She was questioning her recent decision to buy a Centro that I recommended when I was still using my Treo 755p and she a Z22. My response was that Palm OS had evolved into something completely new.

    When Palm launches their new Pre smartphone, likely to be sometime in the next 90 days, it will mark the ending of the Palm OS era and the beginning of the new Palm webOS platform. Yes, webOS will be virtually indistinguishable from the Palm OS. webOS will be controlled by your finger – not a stylus or navigation ring. Applications will be written in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript rather than C/C++. And our old applications will not run on the new platform.

    webOS, and the Pre, is all about simplicity. The user interface of webOS will be clean and functional. Palm developed webOS to be intuitive, so you will be able to learn it’s gestures quickly without having to flip through a thick manual with small print. Most importantly, webOS will be able to multitask so it can switch from task to task as quickly as you do. In short, Palm took their Zen of Palm design philosophy from Palm OS and transplanted it into the DNA of webOS.

    Yes, the software is all-new, but the legendary Palm ease of use and attention to the customer’s needs is still there, at the heart of the new OS.

    “Ok, so that sounds nice. But will my data transfer?,” was the next question. For the legions of Palm OS users who nervously await the arrival of the Pre, this is the $64,000 question. Without knowing the specific details, we all know, deep down, that the answer will be “Yes.” Why am I so sure? Palm wants their Palm OS customers to upgrade someday.

    When Palm announced webOS and the Pre last month at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), they focused on the built-in applications and the new hardware. They did talk about a new synchronization engine called “Synergy” in conjunction with Outlook, the cloud (read: Internet), Gmail, and Yahoo. But there was no mention of Palm Desktop or the PIM application data that is currently stored in our Palm Centro and Treo smartphones today.

    Let’s set aside my theory about Palm’s own web portal solution, that will link your Mac OS X or Windows PC to a Palm server which in turn links to your Pre or other future webOS device for a minute. During the CES presentation, Palm displayed a slide that listed a number of companies that they were working with to develop software for the new platform. One of those companies was Chapura, a company that has had a long relationship with Palm. Chapura was there when I started using a Palm back in 1999. Ten years later, Chapura is still developing great software that unlocks the data in your computer and puts it at your fingertips wherever you are. Even if Palm choses to get out of the desktop software business entirely, I am confident that Chapura, DataViz, or SplashData will develop a tool for migrating your data either from your computer to your new phone or from your old Palm OS Centro or Treo to your new Pre or a cloud portal (read: Google or Yahoo). The thing to take away is that even though Palm isn’t talking about data migration right now, rest assured, there will be multiple ways to move your data over. You won’t be left to retype your contacts list into your new Pre.

    To summarize, Palm OS will not be used in any more devices from Palm. Palm officials have been crystal clear on that point. Devices that use Palm OS today will not stop working when the Pre begins to ship with webOS. Palm’s webOS is all together different than Palm OS, however, Palm’s special “secret sauce” will ensure that webOS will be just as easy to use as Palm OS is today. And Palm has a plan for migrating your data to a new device.

    So how about it Palm? Can we start talking about the specifics around webOS, Synergy, and the migration path from Palm OS?

    Oh, and about the BlackBerry being my everyday device? I’ve already migrated all of my contacts from Palm Desktop into my Google Gmail account and I’m wirelessly synchronizing data between the two. Just think of the BlackBerry as a place holder until I buy my new Palm Pre smart(er)phone.

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  • apple,  entertainment,  iphone,  mobile apps 360

    Mobile Apps 360: iPickupLines for iPhone/iPod touch

    February 16, 2009 /

    Mobile Apps 360 takes a look at mobile software for your Palm OS, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, and the iPhone/iPod touch that will help keep your favorite mobile device fresh with new software.

    As we bring this Valentine’s Day weekend to a close, I found an application in Apple’s App Store for the iPhone/iPod touch that might be fun to try the next time you and your friends are hanging out at your favorite bar, night club, or watering hole.

    Internet Inferno’s iPickupLines is a free entertainment app that tries to help those of us that might be socially challenged when it comes to the dating scene. Once you get past the drawn lady in red, the app is incredibly simple. You tap the Next button to bring up the next random pick up line. iPickupLines belts out one hit wonders such as; “I’m not drunk, I’m just intoxicated by you.” and “Do you have any raisins? No? How about a date?” Clearly for entertainment value only.

    Still if you find youself at happy hour with your friends this Thursday night, it might be good for a few laughs. At least your friends might laugh at you when you get shot down by the girl across the bar.

    Download iPickupLines from the Apple App Store…

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  • blackberry,  rim,  sprint

    Sprint Rolls Out BlackBerry 8350i Update

    February 13, 2009 /

    Since releasing the BlackBerry 8350i a few weeks ago, Sprint customers have been reporting issues with the new software build on the device.

    Yesterday, Sprint released an update to the device’s system software, BlackBerry OS 4.6.1.128. Sprint BlackBerry customers can download the update from the Sprint website. If you haven’t already upgraded to BlackBerry Desktop v4.7, you can download the installer from the same downloads page.

    According to a recent post on CrackBerry.com, Sprint is still working with Research In Motion to address an echo problem.

    ” We are diligently working on a fix for the known echo issue. It will not be fixed in this first release, but we are doing our best to identify the issue and correct it and hoping to include that fix in the next software release. One option that helps alleviate the problem would be to use the headset that comes packaged with the phone.

    Sprint is also working with RIM on a second maintenance release to address the remaining issues, and hope to have it available shortly. Any customers have issues during the upgrade they can call care at 1-800-639-6111.”

    Download the Sprint BlackBerry 8350i update…

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  • pro,  windows mobile

    Palm Treo Pro Comes to Brazil on Claro Network

    February 13, 2009 /

    Palm has launched the Palm Pro smartphone on the Claro Network for our friends in Brazil.

    “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,” said Mark Halliden, managing director, Brazil, for Palm, Inc. “Businesses want the control and savings that Windows Mobile affords, in an innovative and elegant package that keeps their users happy. Treo Pro balances both.”

    The Treo Pro smartphone, based on the popular Windows Mobile platform, helps optimize business processes by effortlessly mobilizing users with enhancements to the Windows Mobile 6.1 platform, including:

    • One-touch Wi-Fi button – Easy, fast Wi-Fi connection experience (802.11b/g).
    • Ringer switch – Silences the device immediately.
    • Screen saver – Lets users know at a glance – without turning on the device – what time it is and whether they have missed a call or have a new SMS/MMS message.
    • New voicemail indicator – The center button flashes to let users know that a voicemail is waiting.
    • Dedicated email and calendar buttons — Fast one-button access.

    For more details, visit the Palm website…

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  • blackberry,  dataviz,  rim,  sprint

    BlackBerry OS 4.5 Update Report

    February 6, 2009 /

    I installed Sprint’s specially formulated BlackBerry OS 4.5 update on my Curve 8330 last night. The process when smoothly using BlackBerry Manager 4.7 on my Windows Vista Business SP1 PC.

    So far things look good and appear to be working well. The one thing that I didn’t like was that the pre-installed photos, one of which I liked as my wallpaper, are no longer on my device after applying the update. I haven’t had a chance to follow up with other Sprint 8330 users yet to see if they have had similar experiences or not. All in all, it isn’t a big deal. I’m sure somone posted the photos on the Inetnet. If I find them, I’ll post the link. I’ll also try and see if Sprint can confirm the missing photos.

    Otherwise, email, the browser, and Documents To Go are all working well. I’ll have to spend some more time playing with the new software over the weekend.

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  • astraware,  iphone,  palm,  windows mobile

    Astraware Launches Bubble Shuffle

    February 6, 2009 /

    Astraware has released what appears to be another great word puzzle game for Palm OS, Windows Mobile Professional, and iPhone/iPod touch.

    “Astraware(R) – the Handmark(R) Games StudioTM has today released a fun new word game featuring ever-friendly, fishy host, Wordsworth Smartygills. Bubble ShuffleTM follows on from Bubble Babble in the ‘Bubble’ word game series.

    Bubble Shuffle is a simple undersea-themed word-building game that challenges players to create words from a given set of bubble letters. Perfect for adults and children, the game begins with 4 letters to work from and increases over multiple levels to 7 letters. To progress from level to level players must create at least one word from all of the letters. Players can shuffle the bubbles as many times as they want, to help them find more words.

    The game features 4 fun game modes – 2 timed, and 2 more relaxing untimed games, each with a variation on the basic gameplay. Wordsworth Smartygills guides you through how to play, and can provide hints and clues throughout the game just by tapping him. Bubble Shuffle includes 4 levels of difficulty, and advanced anagram-anglers are rewarded for finding more unusual and esoteric words, with the option of requiring rare words from the inbuilt extended dictionary!

    Players can earn a collection of colorful seahorse pets for Wordsworth by various achievements, from reaching new difficulty levels to the challenge of finding all of the possible words within the time limit.

    Bubble Shuffle is available for Palm OS(R), Windows Mobile(R), iPhoneTM and iPod(R) touch. For more information, visit http://www.astraware.com/bubbleshuffle.”

    Fans of Astraware’s games will recall that game host “Wordsworth Smartygills” first appeared in Bubble Babble, another undersea word game which is currently available for Palm OS, Windows Mobile Professional, and Windows Mobile Smartphone.

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  • blackberry,  dataviz

    BlackBerry 4.5 Update: Don’t Forget Documents To Go

    February 6, 2009 /

    I’ve started the upgrade process to BlackBerry OS 4.5 on my Curve. Before you get started, you will want to download and install BlackBerry Desktop Manager version 4.7 from BlackBerry.com.

    While preparing to install the OS 4.5 update on my Berry, I was given the opportunity to select which options I wanted to install (or not install) on my device. First to go where the Spanish, French, and Korean language support. And then I noticed that by default, Documents To Go was not an installed option (see below).

    Don’t forget to turn Documents To Go on as an install option!

    And when you are done with the update, don’t forget to head over to the DataViz website to download the free update to Documents To Go 1.005.

    The BlackBerry OS 4.5 update for your device includes a Standard Edition of Documents To Go® v1.000 that lets you open, view and edit native Microsoft Word and PowerPoint files and attachments.

    Free Update to v1.005 Available!
    Register with DataViz® and download an update for Documents To Go with the following new features.

    • New Sheet To Go application to open, view and edit Microsoft Excel 97-2008 spreadsheets
    • Support for Microsoft Word 2007/2008 documents
    • Support for Microsoft PowerPoint 2007/2008 presentations
    • Improved rendering speed for PowerPoint slides
    • View tracked changes in word processing documents
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  • blackberry,  pearl,  rim,  sprint

    BlackBerry OS 4.5 Update Posted

    February 5, 2009 /

    Sprint has make good on their word to post the BlackBerry Curve 8330 and Pearl 8130 OS 4.5 upgrade on their website before the end of the day Friday. BlackBerry users rejoice! Sprint has packed in some very nice goodies for their customers who are using older Berries.

    Software Feature Enhancement with 4.5:

    • Send Multi-Media Messages (MMS) which enables sending of text messages with picture and other file attachment.
    • View emails in HTML email format. Users can easily change their email format setting to HTML for emails to appear just like they do on your PC. Will work automatically for BlackBerry Internet Service customers. Requires BES 4.1, Service Pack 6 for BlackBerry Enterprise Server customers (verify with your company’s IT department).
    • Free/Busy Calendar Lookup for BlackBerry Enterprise Server customers immediately lets you know all attendee’s availability. Not available to BlackBerry Internet Service customers. Requires BES 4.1, Service Pack 5 for BlackBerry Enterprise Server customers (verify with your company’s IT department).
    • Remote search for email for BlackBerry Enterprise Service customers creates more access to emails that are not stored on your device but remain stored remotely on your email server. Not available to BlackBerry Internet Service customers. Requires BES 4.1, Service Pack 5 for BlackBerry Enterprise Server customers (verify with your company’s IT department).
    • Word completion for SureType keyboards allows for faster typing on BlackBerry Pearl 8130.
    • Automatically generate a music playlist with specific criteria based on artist, albums or genre.
    • Video recording attachment view supported.
    • Create a Voice Note and attach to an email or Multimedia Message(MMS). Or record a voice note and save for playback when needed.
    • Dataviz Documents To Go Application gives you the ability to download and save a file to your BlackBerry to view or edit later. Requires Visit the DataViz® website to register with DataViz and download an update for Documents To Go that includes Sheet To Go.

    I know that many Sprint BlackBerry customers have been vocal in asking for MMS support on their devices. I’m also glad to see Sprint roll in support for HTML email and going the extra mile to include DataViz Documents To Go.

    Be sure to check back over the next few days as I do plan on posting my experiences with the upgrade process and with the new software features.

    Download the update now…

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  • blackberry,  pearl,  sprint

    Sprint Releases BlackBerry OS 4.5 for 8130, 8330

    February 5, 2009 /


    For Sprint’s BlackBerry customers, it has been a long wait for the certified version of BlackBerry OS 4.5 for the 8130 and 8330. For the last few months, Sprint Berry owners watched as fellow addicts on other carriers received their updates before us. Today, Sprint has announced that the wait is finally over!

    On the Sprint customer service forums, BuzzAboutWireless.com, the comapny writes:

    “Sprint is pleased to inform you we have approved final software for upgrade 4.5 on BlackBerry Pearl 8130 and BlackBerry Curve 8330 smartphones. Although we are getting this to you later than hoped, we are confident our extra testing and evaluation will deliver a better experience.

    Upgrade 4.5 software should be available at www.sprint.com/downloads later this week. When you arrive at the Web site, please select the BlackBerry device you use (Pearl or Curve), and our Web site will outline all the new and enhanced features with software version 4.5, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to update your smartphone. As mentioned previously, among other great features offered by the BlackBerry software 4.5, you will also now have MMS functionality with your BlackBerry.

    If you have loaded 4.5 software directly from the RIM Web site, we recommend you re-register your smartphone (go to Options>Advanced Options>Host Routing Table>select the menu key and choose “register now” )to ensure all software has loaded properly.

    Software versions of 4.5 for 8830 and 8703e BlackBerry models will be available very soon. We will update you as they become available.”

    I just checked the Sprint software downloads page for the BlackBerry Curve 8330 and it still has the link to OS 4.3, however, a Sprint representative on the BuzzAboutWireless forums has indicated that the OS 4.5 software download link will be made available soon.

    “I just finished speaking with the team responsible for posting the update on sprint.com/downloads and they assured me that it would be done later today or tomorrow.”

    This is great news for people who are addicted to their BlackBerry and who have been waiting to turn their email device into a real work horse by adding DataViz’ Documents To Go to their device. I was surprised to learn that by switching to a BlackBerry as my everyday device that I would no long be able to have the rich document editing capabilities that I had grown used to with Documents To Go on my Palm Treo 755p.

    Check the Sprint downloads page to get the update as soon as it is posted. You can discuss the update on BuzzAboutWireless.

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