PalmSource: OS 5 at the Center of Attention

Posted By: Ed Wednesday, February 6, 2002 1:31:40 PM

The star of the annual PalmSource convention has clearly been Palm OS 5. As it is arguably a make-or-break proposition for the the platform, this isn't surprising.

Of course, at the heart of the new OS is its support for ARM-based processors. It isn't locked into to chips from any single company and the OS has been demonstrated here at the convention running on processors from Intel, Texas Instruments, Motorola, and Cyrus, though these are all development boards. Palm itself has chosen TI to power its OS 5 handhelds.

Last summer, Palm created the Palm OS Ready Program. This got the processor manufacturers to create a Device Abstraction Layer (DAL) for their own processors. This is sort of a translation layer between the hardware and the OS, intended to remove any incompatibilities between, say, Intel and Motorola chips. This saves the Palm OS licensees a tremendous amount of work and allows them to choose the processor they like without having to write a DAL of their own.

Despite the change to a new processor, OS 5 handhelds will still be able to run a large majority of current apps thanks to an emulator. According to Steve Sakoman, the CTO of the Palm OS subsidiary, just yesterday officially named PalmSource, about 80% of current apps should make the jump, which, according to him, is about the same number as made the switch to OS 4.

Applications that aren't compatible violate one or more of Palm's rules for creating apps and do things like directly access the hardware. The PalmOS emulator (POSE) has been warning developers for years that not following the rules will cause problems in the future and OS 5 is the point where these apps will no longer work.

In addition, PalmSource is moving ahead with the operating system and some very old apps are going to get left behind. If an app was written for OS 1.0, odds are it won't run under OS 5.

One of the most frequently asked questions about OS 5 is, "How fast is it?" That's a difficult question because it depends partially on how fast the processor is. There are about 12 processors currently in the Palm OS ready programs and these range from 18MHz to 1GHz.

Because most ARM-based chips are significantly faster than the Dragonball processors in current handhelds, the emulator will often be faster than current models. However, that isn't always the case. Using one processor to emulate another isn't easy and there will be some apps that actually run slower, like very code intensive ones.

On the other hand, code that has been recompiled for ARM-based chips is 61 times faster on a 200MHz ARM processor compared to a 33MHz Dragonball one. Displaying graphics can be twice as fast.

An important thing to keep in mind with OS 5 is that it is not intended to run on the hardware from any single company. PalmSource has the job of creating an operating system that will allow its licensees to create the handhelds they want to create, not force them into a mold of PalmSource's. That's why OS 5 has support for screens up to 320 by 320 but doesn't require the licensees to use 320 by 320 screens. If a licensee wants to use a 160 by 160 screen in an OS 5 handheld, it can. The 320 by 320 screen is the current upper limit but not the only one possible.

Despite all the talk about it, there has been remarkably little demonstration of OS 5's user interface. Most of the demonstrations have been of applications, often specially-written to show of some specific feature. Mr. Sakoman did demo what he called OS 5 running at 320 by 320 on a TI processor, the user interface was essentially the same as the one in OS 4. At this time, it is not yet clear whether this is the final version of the interface or not. It is known that the user interface will allow themes and the licensees will be able to create their own new ones.

OS 5 is quite modular. This means that if a licensee needs to only install the pieces it needs for its specific hardware. For example, if a company decided to leave the infrared port out of one of their models, they can easily remove the portion of the OS that controls the IR port.

As reported, no current hacks will run under OS 5. However, there will be a way to create hacks for OS 5.

With enterprise users in mind, the OS emphasizes security, including 128-bit systemwide data-encryption using the RC4 encryption algorithm. Secure Socket Layer (SSL) services are used for email and web browsing.

The move to better processors means the OS can do a much better job handling multimedia. It has support for recording sound and playing CD-quality digital music. Of course, it will be up to the licensees to include some of the hardware necessary for this, like microphones and speaker jacks.

Just as a demonstration of its capabilities, Intel has an XScale processor running OS 5 showing a MPEG movie. Refresh rate is good and the whole thing looks impressive.

The Licensees and OS 5
One of the top stories from the conference has been the announcement that a beta of OS 5 is ready and that the Golden Master will be sent to the licensees late this spring or early summer. At that point, it is up to the licensees to release handhelds to run it. Of course, these are already being planned, based on early versions of OS 5. Mr. Sakoman would only say that he had seen the time between an OS going Golden Master and a handheld release be as short as a month and a half.

The Palm Solutions Group, which is the portion of Palm Inc. that makes hardware, is, of course, totally committed to OS 5. According to Todd Bradley, COO of the Solutions Group, it will introduce a Palm-branded, ARM-based product line with wireless capabilities by fall of 2002.

At a keynote speech at the PalmSource conference, Mr. Bradley put a tremendous emphasis on wireless connectivity. This doesn't mean all Palm-branded handhelds will have built-in mobile phones. Instead there will be a range of options, like Bluetooth, 802.11, and others.

He also said that his group is aware that many consumers aren't interested in a handheld with a built-in mobile phone. Instead, they want to use their current mobile phone as a wireless modem. This process will become easier as Bluetooth becomes more commonly used. He pointed out that Ericsson alone has sold 1.5 million phones with built-in Bluetooth.

Mr. Bradley said several times that TI would make the processors in their first generation of ARM-based handhelds and made no mention of using any others.

In a interview, the president of HandEra said his company would certainly be releasing a handheld running OS 5, though he wouldn't go into specifics.

He also wouldn't give any more details on his company's recent announcement that some company will be releasing a handheld with a color QVGA screen, though he implied that his company would be doing so.

He did say that Palm will not allow HandEra to include the Universal Connector on its handhelds and said the company may stick with the Palm III connector it is using now, though this will be improved.

Update: While both Handspring and Sony representatives had very positive remarks to make about OS 5, neither was willing to officially comment on when their company would release handhelds running it.

Palm OS 6?
PalmSource has already begun to plan for the next version of the operating system, which Mr. Sakoman said hasn't been assigned a name yet; it could be OS 5.5 or possibly OS 6. This will be as significant a change as the move to OS 5. Actually, it appears that PalmSource it taking a two-stage approach to updating the Palm OS. OS 5 is only the first stage.

This version will allow fully native ARM applications. it will remove many of the current limits in the OS. More details will be available later this year.

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I want one

I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 1:57:12 PM #
I want one of those to carry around:

http://www.palminfocenter.com/images/img_PS02_Intel_Xscale_L.JPG

I just need bigger pockets!

RE: I want one
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 1:58:01 PM #
It's called an Ultralite notebook.

I have the new Portege 2000 notebook that weighs 2.6 lbs. Damn is it ridiculously light and I can run the Palm emulator too. And OS 5.0 when it's available to us developers ;-)

RE: I want one
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 4:51:00 PM #
You have the Portege 2000 notebook already? They won't ship it until 2/15/2002 in US. I'm still waiting for it!!!!

RE: I want one
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 6:25:47 PM #
-- You have the Portege 2000 notebook already?

Yes, my best friend works at Toshiba America. No, I didn't get any discounts and paid the full price you would pay on the buy Toshiba website, but I did get it extra early ;-)

It is sweet. You will be very, very happy. I could have gotten one of those 10 lb Dell Inspiron 8100 with everything but the kitchen sink thrown in, but size and especially weight do matter. I do hope the next iteration of the Portege 2000 includes the Geforce 4 Go chip. The only thing I'm not happy about but can live with given the other awesome attributes is the shared memory video chip. WTF !!! Why is everyone including HP going this route. Yes, it shaves off a couple of bucks off of production costs, but if you're going to charge premium $$$ you better have the real deal with real VRAM !!!

Excuse my digression, but the Portege 2000 is the best ultralite to date. I still own a Portege 3440ct and some overpriced. IBM thunkpad.

RE: I want one
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 8:23:35 PM #
Hmmm... does the video performance that bad with the Portege 2000? Can you play any 3D games on it?


RE: I want one
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 9:01:20 PM #
Well, you aren't going to be buying the Portege 2000 for 3D gaming. I can run 3D programs like the incredible Aquarium screen saver, but you aren't going to be playing Quake 3 on it.

That's why I would like to see the GeForce 4 Go in the next refresh of the Portege 2000... I guess it will be called Portege 2100 due in the next 6 months.



Waiting for OS 6

I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 1:54:13 PM #
OK, it's pretty clear to me that I'm going to keep my current Palm Vx and Sony Clie.

OS 5.0 doesn't offer me anything except shelling out more $$$. OS 5.0 is really nothing more than OS 4.x ported to ARM. Heck, it even looks the same. Yes, I know there is a lot more under the hood but until new apps are written ARM-based Palms are nothing more than faster Palms. I'm not going to pay top $$$ to run notepad and address book at blistering speeds as it is already fast enough.

It's really OS 6.0 or whatever it will be called that I'm waiting for. Until then, Palm you have a lot more work to do.

RE: Waiting for OS 6
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 2:12:54 PM #
I agree. Furthermore, I have no interest in upgrading until I have a wide selection of hacks available to me.

RE: Waiting for OS 6
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 2:13:03 PM #
You have an excellent point and in many ways I feel the same as you do. I love my m505 (and the Pilot 5000, PalmPilot Pro, Palm V, and Palm IIIc before it) but am terribly disappointed that OS 5.0 will still not see major weaknesses in the basic PIM functions addressed (ie. assigning contacts to multiple categories, adding more fields per contact etc.) and appears to have little in the way of visual GUI improvements (ie. more effective use of color and high res displays to make the interface more attractive and easier to use.) although I suppose maybe the themes which we haven't seen yet might do that.

I suspect I will likely purchase an OS 5 Palm if only because I like to buy a Palm every year and I do want to make the leap to 320x320 resoultion. I suspect both Palm and Sony will come out with m505/T615 like units but with ARM processors and high res color screens and I will pick the best amoung them. Hopefully Palm hardware will make up for their lackluster performance of late and have a beautiful but cutting edge unit to compete with Sony's recent leaps this fall as Palm units tend to have slightly better tech support, are more supported by aftermarket products, and tend to have a long history of upgrade potential in terms of the OS.

PS: Make sure all the OS 5 handhelds can upgrade to OS 6!

RE: Waiting for OS 6
Scott @ 2/6/2002 4:40:56 PM #
What specific extra fields do you need in the Address Book app? Chances are, it can be accommodated with the existing standard app.

Scott

RE: Waiting for OS 6
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 4:58:54 PM #
Palm has disappointed me. What the hell is this?! The OS looks like it did 10 years ago! I've given up on Palm. Seriously, this is bull ****! Those PPC's are starting to look good right now...

RE: Waiting for OS 6
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 5:15:01 PM #
ah come on OS 5.0 is only based on a 6 year OS!

RE: Waiting for OS 6
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 5:15:53 PM #
"What specific extra fields do you need in the Address Book app? Chances are, it can be accommodated with the existing standard app.

Scott"

Here is an example contact: 1 buisness address, 1 home address. 2 home numbers, 2 buisness number, 1 fax number, 1 cell number, 3 email addresses, a webpage, information on spouse, children etc. I want to assign this to two categories, 1. work contacts and 2. personal friends.

As it stands right now to do this I need to 1. create 2 contacts, 1 for each category. and 2. put much of this info into the notes of the contact causing it to not sync properly with Microsoft Outlook (my desktop PIM) via PocketMirror and causing additional hassles with the general display of the contact and search of info in the contact. The reality is the explosion of technology has added a lot of info we need to track on folks and the current PIM just doesn't keep up. Because Datebk4 and ActionNames 5 use the basic Palm OS contact datebase as a starting point they can only overcome some (sometimes in an inefficent way) but not all of these problems. Plus they require me to pay $$$ for a soultion that should come out of the box. Forget MP3s, forget video, forget high res action games or Gameboy emulators (the stuff I imagine we will see taking advantage of the ARM processors first) why don't we see the ARM being used to create a more attractive GUI that properly uses color and finally after 5-6 years we should update the core apps!


RE: Waiting for OS 6
Scott @ 2/6/2002 5:40:14 PM #
"Here is an example contact: 1 buisness address, 1 home address. 2 home numbers, 2 buisness number, 1 fax number, 1 cell number, 3 email addresses, a webpage, information on spouse, children etc. I want to assign this to two categories, 1. work contacts and 2. personal friends."

I'm probably not telling you anything you don't already know, and I don't know how well this will sync, and it *is* definitely a bit kludgy, but...

* Assign business address to a Custom field called "Work Addr". You can put line breaks in here.
* Assign home address to the standard address fields.
* Assign both home numbers to a multi-use field called "Home" (again, use line breaks).
* Assign both work numbers to a multi-use field called "Work" (again, use line breaks).
* Assign fax number to a multi-use field called "Fax".
* Assign cell number to a multi-use field called "Mobile".
* Assign all three email addresses to a multi-use field called "E-mail".
* Assign web page to a Custom field (renamed as you like).
* Assign spouse and children info to one Custom field (renamed as you like, use line breaks).

Problems with what I described:
1) This won't fix the multiple category issue.
2) If you have a smartphone (like my i300), you won't be able to dial numbers that stored in one field using multiple lines.
3) You won't be able to send an email to an email address using one field with multiple lines.

Sorry if I'm coming across like a know-it-all. That's not my intent. Just figured I'd offer this "solution" in case it meets your (or someone else's) needs. Your example is certainly an extreme one. I'll modify my previous comments to say that I would like Palm to add two new multi-use fields as well as a Birthday field (combined with built-in birthday checking in the Date Book app) and a separate "Holidays" applet for storing other types of recurring anniversaries, etc. That said, I stand by *my opinion* that adding too many *specific* (non multi-use) fields can create too much clutter to have to scroll through for most users who will be needing far less fields.

Scott

RE: Waiting for OS 6
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 7:08:07 PM #
Well I agree with the both of you. But to satisfy everyones needs, including my own, why don't we make the software, upon installation , asks us the fields we are going to need in our handhelds, For I think your approach is very well thought, however a little too complicated for me, since I already have other information in the custom filed.

I would need:1 buisness address, 1 home address. 2 home numbers, 2 buisness number, 1 fax number, 1 cell number, 3 email addresses, a webpage, information on spouse, children etc. I want to assign this to two categories, 1. work contacts and 2. personal friends plus account numbers field if I am inputing a company only. So on and so forth. Obviously we cannot please everyone.

I will like to see Palm modify its basic Datebook including its Desktop PC application to sync in with the times.

RE: Waiting for OS 6
BBC @ 2/6/2002 7:17:29 PM #
The point is that is shouldn't have to be klugy!
Personally, I'd like to see the ability to set an apointment and have the time show as free. For example I'd like to put my 3 day business trip in and be able to schedule meetings during that trip without having the meeitngs show as conflicts


RE: Waiting for OS 6
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 7:55:23 PM #
> Plus they require me to pay $$$ for a soultion that should come out of the box.

I disagree. Strongly. The apps that are included with the Palm OS should be good genaral purpose apps but not the very best available. Bascially what you want is for Palm to put the makers of ActionNames and the rest out of business. You also want me to carry around a 600 K app when all I need is a fairly minimal one at about 50K.

What PalmSource does best isn't make PIMs. They shouldn't try. If you want a better than minimal PIM, buy one.

RE: Waiting for OS 6
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 8:27:04 PM #
Sounds like Micro$oft. Put everything together into the OS.

RE: Waiting for OS 6
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 9:01:40 PM #
While it's true that thus far OS5 doesn't look drastically different in appearance, that's not the real updates. It's also true that data formats for the built in pims won't change with this version. However, what was shown is that this device can do a lot of new things. Rich multi-media. It has great sound, with a 16 channel mixer. MPEG decoding for video, System wide security either through the new RSA API's or through the data manager. Also in pre-OS5 there was no access control. We now have Authentication Manager and Authorization Manager. This means code signing to verify/authenticate code patches. Also databases can have restricted access. Both restricted to certain authenticated apps, and restricted to authenticated users. Also deallocated memory is now automatically zeroed out. It's going to take a lot more than Beam Crack to arbitrarily offload a database from a device.

What's more this is just the initial release of OS5. Followup additions are scheduled for release quite quickly.

-Craig Bowers



RE: Waiting for OS 6
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 10:27:52 PM #
You say follow-up additionals will come quickly... who said this? Are we talking about the features they discussed in their slide show presentation for the "next big OS" ie. OS 6? Surely that is a year away after OS 5...

RE: Waiting for OS 6
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 10:30:21 PM #
"> Plus they require me to pay $$$ for a soultion that should come out of the box.

I disagree. Strongly. The apps that are included with the Palm OS should be good genaral purpose apps but not the very best available. Bascially what you want is for Palm to put the makers of ActionNames and the rest out of business. You also want me to carry around a 600 K app when all I need is a fairly minimal one at about 50K.

What PalmSource does best isn't make PIMs. They shouldn't try. If you want a better than minimal PIM, buy one."

I couldn't disagree more. One of the basic features of a PDA and its operating system, since the dawn of the Newton and certainly the Pilot, PalmPilot, and Palm has been the PIM. The hallmark of a quality PDA is a wonderful out of box experience that replaces paper planners etc. with easy to use YET POWERFUL softwear built into the OS. An additional feature of a PDA OS is to allow developers to create other softwear to use on the PDA, but the PIM is always at the core.



RE: Waiting for OS 6
Scott @ 2/7/2002 10:07:52 AM #
I agree about improving PIMs but also agree (with others) who state that it should remain simple. This is a delicate balance and is difficult to accomplish. Further, there's the balance of not putting some of your loyal developers out of business. My comments previously about not adding tons of new "specific" fields at the cost of having to scroll through them comes from my experience with the PPC. I don't like how they implemented it. I far prefer the Palm OS PIM design in that it offers a minimal number of fields while still offering a good deal of flexibility. Is it possible to add additional fields to remove some of the kludge of the method I previously described while still maintaining a highly usable design? Yes. As I said, it takes good usability designers. My point is simply that while I, too, would like improvements and some additional fields, I'm naturally concerned that it could be implemented poorly. Usability is one of those things that you don't really notice when it's there, but you do when it's not.

Scott

RE: Waiting for OS 6
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/7/2002 12:08:40 PM #
Does anyone know if an m505 can be upgraded to OS 5? Since it's supposedly modular and can work with multiple processors and screens, shouldn't an upgrade to OS 5 be available for older palms?

Palm using BLUETOOTH with New Software code-named Cambio
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/7/2002 12:40:20 PM #
PalmSource: Where next for Palm?
Thursday 7th February 2002
ZDNet UK staff

Palm rolled out its latest operating system, new hardware appeared and Bluetooth is promised. Palm's chief executive explains what the next steps are. A ZDNet UK News Focus

http://news.zdnet.co.uk/

Palm using Bluetooth with it's New Software called Cambio: check the following Video

Streamed video: PalmSource unveils syncing software
Palm's OS company shows off an early version of its synchronization software, code-named Cambio, to PalmSource 2002 keynote attendees.

Streamed video: New Palm OS prepares for battle

At the opening of PalmSource 2002, CEO David Nagel says the new Palm OS will help the company fight off Microsoft's Pocket PC in the enterprise market

Streamed video: OS development vital to Palm's future

IDC's handheld analyst says tomorrow's PalmSource conference takes on added significance as Palm rallies developers to help maintain its lead in the handheld industry.

Motorola breaks out new chip at PalmSource

Correspondent Melissa Francis demos Motorola's first ARM-based processor at PalmSource 2002.

http://news.zdnet.co.uk/story/0,,t294-s2103931,00.html#

If the link doesn't work check http://news.zdnet.co.uk/


RE: Waiting for OS 6
swinginjonny @ 2/8/2002 2:16:22 PM #
"I couldn't disagree more. One of the basic features of a PDA and its operating system, since the dawn of the Newton and certainly the Pilot, PalmPilot, and Palm has been the PIM. The hallmark of a quality PDA is a wonderful out of box experience that replaces paper planners etc."

Have you ever tried to put all of what you're asking for in the address/phone section of a paper planner? The average paper address book has 3-5 lines. The palm setup is more than adequate for at least 90% of its users, that's not a bad rate. Specialized needs exist but you can't expect a company to design an app for less than 10% of its user base when there are other companies who concentrate on that exact thing.
We all say we want the perfect PDA but what we really want is OUR perfect PDA. You can't expect Palm to build YOURS.



I like it

I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 2:08:03 PM #
I I wish I had palm os 5

ED: A question for you to search for...

I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 2:21:29 PM #
Ed, while your at PalmSource can you see if Palm intends to upgrade the PIM applications (in particular the Address application needs to have more fields and the ability to assign multiple categories per contact) at all in OS 5 and if not is that part of the OS 6 upgrade path?

Also can you see if any themes are available for viewing, and if not what parts of the GUI do they intend to include as changable by a theme?

Is there any whisperings about which ARM processors are fastest, ie. is TI slower than XScale etc.?

Finally Palm is talking a lot about "wireless Palms with OS 5 this fall" but what about an m505 like Palm with a 320x320 color screen, ARM processor etc. for the basic upscale PDA buyer who doesn't need wireless functions? Do we have to wait until March of next year?

Thanks Ed... great job on the screen shots and photos!

RE: ED: A question for you to search for...
mtg101 @ 2/6/2002 3:12:25 PM #
Yesterday Palm said that there will be basically no changes to the built-in applications for OS5. Basically you get OS4.1 running on ARM chips.


Cheers
Russell


---
russ@russb.fsnet.co.uk

RE: ED: A question for you to search for...
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 3:46:40 PM #
ALSO - Can you pin someone from Palm down "off the record" about the m515 and m130 retail availability dates?? THANKS!

RE: ED: A question for you to search for...
sir_tez @ 2/6/2002 3:48:44 PM #
How bloody hard is it for them to improve the APPS? That's pretty disrespectful for the people making the upgrade to have the same crap they started with plus multimedia and bluetooth which SHOULD'VE been done already.

I'm seriously looking forward to having a bluetooth enabled palm and a bluetooth enabled phone so I'll be waiting on the first integrated Bluetooth Palm.

---

Sir Tez
IT is a rough life

RE: ED: A question for you to search for...
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 4:31:32 PM #
| no changes to the built-in applications for OS5

This is really lame. I have nothing against 3rd party developers as many just simply rock, but Palm should do a much better job with the basic apps. Is it too much to ask?

Bottomline: If this is the best Palm can offer, then there is ZERO reason to upgrade. Bring on OS 6.0 and then we can talk about an upgrade.

RE: ED: A question for you to search for...
Scott @ 2/6/2002 4:42:32 PM #
I prefer that the standard PIM apps remain simple. There are a couple of small improvements that I would like to see them make, and I'm disappointed that they aren't doing so. But, I definitely don't think that they should turn the standard PIM apps into the equivalent of some of the hard-core 3rd party PIM apps out there. Plus, where would it leave those developers?

Scott

RE: ED: A question for you to search for...
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 5:07:12 PM #
I have owned each years generation of Palm since the Pilot 5000 in 1996. The only major change (if you call it that) in PIM function was from OS 1.0 to OS 2.0 which added several views in the Date Book application. Since then... nothing. People begging for simple fixes like adding multiple categories per contact, or additional fields... nothing. Palm has always stated they would remain true to their core and now they pump up processor speed so we can get gee wiz video and sound BUT DARN it what about a class leading, easy to use PIM? Something not based on a 5-6 year old program? If I wanted to play video clips I would buy a Pocket PC!

RE: ED: A question for you to search for...
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 8:03:11 PM #
> what about a class leading, easy to use PIM?

If you want it, why don't you buy one? It seems to be important to you. Why does PalmSource have to make it? You've been using Microsoft for too long. MS is in the business of putting everyone else out of business. If there is any good Windows app, MS makes a version of it, bundles it with Windows, then puts the other company out of business. Why do you want PalmSource to do the same thing? Let the third-party developers do what they do best.

RE: ED: A question for you to search for...
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 9:22:04 PM #
"How bloody hard is it for them to improve the APPS? "
If you saw how much work went under the hood, and how much of a nice framework has been laid out for developers, you'd see there was little time to fuss with the applications. This has some amazing stuff for developers to start using. You're right, it would be trivial to enhance the built in apps somewhat, but that's not the focus of this release it would seem. In any case it's still quite early, and there's plenty of time for a fresh look to the apps to be implemented by release time. The OS is still very much a work in progress. They've also hinted about some future Skinnable functionality.

RE: ED: A question for you to search for...
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/7/2002 9:16:16 AM #
"> what about a class leading, easy to use PIM?

If you want it, why don't you buy one? It seems to be important to you. Why does PalmSource have to make it? You've been using Microsoft for too long. MS is in the business of putting everyone else out of business. If there is any good Windows app, MS makes a version of it, bundles it with Windows, then puts the other company out of business. Why do you want PalmSource to do the same thing? Let the third-party developers do what they do best."

From whom? Both ActionNames (which I use) and Datebk4 has problems at their core directly as a result of the fact they use the Palm Date Book database structure. If I go buy a PocketPC 2002 I get the PIM functionality but in a clunky interface with non of the extra softwear support of the community. Plus I would have to use Microsoft in an arena I still believe I will never have to.

SOOO... I continue to have great hopes that someday Palm will once again innovate and get things back on track. Properly using the power of the ARM processor to improve those things that get us to buy a PDA in the first place, the GUI and PIM functions. OS 5 won't, maybe OS 6.

RE: ED: A question for you to search for...
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/7/2002 1:01:02 PM #
I'ld rather prefer PalmSouce to keep the built-in PIMs simple and concentrate on the other useful features like security, network, etc. Let the licensees do the improvement on apps. Handspring has been using their versions of the PIM apps. Licensees can customize the apps depending on the devices (like Treo has a whole set of new apps for phone). What you want now (an improved datebook) is available now. Just buy it.

Color QVGA

sub_tex @ 2/6/2002 2:10:40 PM #
"In a interview, the president of HandEra said his company would certainly be releasing a handheld running OS 5, though he wouldn't go into specifics.

He also wouldn't give any more details on his company's recent announcement that some company will be releasing a handheld with a color QVGA screen, though he implied that his company would be doing so."

That's very nice to know.

A color QVGA screen even on a current Palm OS 4 device would hold me over for a long time.

I'm sure sometime in a year or so i'll want the ability to bring some simpsons episodes with me as well, but by then who knows what the PDA's will be like.

And if Handera is the one to come out with it, let's hope for a non PIII look and some USB.

RE: Color QVGA
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 4:18:23 PM #
HandEra announced last August that there would be more QVGA devices, so I wouldn't say it was that recent.

RE: Color QVGA
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/6/2002 4:33:53 PM #
I agree,

Color on my Handera would hold me over until OS 6.

That way, I get all the TRULY important features and buy time to get the kinks worked out of the new migration to OS5...

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