ACCESS ALP hits 1.0, new specs released

We only caught a brief early glimpse of ALP at 3GSM this year before they quickly snuck away all the gear, but PDAStreet claims that ALP has hit 1.0 in its dev cycle, and has screencaps and a lot of info we've been waiting for to make the case. First up, hardware: it should run on current generation devices, requiring at least a 200MHz ARM9 CPU (400MHz+ recommended), 64MB RAM and 64MB flash memory, and has support for input via QWERTY, 12-key with 5-way d-pad, and touchscreen (obviously) or digitizer (interesting!)with four or five hard keys. Interestingly, supported resolutions include QVGA (240 x 320), HVGA (320 x 480), and WVGA (800 x 480) -- where's the 320 x 320 Palm OS Treos have had since the 650? We dunno. ACCESS still hasn't announced any licensees, but unless ALP switches up and adds a square aspect ratio, it doesn't look like we'll see this running on any Treos as we know them today. Oh, app list after the break.

[Via Download Squad]

ALP apps, many of which are like totes obvs:

• Phone
• Contacts
• Calendar
• Memos
• Tasks
• HotSync
• NetFront browser
• HandMail
• SMS+
  
• iMessenger
• Music
• Video
• Photos & Studio
• Camera
• Documents
• Utilities (Clock, Calculator, Recorder, Home Screen, Flight Mode)

Of course, as we learn what these strange new programs do (and don't), we'll undoubtedly be posting to Engadget Mobile.

[Mac Filmmaking @ Feb 15th 2007 8:57PM]

Cool, but I want to wait for the iPhone.
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http://www.macfilmmaking.blogspot.com

[Jonathan Keim @ Feb 15th 2007 9:10PM]

Mac filmer, you know you are going to get negative comments :D

I really like this new interface. I have a palm zire, and the interface really is old. I will be looking forward to play with this new exciting one.

[Chris @ Feb 15th 2007 9:44PM]

I'm waiting for the link to the torrent.

[Samuel @ Feb 16th 2007 12:06AM]

I'll take Windows Mobile's far better integration with Windows over HotSync any day (Syncs don't fail because you have a 3.6MB Database that Hotsync didn't like, or you installed 2 versions of the same program and Hotsync is too lost to do anything but end the sync - then the fun part is trying to figure out where the pdb is - and no built-in file explorer to simply delete it nor to copy new files to the location of your choice, for instance). It's too bad, competing with the monopoly is no fun. Incidentally, once they redo Palm's interface with this slickness, why would anybody still use one. Friends tell me that the only reason they use Palms is its "simplicity" as an organizer+ vs. carrying a mini computer in the form a Windows Mobile device. But if Access is kind of a Linux vs Windows Mobile, I can't imagine it'll gain any major following.

[itguy06 @ Feb 16th 2007 10:23AM]

Loving this. Looks to be a modern version of the Palm OS, which is light years ahead of WM in any version.

As a Mac user (and occasional Windows user), I'll take the Palm's great integration with Apple's apps and sync services over the POS known as Windows Mobile any day. Windows is a poor UI experience on the desktop and translates to an ABYSMAL experience on the mobile as well.

I've bene using Palms for years and find them intuitive, easy to use, and reliable. The same cannot be said about Microsoft's mobile OS.

[ciscoguerrero @ Feb 16th 2007 12:41PM]

Gawd?!!! why is the UI so freakin' UGLY!!?? It looks like a homemade version of a Linux PDA as opposed to the next generation of Palm software. Or looks like Windows CE 1.0 on a very bad day. Seriously, it sucks ass in the looks department.

[PosiCat @ Feb 16th 2007 1:21PM]

I'm just curious if I'll be able to run my Zaurus programs on this. I'm sure someone will re-compile them if necessary.

[Max Powar @ Feb 16th 2007 10:22PM]

"totes obvs"? wow.

[Toaster @ Feb 17th 2007 6:10PM]

Will we be able to upgrade current (lol) gen Palm OS PDAs (non treo) to the Acess Linux OS somehow or will we have to buy a new device. I'm hoping the answer's not buy a new device :(

[Nevil @ Feb 21st 2007 11:57PM]

This is the Access Linux Platform. Not the next version of PalmOS. As far as I know that is now called Garnet™ OS... ALP is intended for mobile phones.
# NetFront browser - This is the web browser by Access
# iMessenger - This seems to be a messaging application for Docomo mobile phones.

[iNoxious @ Feb 27th 2007 12:28AM]

why wouldnt they make a 320 x 320... that would just be stupid. but who knows if my 650 could even handle it..