PalmSource has just released the Palm OS Developer Suite v1.1. The PODS suite is designed to enable the development of next generation multimedia and wireless applications for ARM- and 68K-based Palm Powered devices. The new release includes support for Palm OS Cobalt 6.1 creating PalmSource Installer packages and eclipse updates.

Blue Nomad has launched BackupBuddyVFS v3.0. The new version is designed to make it easier to protect data on handhelds by automatically saving back-up copies of data to memory cards. Further, speed, security and overall performance have been improved as well.

palmOne support has issued a update for the MS Outlook synchronization conduit. The v1.02 update for windows resolves a couple of small issues.

Fueling the gadget-giving frenzy this holiday season are today's cutting-edge technology toys, but what are tech-savvy "giftees" looking for in a gadget? Choosing the right smartphone or wireless handheld for that special someone on your list means finding the perfect balance of size, performance, and features. Check out the top 10 picks for the latest and greatest Palm Powered gear for work and play that are sure to thrill this holiday season and beyond.

If you're like me and plan on doing a majority of your holiday shopping online this year, then checkout the new the palmOne online store sale this weekend. They are currently holding a 48 hour only sale on their website. This Friday through Saturday at midnight only, the Official Palm Store has a number of deals on new handhelds, software and accessories. Also the Treo 650 is available with free express shipping and the Treo 600 price has been reduced.

palmOne has released a statement regarding the NVFS Flash memory predicament. In short, the company acknowledges the situation and says they will work on a update solution for the Tungsten T5 and Treo 650 to recapture memory-space and will offer a free 128MB SD card upon request.

Palm OS is the market share leader in the U.S. retail handheld market. Based on new data from the NPD Group, the Palm OS US Retail share grew 10 points over the year, mainly on strong sales of the palmOne Tungsten E.

A new company called Earthcomber LLC has debuted a new location based application for the Palm OS. Earthcomber is described as a "favorite things finder" that guides mobile users via a "virtual treasure map" to their favorite things. The software works with a majority of all Palm Powered handhelds and can link up with optional GPS systems for automatic and precise positioning.

SnapperMail v2.1.0 has been released recently and improves upon and adds to previous releases. New additions include, smaller fonts, 12x faster IMAP and support for AOL Mail. You can also configure SnapperMail to work with GMail's new POP3 access.

Sony Electronics is introducing the new Sony Microdrive, a one-inch removable hard disk drive that will meet the increasing storage needs of many portable digital devices such as digital cameras and PDAs. The CF+ Type II interface cards will come in 2 and 4GB capacities.

Members of the handheld community have uncovered a few issues involving the new Non Volatile Flash Ram systems (NVFS) found in the new Tungsten T5 and Treo 650. Users are claiming the new memory requires as much as 30% more of the same space on a non-NVFS handhelds and has some performance issues.