AT&T announced that it would be carrying the HP Veer 4G on its network starting on May 15 for the low, low price of just $99 with a two-year agreement. This tiny phone, which runs webOS, packs some nice specs in such a small package. Get to know the HP Veer a little better in this slideshow, where we discuss features, size, and function.
Looks like the Palm Pre and Palm Pixi weren't enough to keep the wireless company afloat — according to Bloomberg news, Palm is up for sale. PC Mag covers other potential buyers including pros and cons of each, and Reuters suggests that the sale could total more than $1 billion.
So far, HTC seems to be the main contender, with both Engadget and Gizmodo expressing their support for the purchase. Why HTC? According to Gizmodo, acquiring Palm will put HTC in a good position to compete with Apple, mainly because of patents owned by Palm. Engadget echoes the support based on patents and suggests a few more perks: HTC needs a platform of its own and Palm needs good hardware; they already have a history of working together; HTC has a good relationship with cellular carriers. And with all of the HTC speculation, Palm's stock has already risen today, a sign that investors are happy with the potential takeover.
This morning, Google rolled out its new Google Voice web app that lets you dial out of your iPhone and PalmOS devices using your Google Voice number. I've been waiting for this moment, since I love the benefits of the service and would love to access it from my mobile! Not only does the new mobile web app show your Google Voice number on your friends' caller ID, but it stores all your transcribed voicemails, contacts, and settings as it does in the regular web-based edition. Additionally, you can send free SMS messages and make cheap international calls, while Google's AppCache lets you store data locally on your phone without losing it when you close the browser.
To get started, just head to Google Voice, log into your account, and get chatting!
After their CES debut, Palm's Pre Plus ($150) and Pixi Plus ($100) are finally available today, but with an extra added bonus — through Feb. 14, if you buy one Pre Plus or Pixi Plus, you get another Pixi Plus for free after a mail-in rebate! Perfect for you lovebirds who like matching gadgets, or for those of you who enjoy taking advantage of sweet two-for-one deals.
But to stand out from the Pixi Plus-carrying masses, you can customize yours with one of Palm's artist series Touchstone back plates that not only show off your style but allow you to charge your Pixi Plus without wires on Palm's Touchstone charging system. Life without wires? I'm all in.
Labels and love, that's what it's all about. Well, according to Fergie, anyway. If you've got a fashion hound in your midst (or have willingly become a slave to your favorite designer), have no fear — you can still geek out with your gadgets and look good doing it.
If your mom dabbles in tech (mostly to get around faster, to stay connected with friends and family, and to surf her favorite blogs) but still likes her gadgets to look clean, then she's a lady after my own heart. Getting your mom to gravitate toward new gadgets can be a great way for her to use the latest streamlined technology to stay informed and have fun. Here's how I'd wire the geek chic mom who wants her gadgets to serve a purpose but wants to be entertained in the process.
At CES yesterday, Palm announced the Pre Plus and Pixi Plus, both being released through Verizon on January 25. Although the upgrades weren't all that eye-catching (16GB of on-board storage vs. 15GB, a special casing to link up with the Touchstone Charging Dock, new back case colors and backgrounds for the Pixi), there was an interesting bit of news: Palm will be releasing a mobile hotspot app, which allows you to tether your Pre Plus or Pixi Plus with up to five other WiFi compatible devices (think netbook, DS, camera) and share the fast 3G network.
The app virtually gives you the power to create your own WiFi cloud. Of course, this access will come at an extra cost, but it's something that will be available in the Palm App Catalog later this month, versus AT&T who has promised this to iPhone customers for nearly a year. Additionally, Palm is now opening up their developer program to the public to submit apps to the App Catalog. They've also started a $1 million dollar Hot Apps Bonus program which could earn popular developers some cold, hard cash. No prices have been announced for the Pre Plus and Pixi Plus, but they'll be talking numbers soon.
I walked into my local Walgreens yesterday and found an entire aisle dressed in pink, red, and overflowing with Valentine's Day candy. Now, beings as it was January 4, I was a little taken aback by how quickly the store changed from "Happy Holidays" to "I love you," but I shouldn't complain — I'm a total sucker for heart-shaped Cadbury Cream Eggs!
And although the Palm Pixi was just released this past November after making its debut at Fashion Week, Palm wants us ladies to fall in love with its tiny smartphone all over again: the company is preparing to launch a pink line of Pixis just in time for Valentine's Day. A leaked Sprint inventory screen shot reveals a pink hued Pixi in the mix, and the new handset will most likely be announced at CES on Thursday. So tell me — are you excited for a pink Pixi?
The buzz surrounding the Palm Pre has already died down, so what does Palm have in store for us next? Oh just another handset — the Pixi artist series phone — which is set to make its big entrance during NY Fashion Week. . . how fitting!
The WebOS phone, which comes with a creative design on the back, is said to only cost $99, but with Sprint taking $100 off of the Pre for new customers (now until Oct. 10), these two smartphones may actually become affordable for those who want a feature-filled phone without the unreasonable price tag.
I've been excited for the launch of the Palm Pre since its announcement at this year's CES, and it looks like we may have a release date: The Boy Genius Report has heard a rumor that the Pre might be available as early as April 30. Also heard on the grapevine? It might be $299 with a two year contract with Sprint.
The highly anticipated new smartphone, to remind you, will have an amazing OS and a the new wireless charger, the Touchstone.
While I remain a devote iPhone user, I'm not a stranger to using more than one cell phone at a time, and am more than tempted by the Pre. It's also the first worthy smartphone contender that Palm has produced in years, so I'm eager to try it out.
What about you — would you switch from your current phone to the Pre?
