Palm Pre Touch Phone » Palm webOS development

Palm Struggling to Keep Up with App Submissions

John — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 04:10:53 +0000

Only hours away from Palm launching paid apps, news from Palm Developer Community Manager Chuq Von Rospach, is positive, but not entirely promising:

We got more applications than we could handle well, which is a good problem to have. Unfortunately, it means we dropped some things on the floor, and that’s bad, but with the impending “stuff” that’s coming, this is all going to get a lot easier for everyone and a lot more transparent.

With the homebrew community already pumping out applications it shouldn’t be much surprise that Palm is getting a lot of apps submitted. A major appeal to WebOS is the ability to use commonly used Web code to write applications, which means there are a lot more people who can create applications. On a positive note, there will be a way to do almost anything you’d want to do with your WebOS device, but if Palm is not careful in their App selection the App Catalog will be over run with pointless fart and virtual beer drinking apps. It will be very interesting to see what Palm has approved, and what must-have apps will be officially made available tomorrow and at what price.

WebOS Sales Better Than Expected, Despite 1Q Loss – Palm Cuts Off Windows Mobile

John — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 03:50:53 +0000

To some the Palm Pre may not have sold as well as other phones (read iPhone), but those who understood Palm and Sprint’s strategy know that it was never the goal. Even Palm will agree that the iPhone is still in a class of it’s own, but that doesn’t make it to best phone, or the phone for everyone. That brings us to today’s financial report from Palm which shows an increasing loss, but the Pre’s sales beat expectations leaving the company with a smaller loss than expected. Palm’s new strategy is to go “all-in” with their newest operating system WebOS, letting go of Windows Mobile and the dying PalmOS. Palm can now devote all their resources to bettering WebOS and producing new devices and making sure they get those devices to as many carriers as they can.

Visit The Wall Street Journal for all the details on sales and numbers for Palm’s 1st Quarter.

Leaked WebOS Update Officially Available

John — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:44:32 +0000

Palm rolled out the WebOS 1.2 update just days after the leaked version hit the net, but a day after that announcement Palm Pre’s haven’t updated and the release notes have disappeared from Sprint’s Support Site. Regardless of when the actual update will be pushed to the phone, a list of all the changes is now available.

Adds the following updates and enhancements:
-Enhanced copy feature added to browser and email (shift key + tap and drag to select text).
-Improved global search to catch synonyms. For example, “Movies” brings up YouTube and Videos.
-Send/Receive vCards via the contacts application (tap left menu drop down)
-LinkedIn enhancements
-Filter search in email
-Bluetooth for expanded car-kit support
-Improved auto-linking of contacts
-Save inline images in email
-Resume support for podcasts and long songs
-Download files in browser
-Backup/Restore of web browser bookmarks
-Support Amazon MP3 over WAN (not just WiFi)
-Photo Albums sync via Media Sync
Addresses the following issues:
-Capability has been added to dial phone numbers from a calendar notes field.
-User interface now displays “updating PRL” correctly when you tap on Update PRL in Phone Preferences.
-Device will no longer reboot while attempting to download music when there was not available user memory.
-Real-time updates on Yahoo Finance now work properly.
-Sprint Navigation is now able to use free form addresses for navigation, including addresses from personal email accounts.
-PDF files can now be opened from a browser link.
-If the device receives a notification alert (for example an SMS), a clock alarm would not play unless the notification alert was dismissed.
-If a calendar event is snoozed then moved to a future time, the event notification will now appear at the proper time.
-When editing or creating a calendar event and toggling to another application before saving the event, the event will no longer be duplicated.
-On Google calendar, all day events that are changed to timed events on a computer are now properly updated.
-If a cancellation is received for an event and the user selects “Remove from Calendar”, the event is now removed from the device and desktop.
-If large attachments are sent in an e-mail, the e-mail is no longer sent twice.
-When setting email sync time to manual the device will no longer automatically sync the email accounts.
-Certain properties of tasks that can be set via the computer (but not displayed on the device) will no longer be deleted on the server.
-When two contacts were linked (one with a last name and one without) you will now be able to find them in SMS and email.
-Syncing issue with personal accounts has been resolved.

Leaked WebOS Update Officially Available

John — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:44:32 +0000

Adds the following updates and enhancements:
-Enhanced copy feature added to browser and email (shift key + tap and drag to select text).
-Improved global search to catch synonyms. For example, “Movies” brings up YouTube and Videos.
-Send/Receive vCards via the contacts application (tap left menu drop down)
-LinkedIn enhancements
-Filter search in email
-Bluetooth for expanded car-kit support
-Improved auto-linking of contacts
-Save inline images in email
-Resume support for podcasts and long songs
-Download files in browser
-Backup/Restore of web browser bookmarks
-Support Amazon MP3 over WAN (not just WiFi)
-Photo Albums sync via Media Sync
Addresses the following issues:
-Capability has been added to dial phone numbers from a calendar notes field.
-User interface now displays “updating PRL” correctly when you tap on Update PRL in Phone Preferences.
-Device will no longer reboot while attempting to download music when there was not available user memory.
-Real-time updates on Yahoo Finance now work properly.
-Sprint Navigation is now able to use free form addresses for navigation, including addresses from personal email accounts.
-PDF files can now be opened from a browser link.
-If the device receives a notification alert (for example an SMS), a clock alarm would not play unless the notification alert was dismissed.
-If a calendar event is snoozed then moved to a future time, the event notification will now appear at the proper time.
-When editing or creating a calendar event and toggling to another application before saving the event, the event will no longer be duplicated.
-On Google calendar, all day events that are changed to timed events on a computer are now properly updated.
-If a cancellation is received for an event and the user selects “Remove from Calendar”, the event is now removed from the device and desktop.
-If large attachments are sent in an e-mail, the e-mail is no longer sent twice.
-When setting email sync time to manual the device will no longer automatically sync the email accounts.
-Certain properties of tasks that can be set via the computer (but not displayed on the device) will no longer be deleted on the server.
-When two contacts were linked (one with a last name and one without) you will now be able to find them in SMS and email.
-Syncing issue with personal accounts has been resolved.

Leaked WebOS Update Officially Available

John — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:44:32 +0000

Adds the following updates and enhancements:
-Enhanced copy feature added to browser and email (shift key + tap and drag to select text).
-Improved global search to catch synonyms. For example, “Movies” brings up YouTube and Videos.
-Send/Receive vCards via the contacts application (tap left menu drop down)
-LinkedIn enhancements
-Filter search in email
-Bluetooth for expanded car-kit support
-Improved auto-linking of contacts
-Save inline images in email
-Resume support for podcasts and long songs
-Download files in browser
-Backup/Restore of web browser bookmarks
-Support Amazon MP3 over WAN (not just WiFi)
-Photo Albums sync via Media Sync
Addresses the following issues:
-Capability has been added to dial phone numbers from a calendar notes field.
-User interface now displays “updating PRL” correctly when you tap on Update PRL in Phone Preferences.
-Device will no longer reboot while attempting to download music when there was not available user memory.
-Real-time updates on Yahoo Finance now work properly.
-Sprint Navigation is now able to use free form addresses for navigation, including addresses from personal email accounts.
-PDF files can now be opened from a browser link.
-If the device receives a notification alert (for example an SMS), a clock alarm would not play unless the notification alert was dismissed.
-If a calendar event is snoozed then moved to a future time, the event notification will now appear at the proper time.
-When editing or creating a calendar event and toggling to another application before saving the event, the event will no longer be duplicated.
-On Google calendar, all day events that are changed to timed events on a computer are now properly updated.
-If a cancellation is received for an event and the user selects “Remove from Calendar”, the event is now removed from the device and desktop.
-If large attachments are sent in an e-mail, the e-mail is no longer sent twice.
-When setting email sync time to manual the device will no longer automatically sync the email accounts.
-Certain properties of tasks that can be set via the computer (but not displayed on the device) will no longer be deleted on the server.
-When two contacts were linked (one with a last name and one without) you will now be able to find them in SMS and email.
-Syncing issue with personal accounts has been resolved.

Palm to Open E-commerce Beta Program for Palm App Catalog

Arik — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:50:31 +0000

Consider this a sign that we are getting closer and closer to an official App Catalog for webOS instead of this Beta we seem to be stuck in… and that, of course, means more apps.

We received word from Palm today that developers may now begin submitting their applications to the “App Catalog ecommerce beta program,” which will begin sometime in mid-September. Interesting to note is that the now standard 70/30 profit split between the developer and the provider (in this case, Palm) will be in effect (excluding applicable sales taxes, of course).

Read the entire press release after the jump and find out what criteria you’ll need meet to get in.

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Aug. 18, 2009 — Palm, Inc. (NASDAQ: PALM) announced that starting today developers who wish to charge for their Palm webOS™ applications can begin submitting them for consideration in the Palm® App Catalog e-commerce beta program, which will begin in mid-September. Developers selected to participate in the beta program will have the opportunity to have their applications, both free and paid, featured in the Palm App Catalog ahead of the next wave, and to be among the first to be paid for purchases of their Palm webOS applications.

As part of the App Catalog e-commerce beta program for the Palm Pre™ phone and future Palm webOS devices, developers will receive a 70/30 split (developer/Palm) of gross revenues generated through application sales (less applicable sales taxes). Customers will be able to easily purchase applications using Visa and MasterCard credit cards. Further details about the program and distribution model will be provided in the coming weeks. Palm expects to launch the full developer program in the United States this fall.

“We’re rolling out the submission process and e-commerce capabilities of the Palm App Catalog with careful consideration for both the developer and customer,” said Katie Mitic, senior vice president, Product Marketing, Palm, Inc. “We want every part of the Palm webOS experience to be the best, and a strong e-commerce model is key to a thriving developer community, great apps and an excellent customer experience.”

More information about how developers can submit an application for the beta
e-commerce program, as well as criteria for application acceptance, is available on the Palm Developer Network blog at http://pdnblog.palm.com/.

About Palm, Inc.

Palm, Inc. is a leading mobile products company, creating instinctive yet powerful mobile products that enable people to better manage their lives on the go. The company’s products for consumers, mobile professionals and businesses include Palm Pre™, Palm® Treo™ and Palm Centro™ phones, as well as software, services and accessories.

Palm products are sold through select Internet, retail, reseller and wireless operator channels throughout the world, and at Palm online stores (http://www.palm.com/store).

More information about Palm, Inc. is available at http://www.palm.com.

Twee, Another Twitter Client for the Pre

kindaskimpy — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 20:49:39 +0000

If you are a Pre user and find yourself needing yet another Twitter client, and in all honesty I wouldn’t know why because Tweed and Spaz are very useful, then this story is for you. Twee has landed… but not in the App Catalog… not yet anyway.

Twee is another Twitter client for your Pre and by the looks of it, the most complete feature-wise. Right now, the app is being offered as beta and since it isn’t in the App Catalog just yet, you’ll have to install it the “unofficial” way.

Right now, Twee is completely free but according to Dennis Wilkins, the creator, “It will be a paid application at launch. I do not have a definite price yet, but it will be more than 99 cents and less than 5 dollars.”

Twee’s most distinctive feature is the navigation bar at the bottom, which allows you to scroll through its features and options trending topics, top links tweeted and lots more.

Personally, Tweed is more than enough for me but this might be worth checking out even if just to satisfy your curiosity.

[via PreThinking]

Video: All Things Digital (D7) Discussion Now Available

kindaskimpy — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:55:55 +0000

This is indeed, old news, I’m aware of that but nonetheless, I found it amusing way back when I first saw it and I think you guys will too. After the jump you will find the full All Thing Digital (D7) sit-down chat with now Palm CEO Jon Rubinstein and Elevation Partners investor Roger McNamee.

Rubenstein was known as one of the fathers of the iPod before joining the ranks at Palm and McNamee… well, let’s just say he’s a character.

In the almost hour long video you will find discussions on the Palm Pre feature set, including the announcement of the now broken iTunes Media Sync option on the Pre. Some hilarity ensues when McNamee innocently named the Pre’s reflective slider back, and I’m paraphrasing here, as a mirror for the ladies and how it’s a first in the industry to cater to that need. I told you he was a character. Needles to say, Kara Swisher, who along with Walt Mossberg, conducted this sit down was not amused.

Enough blah blah-in from me. The video awaits after the jump!

[via PreCentral]

Mojo SDK Available to All – Right Now!

kindaskimpy — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:57:32 +0000

Breaking News!

Yes, it’s true. And you heard it here first… actually, Palm said it first, but you get my point. A few moments ago, on their blog, Palm announced that the Mojo SDK for webOS is now available to everyone. I know most of you are probably not even going to finish reading this and instead will have already headed over to the developer portal to get your hands on it, and I don’t blame you.

This, of course, comes as a bit of a surprise since Palm stated earlier that they’d open up the SDK by the end of the summer and most of us assumed that meant the very last day of summer. Glad to see we were wrong. Says Palm in their blog, “…over 1.8 million apps have been downloaded from the beta App Catalog since Palm Pre was released less than six weeks ago. Thousands of developers have participated in the Mojo SDK early access program since it began in early April. New applications are in the pipeline for the Palm App Catalog, and the App Catalog submission process will be opened to all developers beginning this fall.”

After the jump is the post from the official Palm blog in its entirety… read and then go! Go develop and get ready for the flood of apps this fall!

“Mojo SDK available to all

After a successful early access program, Palm’s Mojo Software Development Kit is available to all interested app developers. The SDK can be downloaded from a new developer portal — Palm webOSdev — at developer.palm.com. Any interested developer with a valid email address can access the SDK, its associated documentation, and new Mojo developer forums.
The initial response to Palm webOS apps — from both developers and customers — has been enthusiastic. Even in its initial beta stage, over 1.8 million apps have been downloaded from the beta App Catalog since Palm Pre was released less than six weeks ago. Thousands of developers have participated in the Mojo SDK early access program since it began in early April. New applications are in the pipeline for the Palm App Catalog, and the App Catalog submission process will be opened to all developers beginning this fall.

Developers interested in exploring Palm webOS and the Mojo SDK further may be interested in these upcoming events:

- Michael Abbott, Palm’s Senior Vice President for Application Software & Services, is speaking today on the emerging opportunities for mobile applications at the MobileBeat 2009 conference in San Francisco.

- webOShelp is organizing a developer meetup (at Palm’s Sunnyvale headquarters) on July 28.

- preDevCamp an informal network of Mojo developers, will host events in 73 cities around the world on August 8.

Additional opportunities to find out more about developing for Palm webOS can be found on the webOSdev portal.

Jon Zilber”

Classic HotSync for Palm Pre Coming Soon

kindaskimpy — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 02:49:25 +0000

According to MotionApps, by far the single most requested feature for their Palm OS emulator on the Pre, “Classic,” is HotSync and it’s not hard to believe. Rest assured though, with this admission comes also the news that full HotSync support is coming to their “Classic” app on the Pre and it will be a free update! It’s like the holidays came early this year!

MotionApps, it seems, have taken these requests of “Classic” users, like myself, into serious consideration and have been hard at work on implementing full HotSync support into “Classic,” effectively expanding the emulator’s usefulness to those who heavily rely on it in their daily lives.

The Palm Pre is my very first Palm device (not my first smart phone) so I have no attachment to Palm OS in particular. Still, I purchased a copy of “Classic” for my Pre just for the sake of it and have played around with it quite a bit. I will gladly let you know how well MotionApps does with its implementation of HotSync as soon as it becomes available to us.

“We have HotSync working on our development devices and it is successfully syncing with standard Palm Desktop software that is shipping with Centro and other Palm OS devices.”

The developers, via their blog, did not provide an estimate for when a HotSync-inclusive update for “Classic” would be coming but did promise it would be included in one of the upcoming “Classic” updates as a free upgrade for all existing “Classic” users.

While a release date is unknown, they did, however, tease us with some tidbits to remind us that with HotSync, “Classic” will receive a fresh batch of features such as the, “ability to synchronize contacts, calendar, notes, tasks and other PIM data between the Pre and desktop computer (including standard support for syncing contacts and calendar with Microsoft Outlook). Ability for existing Palm OS to easily migrate their data and applications from Palm OS phones to Pre. Ability to use custom conduits and desktop applications that are syncing their data between desktop and phone through HotSync. Easy installation of new Palm OS apps on the Palm Pre. Easy and fast way for backing up data and applications on desktop computer.”

Perhaps rounding out the good news with even better news is the fact that HotSync on Classic, much like HotSync on most other Palm devices, will be able to do this without the need for a traditional USB cable, if you so desire it that way. “New version of Classic will be able to perform HotSync operations over Bluetooth or WiFi connections,” reads a statement on MotionApps’ blog.

In closing they ask us to say tuned to their blog, “since HotSync is not the only thing we are cooking up for the upcoming releases of Classic.”

Since it doesn’t take much to make me happy, color me excited.

If you’d like more information on “Classic,” its features, limitations or even just want to purchase a copy for yourself, head on over to MotionApps’ website.