Common Paradox Tech Blog

We haven’t been hearing much about when webOS will make its way to AT&T, but one analyst believes that the launch (which was never announced or dated) has been delayed and that Ma Bell isn’t so hot on webOS anymore. As noted at Barron’s, Peter Misek of Canadian bank Canaccord Adams has both cut his forecasts for Palm’s impending earnings release (no surprise there) and no claims that AT&T has delayed the launch of the Pre and Pixi (no clarification on Plus variants here, but we have no reason to believe they’re not).

Not only is Misek claiming that AT&T is pushing the date back, possibly to June or July, but he also says that AT&T has slashed order numbers for the handsets. The most obvious headwind to Palm at this point is the lackluster performance on Verizon, but Misek also claims that AT&T trepidation has been amplified by “a long list of technical issues” with the phones. Additionally, he says that AT&T is cutting their planned marketing budget for the Palm devices, which would make sense if there are going to be fewer to go around.

All around, not good news, though we should note that this is all from one analyst, so you should be setting aside some obligatory salt to take with your next meal. Misek did have one ominous statement that we found to be particularly chilling (but not at all surprising): Palm’s weak sales and continuing technical issues “are starting to impact its relationship with carriers.”

[via: Palm InfoCenter]

Palm’s US website has received an update that, while not hugely different from a structural standpoint, shifts the website’s focus to something that we’ve said time and time again is the new standard for judging a mobile platform: apps. First and foremost is the replacement of the tried and true Pre standing on a table image (still visible as of this writing on international versions of Palm.com) with a sweet 3D icon collage putting emphasis on the multitude of social networking/media apps available for webOS. And we’re not just talking official solutions like Palm’s Facebook app – the website features apps like Twee and LJ for WebOS from third party developers.

A scrolling column on the right provides highlights of more apps, special promotions, updates, and bits about webOS. The bottom bar has also seen an overhaul, with links now pointing to the Pixi “family,” Pre “family,” accessories, and apps.

Overall, the update has made Palm.com a much more accessible website for current and prospective Pre or Pixi owners. By highlighting certain apps front and center and giving them prominent placement in both cycled items and permanent navigation, Palm is acknowledging what is important to users and giving much-needed exposure to third-party apps and developers.

Now all we need is an easy way to explain what makes webOS unique and why you should buy a Pre or Pixi. Remember ten years ago and the problem we had explaining why you should want a TiVo over a VCR? Yeah.

Palm’s US website has received an update that, while not hugely different from a structural standpoint, shifts the website’s focus to something that we’ve said time and time again is the new standard for judging a mobile platform: apps. First and foremost is the replacement of the tried and true Pre standing on a table image (still visible as of this writing on international versions of Palm.com) with a sweet 3D icon collage putting emphasis on the multitude of social networking/media apps available for webOS. And we’re not just talking official solutions like Palm’s Facebook app – the website features apps like Twee and LJ for WebOS from third party developers.

A scrolling column on the right provides highlights of more apps, special promotions, updates, and bits about webOS. The bottom bar has also seen an overhaul, with links now pointing to the Pixi “family,” Pre “family,” accessories, and apps.

Overall, the update has made Palm.com a much more accessible website for current and prospective Pre or Pixi owners. By highlighting certain apps front and center and giving them prominent placement in both cycled items and permanent navigation, Palm is acknowledging what is important to users and giving much-needed exposure to third-party apps and developers.

Now all we need is an easy way to explain what makes webOS unique and why you should buy a Pre or Pixi. Remember ten years ago and the problem we had explaining why you should want a TiVo over a VCR? Yeah.

Palm ended with week with momentum on the app and developer side of things (especially game developer). As for the stock, things are still grim. So let’s start with PALM news to get that out of the way.

CNBC – Jim Goldman: "Goldman wrote about the possibility of Palm being brought under Motorola’s wing:

"…Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting that a Palm/Motorola tie-up would mount any kind of meaningful challenge to Apple and RIM."

"… But with strength in numbers and critical mass so important in the smart phone arena today, a Palm/Motorola team could at least get decidedly larger crumbs than the two separately are scrounging for today. Palm would do well with Motorola’s marketing muscle behind it, and Motorola’s Sanjay Jha could turn Palm into an operational contender rather than the stumbling wannabe it has been. Palm’s conference call in a couple of weeks when the company reports earnings should be an interesting event indeed."

Seems like there’s somebody suggesting Palm get purchased nearly every day. Still doesn’t make sense to us, though.

Let’s Talk Palm!

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If you’re still waiting to jump on the webOS bandwagon, we’ve got good news for Sprint lovers: if you head over to RadioShack in the next two weeks, you can pick up a Palm Pre or Palm Pixi on contract for the low price of nothing. While the Pixi has been free for a while (depending on where you’re looking), it’s rare to see the Pre available for free.

The RadioShack sale runs through March 27th, and is, of course, open only to new Sprint subscribers. If you’re already on Sprint, well, you’ll be paying money upfront for your Pre or Pixi. Of course, these phones require at least a $69.99/month Everything Data plan with a two-year contract, so a free phone is a difference of $50 or $100 on a nearly $1800 commitment.

Thanks to everybody who sent this in and to Derek for the photo!

Palm has finally rolled out its Developer Purchase Program, allowing developers to purchase webOS based phones without a contract for 20% off, with free 2 day shipping thrown in to sweeten the deal.  That 20% discount lets you to pick up the Pre for $439 , the Pre Plus for $479, the Pixi and Pixi Plus for $319.99 for every carrier currently selling the devices. For now, shipments are limited to US and Canadian addresses only.

There’s no AT&T Pre to choose from just yet, but know that one can always purchase the UK O2 Pre and use the webOS Meta-Doctor and use it domestically with WiFi-only data connectivity.

Palm has finally rolled out its Developer Purchase Program, allowing developers to purchase webOS based phones without a contract for 20% off, with free 2 day shipping thrown in to sweeten the deal.  That 20% discount lets you to pick up the Pre for $439 , the Pre Plus for $479, the Pixi and Pixi Plus for $319.99 for every carrier currently selling the devices. For now, shipments are limited to US and Canadian addresses only.

There’s no AT&T Pre to choose from just yet, but know that one can always purchase the UK O2 Pre and use the webOS Meta-Doctor and use it domestically with WiFi-only data connectivity.

Falling in line with the pricing available for other smartphones on other European networks, you can now get a Palm Pre for free on contract with O2 in the United Kingdom. In fact, so long as you’re willing to sign up for an 18 month contract for at least £30.00 a month, you can get a Palm Pre for free – and that £30.00 a month comes with unlimited data and texts (but just 100 minutes). Amusingly, O2 is also touting that the package comes with 3 free EA games, otherwise known as the games that are being given away for free in Europe anyway.

We all knew paid apps were headed to Europe. That was well announced by Palm and was well received by eager European users. As a Canadian, I was stuck, sitting there, and thinking "but what about me and other Canadians?" After all, Canada was the first international carrier to get the Palm Pre.

Good news! A few hours ago, arthurthornton posted a Palm email in our forums. The email basically described to developers what the international paid app expansion would mean for them. Interestingly, the email did include this brief key new bit of information:

We’d also like to inform you that in addition to the planned European launch, we will be launching e-commerce support in Canada and Mexico.

No date mentioned was, so it could mean that the Canada/Mexico expansion will occur at the same time as the European expansion (expected at the end of March), or possibly at some later unannounced date.

Regardless, it’s good to see progress is being made for Canadian and Mexican users wanting their paid app fix. Hopefully this announcement can help attract more developers with the expanded international user base.

Thanks to Arthur, Keith, and sketch42 for tips!

Unreal Engine 3? The graphics engine that powers many, many games (Gears of War, Mass Effect, Arkham Asylum) on consoles today? Ported on to Palm’s webOS? Neat, but not as neat as you’d think. More »