HP has announced a significant update to Palm’s webOS operating system. The webOS now jumps to version 2.0 and brings a lot of new features. Some of the notable one found in webOS 2.0 are improved multitasking, Just Type, HP Synergy, Adobe Flash 10.1 support, Skype Mobile (Verizon users only), browser with HTML5 support, VPN, Bluetooth keyboard, Exhibition that automatically shows the pre-defined task when charged on a Touchstone Charging Dock and more.

Taking advantage of this new OS is Palm’s Pre 2. Pre 2 will be initially launched in France, US and Canada and boasts a 1GHz CPU, 3G, 3.1-inch multitouch screen (320×480), slide-out QWERTY, Wi-Fi with hotstpot support, 5MP camera with LED flash, GPS, geotagiing support, Bluetooth 2.1, 16GB internal memory and 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pre 2 will be available from Friday from SFR in France whereas US and Canada will get the phone in the coming months.

Product Page

Press Release

Australian court might have barred from selling the specialized USB dongle that enabled PS3 jailbreak but hackers have found a new way to get the same result with a phone. The new PS3 jailbreak currently works only with Nokia’s N900 and Palm Pre but we think it is just a matter of time when this code will be ported to other platforms as well, say Android.

Needless to say, this doesn’t go well with Sony but considering the source code available to all, Sony should rather think to patch the exploit instead of contemplating a lawsuit.

Nokia N900 PS3 Jailbreak
Palm Pre PS3 Jailbreak

[Via Engadget]

Palm has announced to bring its Pre Plus and Pixi Plus devices to AT&T. Palm’s offerings will take advantage of AT&T’s “fast 3G network” for $149.99 (Pre Plus) and $49.99 (Pixi Plus).

Pre Plus is a fully featured webOS phone with a large touchscreen display, sliding QWERTY keyboard, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and 16GB internal storage.

As for Pixi Plus, it is Palm’s thinnest phone and features a QWERTY keyboard, 2MP camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, Bluetooth and more.

AT&T will bring the devices in the coming months and will be available on a 2-year contract with $100 mail-in rebate.

[Via Palmblog]

Sprint posted a message on its forums (taken down now) claiming details of an upcoming software update for Palm Pre and Pixi users. The update v1.4 will be transmitted over-the-air (OTA) starting today and despite a somewhat lengthy changelog, it’s the integration of Adobe Flash 10 that makes the update special. The Flash however will need Adobe plug-in to take advantage that has been assured to be added soon in the Palm App Catalogue.

Fixes:
- Time Zone bug fixed
- Network time sync bug fixed to reflect accurate Network time
- Bluetooth car-kit transition to device corrected
- No EV icon bug fixed (random)
- Random browser formatting bugs fixed
- Fixed bug that incorrectly displayed Sprint when actually was Digital Roaming
- Missing Contact issue specifically with swap down to 1.2.9.1 or less

Feature Updates:
- Phonebook Transfer (import & export)
- Adds Video Capture capability & edit Calendar Enhancements
- Messaging Enhancements
- Improved Performance (Phone & CAL)
- Email Enhancements
- Notification Enhancements
- Adds Adobe Flash 10.0 (Pre Only)
NOTE: The 1.4 software adds the ability to use the Flash 10.0 Adobe plug-in which will be available shortly from the Palm App Catalogue

[Via BGR]

As expected, the first Palm Pre carrying GSM bands have hit the retail shelves in Germany. Germans can buy the device right now SIM-free for 481 euros or chalk out just a euro to enter into an agreement with O2 for two years with 20 euros as the monthly fee.

Palm also announced the availability for Spain, which is tomorrow, October 14. UK and Ireland will be selling the unit from October 16 with price starting from 96.89 GBP for the phone plus 29.38 GBP every month for 18 months.

To rehash, GSM Palm Pre features a 3.1-inch touchscreen display, 3MP camera with LED flash, GPS, Bluetooth 2.1, Wi-Fi, 8GB internal memory, accelerometer and more.

[Via GSMArena]

The wait for Europeans to get their hands on Palm’s webOS device will soon be over. O2 who is the exclusive carrier of GSM-band equipped Palm Pre in Europe has announced the availability dates. Germans will be able to pick up their Pres from October 13 while UK and Irish consumers will get from October 16.

Head over to your region-specific O2 site to check out different plans and pricing.

[Via Palmblog]

Palm has officially announces the second webOS powered device, Pixi aka Eos. Palm’s thinnest creation till date, the Pixi will hit Sprint at an affordable tag in time for holidays. The Pixi feature set includes EVDO Rev. A connectivity, 2.63-inch touchscreen display (320×400), gesture area, GPS, 2MP fixed focus camera with LED flash, Bluetooth, 8GB internal memory, accelerometer, light/proximity sensors and 1150mAh battery. Pixi weighs under 100 grams and is just 10.85mm thick (0.43”).

Users can jazz their devices by changing the back cover with the Pixi Artist Series that comes in trendy designs or create your own with the tools available on the App Catalog.

Palm also announced a price cut for Pixi’s elder sibling. Pre will now sell for $150 after a $150 rebate and 2-year contract.

Product Page

Verizon users will soon be spoilt for choice. A total of six phones, out of which five phones are power packed have been added to Verizon’s Inventory Database, hinting their launch maybe near. The phones – RIM BlackBerry Storm 2, HTC Touch Pro2 (XV6875), Samsung Omnia II, Convoy U640 and interestingly two Palm devices with model no. P101 and P121 have been added.

Phone Arena who got these pictures speculates that since P100 number was given to Sprint’s Pre, P101 might be for the big red’s version. P121 is said to be CDMA band equipped Eos.

Palm and its European network affiliate had assured a holiday release but a Pre fansite is claiming to have the exact date of the Pre launch in UK. According to the PalmWebOSBlog, the launch date will be October 30, which if true, goes well with the ‘October release’ banner that was sighted on O2 Germany’s site.

As for the pricing, the site does not say the exact amount but claims to be in line with iPhone, presumably 3GS. Since O2 is the official carrier of the Pre and the iPhone in UK, it will be logical to price them equally so as not to hamper any device’s sales due to price factor.

[Via Electricpig]

It’s second half of 2009 and as anticipated, Bell has set the Canadian release date of Pre. Come August 27, Canadians will be able to buy the first webOS device for a considerable $199.95. This of course, comes with a three-year contract but Bell will be selling no-contract Pres too, which will cost $599.95.

Bell is currently taking pre-orders online, at Bell stores and at select retail partners.

Product Page

Press Release