TouchLauncher, the application launcher that puts a Palm OS spin on the iPhone home screen, has recently been updated. Since its debut a few months ago, the app has quickly risen to become a best seller in the PIC software store and has seen a number of updates along the way. TouchLauncher basically functions as a more finger friendly interface with support for finger scrolling, drag and drop operations, custom iconsets, wallpapers, weblinks, contact icons and much more. The last couple of updates address some bugs, improve category and 5-way functions, improvements with high-res+ support and updated icons. You can checkout a video clip of TouchLauncher in action after the break.

TouchLauncher v.1.1.5 is available now for devices running Palm OS 5 and higher including Palm PDAs (Palm TX, LifeDrive, T3, T5, Zire 72). The app comes with a free trial period and costs $6.99 to purchase.

I've noticed a distinct lack of discussion online about the Verizon-specific Treo 755p 1.08 ROM update ever since its release earlier this month. Whether it stems from that particular device's late arrival relative to its Sprint sibling or a lack of compelling reasons to apply the upgrade (not aided at all by Palm's cryptic list of the update's improvements on their support site), I decided to create this guide to help any overly-cautious achieving a smooth, flawless update process. After nearly two weeks since performing the update, I've been able to put this ROM through the paces and it's worked out quite well thus far (my impressions of the update can be found below).

Opera Software has released the first beta of its Opera Mobile v9.5 browser for Windows Mobile devices. Opera is hailing the new version of its mobile browser as a totally new user experience complete with visual effects and a new look.. The software offers a rich browsing experience with the ability to automatically scroll around, pan and zoom into specific areas with the tap of a finger. In addition to the finger optimized controls, the software provides a full screen mode and multiple browser tabs.

Opera Mobile v9.5 beta 1 is currently freely available for download. The current version is compatible with WIndows Mobile 5 and 6 devices with a touchscreen.

One of the best Palm OS freeware apps just recently received its first update in nearly four years. Work on the open source Diddlebug program has picked up after a long hiatus and the new developers have just released a new version. Diddlebug is essentially an e-post it note application. It allows you to scribble notes on your Palm device using the stylus (or finger) and set alarms and reminders for each note with ease. The new version features numerous bug-fixes, proper 5-way navigation support and compatibility with the latest Palm devices including the Treo 600/650/680 and Centro devices.

DiddleBug v.2.90.d.5 is free to use and is open sourced under the GNU General Public License.

Palm last week introduced its latest new color for the Palm Centro smartphone. The new Electric Blue Centro is exclusive to AT&T and is available now starting at $69 after rebates and a new service agreement.

The Electric Blue shares all the same features and software as its white and black associates on AT&T. We previously posted our full review of the Onyx Black Sprint Centro and the Glacier White AT&T Centro as well. Read on for the full live picture gallery and additional details.

Seidio has long been one of the Palm mobile community's favored peripheral sources for a variety of reasons. First and foremost among these is the variety available in Seidio's signature accessories line, with their family of slim plastic hardcases a constantly popular option. Last year I reviewed Seidio's rubberized Innocase for the Treo 700-series. While that case had a few aggravating flaws, it remained a nicely made device that frustratingly didn't quite tap its full potential (or at least the example I owned failed to). Nevertheless, I have a few fond memories of that particular case, as it brought the soft-touch paint of the then-new Treo 750 to all Treo users frustrated with the slickness of their devices' exterior.

After spending the past few months with my new Verizon 755p, I've grown to love that device's rubberized coating even more but still would like some additional protection when I don't feel like toting a leather pouch case or belt case. So I decided to purchase another version of Seidio's Rubberized Innocase for my 755p and see what improvements have been from the previous generation. Read on for the full review.

DVD Catalyst has released a new free version of their popular DVD to mobile video converter. DVD Catalyst Free is now available for Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista. The application allows you to convert your DVD's with one click for just about every type of video capable device including Palm, iPod's and other mobile devices. It can convert DVDs (movies and TV episodes), as well as all common video file formats (avi, mpeg, divx, xvid, mp4, mkv, flv (youtube), etc) without the need of any additional software.

The free version of course lacks many of the advanced features and customization options available in the companies other products, DVD Catalyst 3 and DVD Catalyst GT.

The long awaited, oft rumored and much anticipated Wi-Fi equipped Treo 800w has now been officially made official. The Palm Treo 800w debuts today on Sprint for $249 after the usual contracts and rebates. In addition to Wi-Fi technology, the 800w also packs in a number of other significant firsts for Palm including high-speed EvDO Rev A, integrated GPS functionality and the latest version of Windows Mobile 6.1 with a 320 x 320 pixel display.

I've been using the Treo 800w for only a few days and am working on my full detailed review. In the meantime I've put together my first impressions of the device along with some high-res live pictures and tips. Read on for the first part of my Treo 800w review.

Palm today formally announced the Treo 800w smartphone running Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional Edition. The device is available now at Sprint stores and online at Palm.com starting at $249. The Treo 800w is the first Palm smartphone to include a number of new advanced features such as integrated Wi-Fi, EvDO Rev A high speed data and GPS technology.

The Treo 800w is squarely aimed at business professionals. Featuring the latest version of Windows Mobile, the device offers out of the box Exchange support with Outlook email with Microsoft Direct Push Technology and HTML support, native Microsoft Office documents, PowerPoint and PDF and zip file attachment support. The device is also compatible with Microsoft's System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008, which delivers increased security and easier smartphone management as well as access to information on the corporate network.

Nearly lost amidst the media hullabaloo of Apple's much-hyped iPhone 3G announcement is the fact that AT&T are temporarily taking a hatchet to the price of their Palm OS-based Centro prices in order to get a jump on the back-to-school shopping season.

Effective immediately and concluding September 20th, AT&T is now offering an all-time low price of $69.99 after all instant and mail-in discounts on the usual 2yr contract. This pricing is valid for both online and in-store retail purchases. This new price is applicable for all colors of their GSM Centro, including the recently-released electric blue Centro as well as the obsidian black and glacier white colors.

Ilium Software has released a new version of its eWallet password and personal information manager. eWallet Professional Edition allows users to store credit cards, passwords, PINs, calling cards, accounts, usernames and much more. All information is encrypted with 256-bit AES encryption, and can be backed up and sync'd with your desktop computer. New features include multiple hidden fields, email and web links, an improved search, customized templates and a new shortcuts feature to easily access your most used cards.

eWallet Professional Edition v6.1 is available for Palm OS and Windows Mobile. It sells for $29.95 and comes with a free trial period. eWallet 6.1 is a free upgrade to all registered owners of eWallet 6.0, which was released in December 2007.