Palm and Sprint have an announcement today regarding the Pre, and we’re all pretty excited. Maybe a release date? Maybe some new features? And hey, how about the rest of the world – is this thing coming to Canada? As you can see, our beloved EIC Will is manning the tweets, and I’ll be liveblogging here on the front page, grabbing screenshots as needed. If you’re the twittering type, you can follow both @WillPark and @SimonSage. If you’re registered, head on over here to get in on the action first-hand.
(Chronological order, newest at top)
# That’s a wrap – more generic Muzak
# Sprint.com/palmpre or palm.com/meetpre for more info
# Webcast is wrapping up 4 minutes ago
# Sprint: This is a device that NEEDS an unlimited data plan
# Palm Pre will be available with plenty of “Everything” plan options
# With Sprint’s WiMAX push, they might not be too keen on allowing Palm Pre tethering
(#PalmPre #Pre)
# Asked about tethering Palm Pre four times and still no answer – does that mean there will be no tethering?
# Sprint will offer in-store ReadyNow training for the Palm Pre – at your convenience, and totally free (#PalmPre #Pre)
# Funny, pre-launch, pre-mier, pre-release
# “Pre” is anticipatory, it intuitively knows what you want and serves up relevant data – it “Knows” what you want ahead of time (#Pre)
# What’s up with the name “Pre?”
# Plans to license WebOS? There are no licensing plans
# Palm Pre development – Developers can use CSS, HTML, etc. to build apps
# Sounds like the Palm Pre won’t be handling any hardcore games – Palm looking to quick, casual gaming
# Casual games will be included, but it’s more about web-app type games
# Will there be gaming applications on the device?
# Palm Pre can be charged using Touchstone or standard micro-USB charging cable (#PalmPre #Pre)
# Why no memory expansion slot on Pre? The thin, curvy design precluded the use of a memory expansion slot (#PalmPre #Pre)
# Will there be a Pre App Store? Yes, more on that later – Over the Air downloading
# Are these even real questions?
# Palm Treo Pro heads up Palm’s Windows Mobile push on Sprint
# Will Palm continue with Windows Mobile? Short answer is “YES”
# Magnetic Touchstone allows the Pre to be viewed in any orientation
# Wireless (inductive) charging is the future, glad to see Sprint and Palm embracing thetechnology (#PalmPre #Pre)
# Touchstone wireless charging station will be available at launch!
# @bucksommerkamp unfortunately, no price or availability #PalmPre #Pre
# @dancrumb Still no real new information
# Bigger web pages take more space, and so will reduce available space for additional “cards”
# Is there a limit to the number of cards open at one time? No specific number, but it depends on how much memory is available
# Will Pre support Flash? Answer dodged…
# Is Pre still on target for 1H 2009 launch? Yes “that has not changed since we announced it in Jan at CES”
# How does the Pre pull data from the web? WiFi, POP/IMAP, Exchange all mentioned as compatible
# Will all Sprint services (TV, Music, etc) be available on the Palm Pre? Yes they will (#PalmPre #Pre)
# No updates on pricing or availability – we heard you the first time
# Q&A time!
# Palm Pre has stereo Bluetooth
# Awkward phone conversation – Sprint should have rehearsed their phone call demonstration
# Touchstone – wireless charging for the Palm Pre! (#PalmPre #Pre)
# Incoming message or calendar alerts can be dealt with without having to stop your current task
# Super-quick and smooth screen rotation – the accelerometer looks quite accurate
# Universal Search automatically scours the web for relevant information in the absence of on-device matches
# @fling Synergy is a Palm innovation
# Universal Search matches searches with on-device information (contacts) and applications (Bluetooth config)
# Slide up the screen reveals a mirrored backside
# Showing off the Palm Pre’s smallish keyboard – at least its a full QWERTY
# Synergy will sync calendars over the air (OTA) (#PalmPre #Pre)
# Synergy will pull contacts information from social networks automatically
# Palm aimed to provide high usability by focusing on: standard tech, innovation, integration
# Demonstrating the Palm Pre’s Web OS interface…
# But we knew all this already….
# 1.35×3.96x.67 inches
# 3.5mm headphone jack, dedicated ringer mute switch
# 3 megapixel camera with LED flash
# Removable battery
# Palm Pre designed after a smooth river stone (#PalmPre #Pre)
# Accelerometer, proximity, ambient light sensors
# 320×480 resolution
# 3.1-inch capacitance touchscreen
# Sprint will teach you how to use the Palm Pre (#PalmPre #Pre)
# Sprint’s touting their “Ready Now” customer service program
# Sprint is really pushing their Simply Everything plans for the Palm #Pre.
# Sprint will offer Individual, Family, and Business plans for #Pre
# 3G network is critical to the Palm #Pre – Sprint says they are tops in mobile broadband network
# Palm Pre requires a data plan (obviously) and Sprint’s Simply Everything plan is a perfect match
# Palm and Sprint have been working together for a while, so it makes sense that Palm Pre goes to Sprint
# David Owens, Director — Consumer Acquisition, SprintMatt Crowley, Product Line Manager, Palm
# No pricing information today.
# its live!
# I like the generic pre-event music that Sprint is playing
# T-minus 3 minutes and counting!
# logged into the Sprint webcast and staring at Sprint’s splash screen
# Reminder: @SimonSage will be heading up the live-blog on IntoMobile’s front page
