TealPoint posted an official response on their TealTalk forum, which basically says that they're shutting down sales and distribution for TealOS on March 30, at the request of Palm. I mean, it'd be one thing if this were on other companies' phones, but how mad can they really be about it showing up as a skin on their own stuff? [TealTalk via PalmInfoCenter via Engadget]

Given the large, ultra-sharp screen, graphically intensive OS and constant requests to its tightly integrated online services, one would expect that the Pre would be something of an energy glutton—at least moreso that the Centro and 800w, which share its battery. Given that even the Treo Pro, with a 1500mAh battery, isn't good for much more than two days of regular use, it looks like the Pre might fall into the iPhone/G1/Storm trap of requiring a full charge every night, or worse.

For reference, the iPhone's battery is a more generously apportioned 1400mAh unit, where the G1's power comes from a sad little 10001150mAh lithium polymer. PreCentral deduced the Pre's 1150mAh figure from the existing capacities of this battery type, whereas PalmInfoCentral was told directly by a PR rep to expect 1200mAh.

The news isn't all bad though, as there are already a plethora of cheap aftermarket batteries that were designed for the Centro and 800w, and will therefore fit the Pre. Additionally, if you're upgrading from another Palm device you'll be able to carry your current batteries as a backup. [PreCentral via PalmInfoCenter]

It goes along with what Sascha at PCMag (who would only print reliable tips) has heard: Not only will the WebOS be on lotsa Palm devices in as many form factors as colors of the rainbow, but the next WebOS may be "a lower-cost, candybar-style phone without a QWERTY keyboard."

So even if the next WebOS phone from Palm isn't called the Centro 2, between the two rumors, it looks likely it'll be a cheaper model. And why not? The Palm Centro sold like bottled water in hell, despite running a dated-as-balls OS. Okay, cannibalization—why buy the $199 (hopefully) model model when there's a $149 or even $99 model hanging around?

But given Palm's present position, grabbing as much marketshare with its OS as fast as possible should be (and is) its top priority, and having a less fancy phone at an easy-to-swallow price is the best way to do that. It just needs to look sexy and be cheap, whatever it's called—though Centro 2 in it all its unimagination does sound a lot less stupid than Pre, so maybe Palm should stick with that. [PalmInfo via BGR, from whom I also cribbed the image]

Improved Gmail IMAP compatibility and an updated setup wizard with the new Gmail settings

Updated compatibility for Google Mobile Maps My Location feature to approximate your current location – great for directions, finding nearby restaurants or business, or checking local traffic.1

Improved ongoing delivery of email sent to VersaMail accounts using Microsoft's Direct Push Technology via Exchange ActiveSync

Bluetooth usability enhancements and updates

Sprint TV performance enhancements2

Enhanced AOL Instant Messenger performance

Improved performance when adding a contact using Mobile Voice Control

Improved email attachment handling

Changed default camera shutter sound to “ON.” Audible shutter “click” will be heard when taking photos

Allows Preferred Roaming List updates over the air

Palm Announces Unlocked Centro Smartphone and Google Maps with My Location

SUNNYVALE, Calif., June 23, 2008 – Palm, Inc. (Nasdaq: PALM) today announced that the popular Palm® Centro™ smartphone is now available unlocked for U.S. customers. Now offered on Sprint, AT&T and Verizon Wireless – the nation’s three largest carriers – and in an unlocked GSM version, Centro gives U.S. customers the ability to choose the mobile phone that’s right for them.(1) Palm also announced that Google™ Maps for mobile with My Location on Centro is available for Centro starting tomorrow, giving customers faster access to local maps and driving directions.(2)

The unlocked Palm Centro retains the smartphone’s compact, modern design and is dressed in a new white color with grey accents. Centro offers customers more choices to stay in touch with friends, family and co-workers by using voice, text messaging, email or the web. Also available in 25 countries worldwide, Centro is Palm’s smallest and lightest smartphone to date.

Google Maps for mobile with My Location makes it easier and faster for Centro customers to get mapping and direction information by approximating the user’s current location on the map. This saves time and keystrokes for people trying to find where they are, what’s around them, and how to get there.

In addition to My Location, Google Maps offers:

·Comprehensive information on traffic conditions in more than 30 U.S. major metropolitan areas, and partial information in many others;

·Detailed driving directions with traffic estimates to avoid congestions;

·One-touch recall of favorite locations and routes;

·Integrated search results for business locations, including directions and contact information;

·Ability to scan and drag maps using Centro’s touch screen for a PC-like experience; and

·Satellite and aerial views.

Pricing and Availability

The unlocked Centro smartphone is available online at http://www.palm.com/centro for $299.

Google Maps for mobile with My Location will be available tomorrow free of charge for Palm Centro smartphones at http://www.google.com/gmm. Please check the site for details on the download process and carrier availability.

About Palm, Inc.

Palm, Inc. is a global leader and innovator of easy-to-use mobile products that simplify people’s lives and help them stay connected on the go. The company offers a range of products — including Palm® Treo™ and Centro™ smartphones, Palm handhelds, services and accessories — to meet the needs of consumers, mobile professionals and businesses.

Palm products are sold through select Internet, retail, reseller and wireless operator channels throughout the world, and at Palm online stores (http://www.palm.com/store).

More information about Palm, Inc. is available at http://www.palm.com.

[Palm]

That should give its march past a million sold new juice, even if your friends have already been playing with it for a few months. It's the first Palm on Verizon's $30 a month Smartphone plan, and runs on their 3G EV-DO network. The $99 price is obviously w/ two-year contract and after $70 mail-rebate (don't forget to send it in!).

PALM CENTRO NOW AVAILABLE ON THE VERIZON WIRELESS NETWORK

Centro Debut on the Nation's Most Reliable Wireless Network Offers Customers a High-Speed Communications Device with Compact Form Factor, Easy Touch-Screen and Full QWERTY Keyboard

BASKING RIDGE, N.J, and SUNNYVALE, Calif. – Verizon Wireless, builder and operator of the nation’s most reliable wireless network, and Palm, Inc. (Nasdaq: PALM), today announced that the Palm® Centro™ smartphone will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores beginning June 13. Dressed in a crisp cobalt blue, the Centro provides customers with the perfect tool to manage the busiest of lifestyles with voice, text messaging, e-mail and the Web.
Centro runs on Verizon Wireless’ high-speed data network, which gives customers the ability to quickly send and receive e-mail messages and attachments and browse rich Web content. Verizon Wireless customers can also use the Centro as a modem for their laptops when they subscribe to Verizon Wireless’ BroadbandAccess Connect service plan. The handset sports a vibrant color touch-screen, full QWERTY keyboard and a lightweight design.

Centro’s built-in Google Maps™ application delivers quick, reliable directions and lets users perform local searches and view moveable/scalable maps, satellite imagery and traffic updates. Customers can also map a contact’s address directly from the contact application simply by selecting the “maps” button.
Customers using the stylish Centro will get access to VersaMail® 4.0 with built-in Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync® support for Microsoft Direct Push Technology to deliver e-mail and calendar updates from a home or office PC using Outlook® directly to their handsets. Centro users also have the option of using Wireless Sync, Verizon Wireless’ proprietary e-mail solution, for quick and easy access to personal or corporate e-mail, contacts, calendar and tasks from their home or office PC. Wireless Sync supports POP3 or IMAP e-mail accounts and it supports Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Notes® and IBM Lotus Domino®.
The Palm Centro also includes the following features and capabilities:
• Text, picture and video messaging (text messages are presented to customers in a “chat-style” view so customers can see their entire conversation unfold)
• Superior phone functionality, including one-touch speakerphone and conference calling, the ability to respond to a call with text messaging, and the option to use the touch-screen dial pad
• Smart, fast Web browsing using the award-winning Blazer browser
• 2x digital zoom camera with video capture
• Media player with Pocket Tunes™ Deluxe (PlaysForSure-compatible)
• Bluetooth® v. 1.2 with support for hands-free car kits and headset profiles
• 64 MB available user storage and microSD™ memory card slot with support up to 4 GB
• User-friendly, familiar Palm OS® 5.4.9, including one-touch access to key applications
• Small, sleek form factor: 2.1” (l) x 4.2” (w) x 0.7” (d)
• 4.2 ounces with battery
• 320 x 320 pixel color touch-screen and full QWERTY keyboard for easier e-mail, messaging and Web use

Pricing and Availability
The Palm Centro smartphone will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores, including those in Circuit City, for $99.99 after a $70 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers may want to pair their Centro voice plan with Verizon Wireless’ E-mail and Web for Smartphone service for $29.99. This is an unlimited monthly data plan for Web browsing and e-mail support for up to eight personal e-mail accounts. To tether the Centro to a laptop with a USB cable, customers may opt to include a BroadbandAccess Connect plan in their service package for $30.
For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com. Business customers may call 1-800-VZW-4BIZ or contact their Verizon Wireless Business Sales Representative.

[Verizon Wireless]

So, basically take the current Palm OS, add a dash of web 2.0 internet and you've got Palm 2.0. I don't even have a serious affinity for Palm, but man I hope Ed here is just a master of understatement. Because fundamentally, I like writing about companies and people beating back the odds and the weight of history, not relics. [APC]

There will also be an optional Voice Control feature that will allow users to browse the web, create calendar entries and send emails/text messages using voice commands. Just don't let all of this hands-free freedom go to your head. It still doesn't give you carte blanche to multi-task while driving down the highway. [InformationWeek]

So hit the jump for our Frankenreview on the Palm Centro—seven takes that will let you know the whole story.

Computerworld
Palm appears to have carefully thought through the size of the device. For instance, it was just small enough to stow comfortably in a jeans pocket. And it is just barely large enough to have a full QWERTY keyboard.

Treonauts
Again, the touchscreen is smaller in size but luckily Palm kept a high resolution 320x320 display. I didn't have any problems at all viewing all sorts of information on this screen but admittedly the smaller size does make it just a bit harder to reach some buttons or menus with your fingers...

Gizmodo
Like Brian said, that keyboard is seriously tiny. It's much easier to use the screen to type in phone numbers, for instance, and in general, it's significantly more cramped than a Treo.

Slashgear
...it uses the smaller jack, for which I don't have an adapter or any headphones that fit, but the quality, and volume of the built in speaker more than makes up for it, it really is amazing. I could literally hear music from 2 rooms away after I turned the volume up to max, and it was still understandable; there was some crackle in the highs when I cranked it up, but other than that, it sounded great.

CNET
Despite the smaller size, the Palm Centro still manages to pack in all of the features of the Palm Treo 755p and then some...Of course, you get the standard personal information management tools...the Centro isn't just an electronic organizer, though, as the smartphone comes preloaded with Documents to Go (version 10), so you can open, create, and edit Microsoft Word and Excel documents, and view PowerPoint presentations and PDFs.

PCAdvisor
Web browsing in the US with the Palm Centro's Blazer browser over Sprint's EvDO network was a sheer delight...Email setup went smoothly...[and] the Palm Centro supports concurrent instant messaging sessions with the three supported IM services...

InfoSyncWorld
So, why would anyone still buy a Treo? Palm reps claimed business users would be enticed by the larger keypad and screen, though the Centro does have the same 320 by 320 resolution as our larger Treo. Any other differences? None that Palm reps could name, at least none in favor of the Treo.
Final thoughts: The Palm Centro had a very positive response from reviewers. But it's getting obvious that smartphones, and maybe Palm's especially, just aren't achieving that "wow" factor of old. Even with some of the new features, many reviews read more like impressions. Because the biggest updates most users will notice are the price and the form.

My first thought was that it felt like a toy. The directional pad is a little loose, and the microSD card slot is a little bit too flimsy. But those feelings went away quickly when I started it up, and the only thing I could think was: man, what took Palm so long?

Some other thoughts:

• Like Brian said, that keyboard is seriously tiny. It's much easier to use the screen to type in phone numbers, for instance, and in general, it's significantly more cramped than a Treo.

• The built-in speaker is loud and clear, a little heavy on the high-end, but free of distortion, good for Sprint streaming radio and TV, and of course MP3s.

• You can easily setup email in VersaMail without using a PC—a scenario I suspect is more relevant to Centro buyers than to Treo buyers.

• There's an instant music on/off button on the left side. I haven't located a physical "Back" button though. I wonder if I could reprogram the insta-music button to do that.

• Google Maps with traffic and sat view, but NO GPS!!! I was sad when it hit home, and confused: I thought EV-DO chipsets from Qualcomm had aGPS in there by default. UPDATE: It does have aGPS for E911. But Sprint just told me, "The underlying application for Sprint Navigator and other similar GPS services only operates on a Java platform and is not available for a Palm OS."

• AstraWare Sudoku is one of the games, though I didn't test it out because I was afraid of sliding into an addiction spiral (again).

• Sprint TV looks okay on square 2" diagonal screen. Wouldn't want to see it blown up any bigger, frankly.

If you haven't gotten enough of this tasty little treat from Palm, have a look at our Palm Centro Sizemodo, where we compare it to an older Treo. And an iPhone. [Palm Centro]

Comparison with T-Mobile RIM Blackberry Curve (with Wi-Fi):

"[The Palm Centro] team is now totally focused on delivering our next generation platform, which we expect to have available by the end of the next calendar year."

12:38 Why aren't people buying smartphones? He says it's because they've been big and clunky. (Well, not all, but certainly most Treo smartphones) They're complex. Kudos to Palm, they've been simple. They've been expensive, too, he says.

12:39 The Centro is announced, in red and black, $99 and on Sprint. Called the Centro because it's focused on the center of your life. For the guys with a life outside of work and help at work. For the at-home CEO.

12:44 Messaging is a focus. Text message and IMs. New way of doing it. You get the threaded text messages...like some other phones I know of. Has AIM built in, Windows Live, and Yahoo. All with presence detection.
12:45 Email apps and web stuff is the same.

12:46 YouTube, like Helio, is done through a YouTube site that doesn't use a flash browser. (Still different than the h.264 iPhone youtube.)

12:47 microSD card. Broadband, EVDO, "not an EDGE phone"
12:49 Danny Bowman on stage, President of Customer Equipment, Sprint. Sprint TV support, from 15 to 30 bucks.
12:51 Event Gallery support (server upload of images on the phone).
12:54 Questions.

Even if these dates are solid now (assuming these are actually real), providers are known to switch up dates for various reasons. Use the schedule as a guideline more than a definite calendar. [Phone News via Gadgets on the Go]

The Centro has possibly the tiniest QWERTY keyboard I've ever seen. It's infinitesimal: it's actually impossible to type on this thing with two thumbs. The keys on the model I tried were little clear rubbery bumps, below a cursor pad and the usual Palm OS quick application buttons. Seeing me get frustrated trying to puzzle out letters on this tiny thing, a Sprint rep stepped in to say that it was for the "youth market" - in other words, kids with nimble fingers and sharp eyes to read the small screen. On the other hand, it'll fend off the argument about Treos being chunky, that's for sure.