Sept/Oct 2005

In a move that might have been regarded as unthinkable a few years ago, Palm has announced that it has developed a version of its Treo range of mobile phones that will run under the Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system. It will be built round an Intel microprocessor.

Existing models running under the Palmsource OS (spun off from the company two years ago) will continue to be offered, and initially the new model will be available only in the United States through mobile network operator Verizon Wireless. But Palm has suggested that versions will be offered to other networks from the second half of next year.

Some industry analysts regard the move as a rearguard action by Palm to stave off competition from RIM's BlackBerry mobile email system and from Microsoft-based phones and PDAs. The Palmsource operating systems business has also seen mixed fortunes following the spin-off. It was recently acquired by Japanese-based Access Co.

However, the upbeat view of Palm's president and chief executive officer Ed Colligan is: 'We've long believed that the future of personal computing is mobile computing, and our collaboration with Microsoft is a historic step in delivering that vision to a larger market.'

 

Microsoft chairman Bill Gates described the deal as 'a landmark alliance that will help businesses remain on the cutting edge of competitiveness'.

The Windows-based phones will have the standard range of Microsoft features, including Office Mobile, Internet Explorer Mobile and access to Exchange Server 2003.

Palm sales rose by 25 per cent in the first quarter of its current year, but profits fell 7 per cent to $18.2 million, and commentators are viewing the deal with Microsoft as a welcome shot in the arm for the company.

as Palm hedges bets on connectivity

On the handheld computer front, Palm has launched a new model, the Palm TX, with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless technologies, hoping to capture a share of the Wi-Fi aware consumer market. It also has an expansion slot for MultiMediaCard, SD and SDIO cards. With its a large, high-resolution 320x480 colour screen, it could possibly also interest business users. But will they be happy with the Bluetooth connection to a separate phone?