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Palm Pre
A Palm Pre with keyboard extended on the home screen
ManufacturerPalm, Inc.
Availability by regionJune 6, 2009 (Sprint Nextel)
August 27, 2009 (Bell Mobility)
October 13/16, 2009 (O2)
Late 2009 (Movistar)
Q1 2010 (Verizon Wireless)
SuccessorPalm Pre 2
RelatedPalm Pixi
Form factorSlider smartphone
Dimensions100.53 mm (3.958 in) (h)
59.57 mm (2.345 in) (w)
16.95 mm (0.667 in) (d)
Weight135 g (4.8 oz)
Operating systemPalm webOS
CPU600 MHz (underclocked to 500 MHz) Texas Instruments OMAP 3430 (ARM Cortex A8 + PowerVR SGX)
MemoryOriginal: 256 MB 166MHz DDR DRAM
Pre Plus: 512 MB 166MHz DDR DRAM
StorageFlash memory
Original: 8 GB
Pre Plus: 16 GB
Battery3.7 V 1150 mAh
Internal rechargeable removable lithium-ion battery
Rear camera3.2 megapixel camera with LED flash, "extended depth of field", and geotagging
Display320 × 480 px, 3.1 in (79 mm) HVGA, 24-bit color LCD
ConnectivityWi-Fi (802.11b/g), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, MicroUSB, A-GPS
CDMA version: Dual band CDMA2000/EV-DO Rev. A 800, 1900 MHz
GSM version: Quad band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GPRS/EDGE
Dual band UMTS 850/1900 or 900/2100 MHz HSDPA
Data inputsMulti-touch touchscreen display, volume controls, proximity and ambient light sensors, 3-axis accelerometer
Hearing aid compatibilityM4[1]
Websitepalm.com at the Wayback Machine (archived 2011-02-13)

The Palm Pre (/ˈpriː/, styled as palm prē[2]) is a multitasking smartphone that was designed and marketed by Palm with a multi-touch screen and a sliding keyboard. The smartphone was the first to use Palm's Linux-based mobile operating system, webOS.[3] The Pre functions as a camera phone and a portable media player, and has location and navigation capabilities. The Pre also serves as a personal information manager, has a number of communication and collaboration applications, and has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity built-in.[4]

The Pre was launched in the United States of America on June 6, 2009, with Sprint, and later in Canada with Bell Mobility. A GSM version of the original Pre was launched later in 2009 on a number of networks in Europe and in Mexico. A revised model, the Palm Pre Plus, which doubled the available memory and internal storage, was launched on January 25, 2010, for Verizon Wireless and later released on AT&T Mobility on May 16, 2010. The third generation of Palm Pre, the Palm Pre 2, which uses HP webOS 2.0, was announced October 2010. The Palm Pre became the fastest selling phone in Sprint's history,[5] and it has been a widely praised device.[6]

History and availability

[edit]

Apple accused the Pre of copying elements of the user interface, with Apple then-COO Tim Cook stating that "we will not stand for people ripping off our IP" and Palm responding that they "have the tools necessary to defend [themselves]", hinting at Palm's large portfolio of patents.[7][8]

On May 19, 2009, Sprint and Palm announced the Pre would be available beginning June 6, 2009.[9]

On May 28, 2009, Verizon Wireless announced that it would also carry the Palm Pre in "about six months."[10] A later comment from a Sprint spokesperson indicated that the launch carrier would have US exclusivity rights to the Pre "through 2009."[11] Sprint's CEO, Dan Hesse, commented that his company and Palm had agreed not to discuss the length of the exclusivity deal, but remarked that "it's not six months."[12]

On July 7, 2009, Telefónica announced that they would exclusively carry the Palm Pre in the UK, Spain, Ireland and Germany on their O2 and Movistar networks, with availability "before the winter holidays".[13]

On July 27, 2009, during the company's second quarter conference call, Verizon chief operating officer Denny Strigl announced that Verizon Wireless would begin selling the Palm Pre in early 2010.[14]

News coverage of the launch noted that the sales quantity was a record for any Sprint phone launch, and estimated sales of approximately 50,000 units for the day, and up to 100,000 for the week.[15] However, reports stated that sales of the Pre in July and beginning of August were much lower than expected.[16][17][18]

On November 11, 2009, Palm announced that the Pre would be available in Mexico, naming Telcel the exclusive carrier for the Pre in the nation. Sales in Mexico began on November 27.[19]

Pre Plus

[edit]

A new version of the smartphone, the Palm Pre Plus, was announced at CES 2010. Differences included removal of the center button, 16 GB storage memory (8 GB on the original Pre), doubling the RAM from 256 MB to 512 MB, and the back cover is now already Touchstone compatible. The keyboard and slider mechanism were also refined.[20] In the US, it was initially sold exclusively along with the Pixi Plus by Verizon Wireless. On March 22, 2010, Palm announced that it would be releasing both the Pre Plus and the Pixi Plus on the AT&T network in the "coming months".[21] O2 launched the Palm Pre Plus on May 16, 2010, for US$149.99 with a free Touchstone charger for new customers.[22]

Pre 2

[edit]
Main article: Palm Pre 2

On October 19, 2010, HP announced[23] the third generation of Palm Pre, the Palm Pre 2, which used HP webOS 2.0. The device had a 1 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM, a 5-megapixel camera, Adobe Flash Player 10.1 Beta and more durable hardware including a Gorilla Glass screen.[24][25] The phone was released to consumers in France (2010 October; SFR), Canada (2010 December; Rogers), and the U.S. (2011 February; Verizon) and was also available unlocked from HP. HP stated that Verizon Wireless customers would be able to use Skype Mobile for Skype-to-Skype calls and messaging[23] when webOS 2.0 is released for consumer use. In December 2011 HP provided a firmware update to 2.2.4.[26]

HP Pre3

[edit]

The HP Pre 3 was a touchscreen smartphone by Hewlett-Packard, announced in 2011 alongside the Veer and TouchPad. It featured a 3.58-inch touchscreen, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, and a 5MP camera. Briefly available in the UK, it was discontinued shortly after release, with limited US availability through employee sales.

Main article: HP Pre 3

Internal hardware

[edit]

Screen and input

[edit]

The original Pre has a 3 megapixel digital camera with LED flash.[27]

Connectivity

[edit]

The Pre is available with high-speed connectivity on either EVDO Rev. A or UMTS HSDPA, depending on location. The Pre also includes 802.11b/g WiFi and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR with support for A2DP stereo headsets. A-GPS with support for turn-by-turn navigation is also included, though access to aGPS features remains locked for Verizon Wireless users.[28] For charging and data-transfer, the Pre uses a microUSB connector with USB 2.0 support, and audio output is supported by a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack.[27] While the phone reports support for the Bluetooth DUN protocol, Sprint has not permitted use of the Pre in tethered (or "Phone as Modem") mode. Verizon does support tethering via their Mobile Hot Spot support. But the "homebrew community has many "patches" and apps that allow you to change settings on the Pre, one of them includes a free hotspot app for the Sprint users.[29]

Storage capacity

[edit]

The Pre has 8 GB of internal flash storage (approximately 7.4 GB of which is user accessible). The Pre does not have a flash memory card slot. The Pre Plus has 16 GB of internal flash storage.[27]

Charging

[edit]
A Touchstone Charger connected with a Micro-USB cable for power supply

The Pre can be charged either using the supplied MicroUSB cable, or by using an optional accessory for wireless charging using a proprietary electromagnetic induction charging dock, dubbed the "Touchstone Charger." The Touchstone Charger requires a compatible back cover, which was sold separately from the Pre but included in subsequent models.[30]

Software

[edit]
Main article: webOS

Interface

[edit]

The webOS interface is based on a system of "cards" used to manage multitasking. webOS also supports multi-touch gestures, enabling most navigational input to be made using the touchscreen. The Pre does not include a virtual keyboard, only a portrait-oriented slide-out keyboard. An onscreen, virtual keyboard is embedded in the code and can be made available through a third party patch.[31]

Synergy

[edit]

webOS includes a feature called Synergy that integrates information from many sources. webOS allows a user to sign into accounts on Gmail, Yahoo!, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Microsoft Outlook (via Exchange ActiveSync). Contacts from all sources are then integrated into a single list. Synergy was highly innovative, and was regarded by many as a highlight of the new operating system,[32] but received some criticism for being undiscerning in what it included in the contacts application. For example, Engadget commented that it had contacts that were simply Birthdays extracted from Facebook.[33]

Syncing

[edit]

The device makes use of the cloud based services model, but uses no desktop sync client (in the style of Palm's HotSync synchronization method).[34]

However Palm has referenced a number of solutions for users who need to sync with their desktop software like Palm Desktop, Microsoft Outlook, or IBM Lotus Notes. Additionally, Mark/Space, Inc. has announced Macintosh desktop sync software, and Chapura such software for Windows.[35] Palm has offered an online guide to help customers.

Information gathering by Palm

[edit]

According to (now former) Debian developer Joey Hess, the Palm Pre periodically sends users' information to Palm. Palm gathers users' GPS information, along with data on every application used, and for how long it was used. This information is uploaded to Palm on a daily basis. There is an "opt-out" when the user first uses the GPS system and this is common for all mobile carriers and with Google Maps. There is also an opt-out on GPS data being sent to Google.[36]

Reception

[edit]

When showcased in January 2009, five months prelaunch, the Pre received positive reviews, winning CNET's Best in Show, Best in Category: Cell Phones & Smartphones,[37] and People's Voice for CES 2009.[38]

The Palm Pre suffered from numerous quality issues. The slider mechanism felt loose and could wiggle, an issue that became known as the "Oreo Twist" by users.[39] Palm aimed to address the issue in the Pre Plus, making the slider mechanism stronger. The curved plastic screen seemed delicate, sometimes cracking from being in a pocket, and there were reports of faulty headphone jacks. On the Palm Pre Plus, characters sometimes appeared twice when typing, although the user has only hit the key once.[40] Many reviews noted the poor build quality of the phones.[41] In Engadget's second open letter to Palm, they cited "hardware issues which plagued the Pre, with no outward acknowledgment or rush to correct."[42]

Overall sales were modest from the outset.[43] Users expressed intense concern about the slow pace of new webOS releases and the absence of substantially improved hardware.[44] Comments were critical of the lengthy delay in releasing the promised Flash application, dysfunctional document handling, speculation of what could be underlying the technological or business reasons for the slow release of the webOS 2 upgrade for existing phones, and a concern that when eventually released, the webOS 2 upgrade would be incompatible with Palm OS emulation. Media opinion in 2010 December was not enthusiastic.[45][46] While it was the fastest-selling cell phone in Sprint's history, the Pre has been described as Palm's swan song since the sales were not enough to keep the company afloat, leading to its acquisition by HP.[47][48][49] Nonetheless, one journalist wrote that he still regarded the Pre as innovative even ten years after its launch, since it pioneered features later found in iOS and Android, plus webOS could easily be modified without jailbreaking nor unlocking the bootloader in contrast to iOS and Android.[50]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Palm Pre

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Palm Pre is a touchscreen smartphone developed by Palm, Inc., and released in June 2009 as the company's first device to run the newly introduced webOS operating system. Featuring a distinctive curved slider design with a 3.1-inch capacitive multi-touch display (320 × 480 resolution) and a physical QWERTY keyboard that slides out beneath it, the Pre was engineered for intuitive gesture-based navigation and seamless multitasking through webOS's card-based interface. Powered by a 600 MHz Texas Instruments OMAP 3430 processor with 256 MB of RAM and 8 GB of internal storage, it included a 3.15-megapixel rear camera with LED flash, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, and a 1150 mAh battery, while supporting 3G EV-DO connectivity on Sprint's network in the United States. Priced at $199.99 with a two-year contract, the device launched on June 6, 2009, following its unveiling at the Consumer Electronics Show in January of that year, and was marketed as a direct rival to Apple's iPhone with emphasis on its Synergy feature for unified data syncing across apps. Despite critical acclaim for webOS's innovative —including over-the-air updates, universal search, and app connectivity—the Palm Pre struggled to gain significant amid intense from the and devices, ultimately contributing to Palm's financial challenges. Palm, Inc., was acquired by (HP) in 2010 for $1.2 billion, after which HP continued limited development of webOS devices before open-sourcing it in 2012. The Pre's legacy endures in the evolution of mobile operating systems, influencing modern multitasking paradigms, though official support ended years ago, leaving a niche of enthusiasts to maintain legacy hardware and software.

Development and release

Announcement and initial launch

The Palm Pre was developed during a challenging period for Palm, Inc., as the company sought to regain market share in the smartphone industry following the disruptive impact of Apple's iPhone launched in 2007. Palm, once a pioneer in personal digital assistants, had seen its position erode amid competition from BlackBerry and the iPhone, prompting a strategic overhaul. In 2007, Palm recruited Jon Rubinstein, a former Apple executive who had led the iPod hardware team, to head the development of a new smartphone platform as its executive chairman. This effort, conducted entirely under independent Palm leadership before its acquisition by Hewlett-Packard in April 2010 for $1.2 billion, aimed to deliver a device that combined touch-based interaction with physical input to challenge iPhone dominance. On January 8, 2009, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in , Palm officially announced the Pre, with Rubinstein delivering a demo that highlighted its innovative design and capabilities. was positioned as a powered by Palm's new operating system, featuring a 3.1-inch capacitive with 320×480 resolution and a sliding physical keyboard for enhanced typing. Rubinstein emphasized the Pre's gesture-based navigation and integration features during the presentation, generating significant buzz as Palm's potential revival product. The Pre launched exclusively in the United States on June 6, 2009, through Sprint Nextel, priced at $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a two-year service contract. This carrier partnership marked Sprint's aggressive push into premium smartphones, with initial sales exceeding expectations and contributing to Palm's short-term stock surge. Sprint exclusivity ended later that year, enabling global rollout; a variant debuted in through carriers including (in the UK, Germany, and starting October 2009) and (in ), while in , began offering it in November 2009. These expansions broadened the Pre's availability beyond CDMA networks, though production and support shifted under HP's ownership post-acquisition.

Variants and subsequent models

The Palm Pre Plus, released on January 25, 2010, exclusively for Verizon Wireless in the United States, featured upgrades over the original model including doubled RAM to 512 MB and storage to 16 GB, while retaining the 600 MHz TI OMAP 3430 processor and 3.1-inch capacitive touchscreen. It was priced at $149.99 with a two-year contract after a $100 rebate. A variant followed later in 2010 for carriers like , launching on May 16 at the same price point, enabling broader international compatibility. The , announced on October 19, 2010, and initially launched on October 22 in via before expanding to other European markets and in November, introduced a faster 1 GHz TI OMAP 3630 processor, a 5-megapixel rear camera, and improved support with 802.11n compatibility. It shipped with 512 MB RAM, 16 GB storage, and 2.0. A CDMA variant was released in the United States on Verizon Wireless on February 17, 2011. Under Hewlett-Packard's ownership following its 2010 acquisition of Palm, the HP Pre3 was announced in February 2011 and released in August 2011, targeted at and with a 1.4 GHz S2 MSM8655 processor, a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash, NFC capabilities for contactless payments, and a slightly larger 3.58-inch WVGA display. Equipped with 512 MB RAM and either 8 GB or 16 GB storage options, it represented the final major hardware iteration of the Pre line before HP's pivot to open-sourcing in December 2011. Production of Pre variants effectively ceased by late 2011, with HP announcing the discontinuation of all hardware operations on August 18, 2011—mere days after the Pre3's launch—as the company shifted focus away from mobile devices amid strategic realignments. Carrier-specific adaptations included Verizon's inclusion of an inductive Touchstone charging back cover with the Pre Plus and Sprint's variant supporting TV-out functionality via micro-USB for external display connectivity. These models generally shipped with versions aligned to their release timelines, such as 1.4 for the Pre Plus and 2.2 for the Pre3.

Design and hardware

Physical build and input methods

The Palm Pre features a compact, pebble-like form factor designed for one-handed use, measuring 100.5 mm in height, 59.6 mm in width, and 17.0 mm in depth when closed, with a weight of 135 grams. This rounded , constructed primarily from smooth black plastic with a lacquered finish, provides an ergonomic grip that fits comfortably in the palm, though it attracts fingerprints easily. A key element of the device's input design is its slide-up keyboard, which reveals a four-row layout with dedicated keys for symbols and numbers upon activation. The mechanism employs a gesture-based slide that tilts the screen slightly for better viewing angles, locking firmly in place while offering tactile feedback through rubbery, clicky keys with notable travel depth for responsive typing. Reviewers praised the keyboard's satisfying press sensation, though its compact key spacing could challenge users with larger fingers. Input is further enhanced by physical buttons and ports strategically placed for accessibility: a power button and ringer switch on the top edge alongside a 3.5 mm headphone jack; a volume rocker on the left side; and a microUSB port on the right, covered by a flush flap. Below the screen lies a area—a smooth black touch-sensitive zone that supports basic navigation swipes, integrating seamlessly with for actions like returning to the home screen. Regarding durability, the original Palm Pre lacks an official IP rating for water or dust resistance, relying on its solid plastic construction to withstand everyday use, though early units exhibited minor flex in and occasional flap breakage on the microUSB port. The design also accommodates screen protectors effectively, as the capacitive gesture area and display maintain responsiveness with applied films. The original model's curved plastic back prioritizes grip over ruggedness.

Display and processor

The Palm Pre featured a 3.1-inch HVGA capacitive display with a resolution of × pixels and support for 24-bit , enabling vibrant visuals with approximately 16.7 million colors. The interface allowed for gesture-based interactions, such as pinching to zoom, which was a key enabler for the . At launch, the device was powered by a 600 MHz 3430 processor based on the architecture, paired with a PowerVR SGX530 capable of basic 3D acceleration for simple games and interface animations. It included 256 MB of RAM, shared between the operating system and applications, which supported multitasking but could lead to occasional performance constraints under heavy loads. The rear-facing camera on the original Palm Pre was a 3.15-megapixel with and an LED flash, suitable for capturing everyday photos and VGA video at 30 fps, though it lacked advanced features like high-definition recording. Subsequent variants introduced incremental improvements to processing power and . The Palm Pre Plus, released in early 2010, retained the same 600 MHz 3430 processor and PowerVR SGX530 GPU but doubled the RAM to 512 MB, enhancing app switching and overall responsiveness without altering the display or camera hardware. The Palm Pre 2, launched later in 2010, upgraded to a 1 GHz 3630 processor while keeping the 3.1-inch 320 × 480 display, 512 MB RAM, and 5 MP camera with LED flash. The Palm Pre 3, introduced in 2011 under HP branding, featured a larger 3.58-inch WVGA capacitive at 480 × 800 resolution with 24-bit color support, powered by a 1.4 GHz MSM8655 Snapdragon S2 processor and Adreno 205 GPU for improved graphics handling. It maintained 512 MB of RAM and upgraded the camera to a 5 MP with and LED flash, better suited for low-light conditions.

Storage, battery, and connectivity

The Palm Pre featured 8 GB of internal flash storage, with approximately 7.4 GB available to the user after allocation, paired with 256 MB of RAM for application and operations. Unlike many contemporaries, it lacked support for microSD or other expansion cards, limiting users to the built-in capacity for apps, media, and . Later variants, such as the Palm Pre Plus, retained the same 8 GB storage in some models but upgraded to 16 GB in others, while maintaining the absence of expansion options. The featured 16 GB of storage, and the Palm Pre 3 offered 8 GB or 16 GB options. Power was provided by a removable 1150 mAh , which Palm rated for up to 5 hours of talk time and 350 hours of standby time under optimal conditions. Charging occurred primarily via the device's microUSB port supporting USB 2.0 for both power and data transfer, with the battery designed for easy user replacement. Additionally, the Pre supported optional through Palm's Touchstone accessory, which required a compatible magnetic back cover to enable via , though this was not included in the base model. Connectivity options centered on cellular networks, with the original Sprint model utilizing EV-DO Rev. A for data speeds up to 3.1 Mbps in CDMA bands 800/1900 MHz. Global variants shifted to / with HSPA support at 3.6 Mbps downlink in quad-band (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) and tri-band (2100 MHz, or 850/1900 for North American models). The device included 802.11b/g for local wireless networking, 2.1 with Enhanced Data Rate for audio and data pairing, and integrated GPS for location services. It did not support LTE or later standards. Ports consisted of a microUSB connector on the side for charging and synchronization, alongside a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack for wired audio output.

Software and features

webOS operating system

is a Linux-based operating system developed by , and first launched alongside the Palm Pre in June 2009. Designed to rival Apple's and Google's Android, it marked Palm's shift from its legacy to a modern, web-centric platform aimed at delivering a seamless mobile experience. At its core, utilizes a foundation and an / app framework, enabling developers to create applications using familiar web standards like CSS3. It supports both web apps and native development through the Mojo SDK, which provides tools for building performant software. Card-based multitasking forms a key architectural element, allowing efficient switching between tasks without closing applications. The initial webOS 1.0 release in 2009 introduced basic gestures and core multitasking features for the Palm Pre. Subsequent updates reached version 1.4.5 by 2010, adding capabilities such as enhanced connectivity for calls and video recording support. After Hewlett-Packard's acquisition of Palm in April 2010, 2.0 debuted later that year with HP rebranding, bringing improvements like refined notification handling, application stacks for organized multitasking, and compatibility with Adobe Flash Player 10.1 and integration. HP open-sourced in 2012 as Open webOS, releasing its codebase under an 2.0 license to foster community development and ensure the platform's longevity. This initiative paved the way for to acquire the webOS patents, source code, and engineering team in February 2013, adapting it for smart TV applications and evolving it into a cross-device ecosystem. webOS supported over-the-air (OTA) updates for the seamless delivery of patches and enhancements, helping to maintain device integrity across updates and app installations.

User interface and multitasking

The Palm Pre's featured a gesture-based that emphasized intuitive touch interactions on its capacitive . Users navigated primarily through swipes, taps, drags, flicks, and pinches: a right-to-left swipe in the gesture area returned to the previous screen or , while dragging a finger upward from the gesture area accessed the or Launcher; pinching and double-tapping enabled zooming in apps like the browser or photo viewer, and flicking allowed quick scrolling through lists. Advanced s, such as full swipes for previous/next navigation, could be toggled on or off in the device's Screen & Lock settings for customization. These s integrated seamlessly with the physical keyboard, allowing hybrid input for tasks like typing while swiping to switch contexts. Central to webOS multitasking was the Card view system, which displayed open applications as a horizontal stack of resizable "cards" representing each app's current state. Accessed by pressing the center button or swiping left from within an app, this view allowed users to swipe between cards to switch tasks instantly, rearrange them by dragging, or close an app by flicking a card upward or off the screen—preserving data like unsent emails or paused media playback upon reopening. Unlike contemporary versions on the , which suspended apps in the background without true concurrent execution at the Palm Pre's 2009 launch, webOS supported running multiple apps simultaneously, with the system handling up to around 12 cards depending on memory usage before performance impacts. The home screen served as the primary launcher, consisting of swipeable pages in a grid layout for app icons, with left/right swipes navigating pages and up/down scrolling within them; users could tap and hold icons to rearrange or add more than nine at a time. A persistent Quick Launch bar at the bottom provided one-tap access to core functions like the , contacts, , and full Launcher, while the integrated Just Type universal search—activated by tapping a search in Card view or the Launcher—allowed typing queries to find contacts (requiring at least two letters), launch apps, or retrieve web results from sources like , , and without interrupting the current task. Notifications in webOS appeared as non-intrusive banners or wedges at the screen's bottom or lower-right corner, alerting users to calls, messages, or appointments without requiring app switches; these could be dismissed by swiping, acted upon by tapping (e.g., controlling music playback in Pandora), or managed collectively in a Dashboard view for reordering and clearing. Even on the locked screen, notifications remained visible for quick responses. Accessibility options were basic but included support for TTY/TDD devices via the headset jack for users who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, with M4/T4 compatibility ratings, and adjustable screen brightness or text enlargement through pinch gestures and regional settings. Voice commands were limited to manual dialing by name through contacts, lacking advanced hands-free dictation or control features.

Synergy and data integration

Synergy was a core feature of the Palm Pre's operating system, designed to unify data from multiple sources into a seamless experience across contacts, calendars, and messaging. It automatically merged information from services such as , , AIM, and Microsoft Exchange, creating a single, deduplicated view of contacts by linking overlapping entries like addresses or social profiles. For messaging, enabled a universal inbox that aggregated , , instant messages, and communications into threaded conversations per contact, allowing users to switch fluidly between services without separate apps. Calendars were similarly integrated, with color-coded events pulled from linked accounts like Google or Exchange, providing a consolidated schedule view. Cross-device integration relied on Bluetooth pairing, particularly when using the Touchstone wireless charger, to enable automatic synchronization of contacts, calendars, and photos between the Palm Pre and other devices signed into the same Palm Profile. This allowed ongoing wireless syncing without cables, extending 's unification beyond a single device to an ecosystem of compatible hardware. Initial setup for involved the Data Transfer Assistant tool, which facilitated importing data from desktops or older Palm devices via USB connection, followed by account configuration for automatic pulls from cloud services. Despite its innovations, had limitations, including the need for physical proximity during Bluetooth-based device linking and manual intervention to resolve unlinked duplicates, as automatic merging was not always precise. Early versions lacked robust backup options beyond daily Palm Profile snapshots for basic data, relying instead on periodic or manual syncs that could be slow for large contact lists. Synergy evolved with the release of 2.0 in 2010, which introduced developer tools for creating custom adapters to expand integration sources and improved support for , enhancing sync reliability and speed for enterprise users. These updates allowed easier plugging of new messaging, contacts, and backends, broadening 's interoperability.

Privacy concerns

Data collection practices

The Palm Pre implemented location tracking through its operating system, which periodically uploaded GPS coordinates to Palm's servers without requiring explicit user opt-in at launch. This process sent data such as , , and accuracy metrics daily, even in instances where users had disabled location services in the settings menu, primarily to support features like enhanced mapping in . The uploads occurred via a background service connecting to ps.palmws.com, raising concerns about unauthorized as the data could reveal user movements without clear notification. In addition to location data, the device collected anonymous usage analytics, including details on application launches, closures with timestamps, and crash reports containing system snapshots such as kernel logs, installed packages, and process lists. These telemetry uploads, also handled daily or upon incidents, were intended for diagnostics, product improvement, and service enhancements, with crash data throttled to prevent excessive transmissions. Palm maintained that such practices aligned with industry standards and were disclosed in their , which outlined the collection of geographical and usage information for operational purposes. Following public reports of these practices in August 2009, Palm affirmed that users could disable services through device settings and emphasized compliance with their . In the 1.2 update released in September 2009, Palm introduced enhancements to GPS location services, including a fix for prior issues and an explicit toggle allowing users to turn off data usage entirely for these features. The on the Palm Pre adhered to U.S. regulations prevailing before the EU's GDPR, such as guidelines on fair information practices, without resulting in major lawsuits or formal actions specific to the device.

User backlash and responses

In 2009, media outlets such as Wired reported on the discovery that the Palm Pre was sending usage and to Palm's servers without explicit user , sparking widespread concerns among consumers and experts. highlighted how this incident underscored broader risks in location-based services on mobile devices, emphasizing the need for clearer user notifications about practices. These reports amplified public awareness, leading to discussions on forums where users expressed frustration over the lack of transparency in the device's , which involved app usage and GPS coordinates. Users responded actively to the revelations, posting critical reviews in the Palm App Catalog that condemned the company's data policies and called for greater control over personal information. On forums like PhoneScoop, petitions and threads emerged urging Palm to implement immediate options, with some owners resorting to community-developed hacks to block the data transmissions, as official methods were initially limited. These actions reflected a growing , particularly as the tracking occurred even when services were purportedly disabled. Palm addressed the backlash with an official statement in August 2009, affirming that it took user seriously and that features like could be toggled off through device settings, though it did not detail the exact mechanisms at the time. No public apology was issued by CEO , but the company emphasized compliance with its , which outlined potential data uses for improving services. Subsequent updates, such as version 1.2 in September 2009, included enhancements to controls for location services. The controversy eroded trust in webOS over time, as evidenced by its citation in a 2010 InfoWorld analysis as a for developers on transparent data practices, contributing to Palm's broader reputational challenges amid declining . This loss of consumer confidence factored into HP's 2011 acquisition and subsequent decision to discontinue Palm hardware production, shifting focus away from devices.

Reception and legacy

Critical reviews

Upon its release in , the Palm Pre received generally positive critical reception for its innovative software features, particularly the multitasking system known as "Cards," which allowed seamless switching between applications in a card-like interface, earning praise for being ahead of its competitors. awarded it 7.7 out of 10, highlighting the unparalleled multitasking and notifications system as standout elements that made the device feel more responsive than the . The physical slide-out keyboard was also lauded for its quality and tactile feedback, with describing it as one of the best on a at the time, enabling efficient typing despite its compact size. Additionally, the feature, which integrated data from multiple accounts like email, , and calendars into unified views, was noted as a novel and practical innovation that enhanced user productivity. Critics, however, pointed out several shortcomings in hardware and ecosystem support. Battery life was a common complaint, often falling short of a full day with moderate use due to the power demands of multitasking and the 1150mAh battery, as noted in reviews from GSMArena and Wired. The app ecosystem lagged behind Apple's , with the Palm App Catalog offering only a limited selection at launch, which Wired scored at 8 out of 10 overall but criticized for lacking depth compared to the . The plastic build was described as feeling cheap and prone to fingerprints, with the slider mechanism occasionally seeming loose, detracting from the premium perception. Subsequent variants received mixed feedback. The Palm Pre Plus, released in 2010 with doubled RAM (512 MB) and storage (16 GB), was praised for its noticeable speed improvements and better multitasking performance, earning 3.5 out of 5 from , which highlighted the snappier processor as a key upgrade. The , launched in 2011 as the final iteration with a 1.4GHz processor and larger screen, drew mixed reviews due to its late arrival amid a maturing market; TechRadar's hands-on noted the enhanced speed and keyboard but questioned its competitiveness, while aggregated professional scores averaged around 74 percent, reflecting concerns over timing and ecosystem stagnation. Overall, critics viewed the Palm Pre as a strong initial rival to the , innovative in software and integration, but ultimately limited by exclusive carrier availability on Sprint, which restricted market reach, and insufficient developer support that hindered long-term app growth.

Market performance and discontinuation

The Palm Pre experienced a strong initial market reception following its June 2009 launch on Sprint, where it quickly became the carrier's fastest-selling , with over 300,000 units shipped in the first month alone. In its debut fiscal quarter ending August 2009, Palm reported smartphone shipments of 823,000 units, a 134% increase year-over-year, largely driven by the Pre. However, sales momentum waned after the concurrent release of Apple's , with total Pre units falling short of analyst projections for broader adoption. Key market challenges included the device's exclusive U.S. carrier agreement with Sprint, which lasted through the end of and restricted access to a smaller customer base compared to multi-carrier rivals like the . The Palm App Catalog grew steadily, reaching over 1,000 applications by early 2010 and approximately 5,000 by year's end, but remained significantly smaller than Apple's (over 120,000 apps) and Android Market (around 20,000 apps) at the time. The 2010 acquisition by for $1.2 billion further disrupted development momentum, as internal shifts at HP delayed new Pre iterations and diverted focus from mobile phones. HP discontinued production of the Pre line in 2011, with the Pre 3—released briefly in in August 2011—serving as the final model before the company halted all hardware sales that same month. Full support for ended in 2014, when the App Catalog ceased new purchases in November, followed by cloud services shutdown in early 2015. In the legacy market as of 2025, the Palm Pre holds collector value, with well-preserved units fetching $50 to $250 on platforms like eBay, appreciated for their innovative sliding QWERTY keyboard design that influenced later physical-keyboard smartphones. Community efforts include webOS emulation tools, though direct ports to Android are limited, allowing enthusiasts to run legacy apps on modern hardware; as of 2025, projects like WebOS Ports and LuneOS continue to preserve the platform by enabling webOS to run on contemporary devices. The device has no official relevance today but remains a historical benchmark for multitasking mobile interfaces. The Pre's underwhelming sales contributed to Palm's diminished standing, culminating in HP's $1.67 billion write-down in tied to the division, effectively erasing much of the $1.2 billion acquisition value.

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