Palm announcement coming later today?

We don't know what it'll be, but Palm is teasing an announcement for later today. As stated on the official Palm blog:

"check back later today (or follow palm_inc on Twitter) for an update direct from the Web 2.0 Expo in San Francisco."

Palm assures us that this isn't some kind of lame April Fools. As such, we're hoping for a release date (by country) and price or at the very least a free, general release of the Mojo SDK. Whatever it is, you'll find the details here just as soon as they are announced.

[Cash @ Apr 1st 2009 4:49AM]

Let's just hope it's more exciting then Sony's big "Announcement."

[Bokal @ Apr 1st 2009 5:11AM]

Palm Centro for 99$

[Freakin Ijit @ Apr 1st 2009 7:49AM]

I'm not seeing anything hinting at excitement in those Palm words.

Why are you assuming something exciting - especially at a rather mundane affair like Web 2.0?

[haX0r @ Apr 1st 2009 1:52PM]

From my understand, this corresponds to the emails I received from Mr. Mandacina at Sprint executive team. They will be making an announcement soon and may also include tethering although I was told this was "in decision process" with Sprint.

[Olly88 @ Apr 1st 2009 4:54AM]

This better not be fake because I cannot wait for this phone

[Rob @ Apr 1st 2009 5:02AM]

I can't wait either, but they had better hurry up as my new technology fix can only be put off for so long.

If I don't hear a release date for the UK pretty soon I may have to go to the dark side and get an iPhone.

[loopyoyo @ Apr 1st 2009 5:00AM]

i gottta be the first to say it...april fools!!

[Mark @ Apr 1st 2009 5:08AM]

Dear God, let it be so!

[Libb @ Apr 1st 2009 5:09AM]

I really wish it is a release date and pricing announcement.

However, the session they're hosting is about how webOS will change the way developers and users view web applications, and the announcement is coming from Web 2.0, not CTIA. Translation: Probably SDK availability today for either a small number of developers or a full public beta. Which is still cool, but not AS cool.

[Titanium man @ Apr 1st 2009 6:58AM]

I agree. It coincides with the whole web 2.0 thing. It's probably the mojo sdk official release.
Although i would be really interested to hear everyone's prediction about the pre's price.
I expect it to be either $299 or $399 with a two year contract.

[mitt @ Apr 1st 2009 7:39AM]

with a two year contract it should be free (in UK that is). Hell with a two year contract i wouldnt pay for any phone

[Freakin Ijit @ Apr 1st 2009 8:41AM]

At the last earnings call the CEO said the SDK would be available in beta to a limited set of developers AFTER the Pre was released. If that has now changed to full release BEFORE the Pre is released something fairly significant has occurred.

[joe23521 @ Apr 1st 2009 11:07AM]

If it's $299 or $399 with a 2-year contract, Palm will be done. It cannot be even remotely close to that range. Cannot exceed $199 w/contract if they want to really compete. Period.

[loopyoyo @ Apr 1st 2009 5:14AM]

¡pǝןooɟ ʇoƃ ʇsnɾ ʇǝƃpɐƃuǝ˙˙ɐɥɐɥ

[Ahmed Alzayani @ Apr 1st 2009 11:16AM]

(: ɹoɯnɥ ɟo ǝsuǝs ǝlƃooƃ ǝʌol ı

[digitallysick @ Apr 1st 2009 5:35AM]

Lets see like the phone but hate sprint , what to do

[Libb @ Apr 1st 2009 5:47AM]

Give Sprint a chance - easily the best 3G network in the nation, and the cheapest data plans around. The customer service supposedly is terrible (I've been with Sprint 5 years now and have nothing but good things to say about the CSRs I've talked with), but Sprint's been working on that lately, and from what I hear that's improving.

If you're a GSM bigot, then whatever - unless you really need worldphone capabilities or simultaneous cellular data & voice are totally vital to you, GSM just means your phone makes stupid noises when its near a speaker - awesome. (I guess I'm a CDMA fanboy - if it's honestly possible to be a fanboy of a fucking wireless standard...)

[Mark @ Apr 1st 2009 5:53AM]

In all honesty, it's really not bad. It's got a large and extensive U.S. network and has a great 3G network. The plans are amazingly cheap (compared to Verizon and AT&T). They've also increased their customer service greatly in the past year or two.

[PoisonWolf @ Apr 1st 2009 5:53AM]

@Libb,

I know this sounds funny but I actually prefer GSM technology. If I am getting this right, if you're on CDMA technology, you get reception even in buildings yes? You see, sometimes I take solace knowing that I'm not a slave to my phone (which happens when I'm underground, etc).

That's just my opinion though, I just don't like the idea that people can reach/contact me 24/7, no matter where I am.

Cheers.

[Libb @ Apr 1st 2009 6:01AM]

@PoisonWolf:

I guess I just like getting reception anywhere - you know, since phones are meant to make and receive calls ;) If I need/want to be left alone, one of my favorite features of my Treo (that is also on the Pre) is the top-mounted ring/vibrate switch that, unlike the iPhone's similar switch, kills every possible sound the Treo can make.

I'm sure CDMA has better building penetration, less because of the technology itself and more because the GSM carriers in the US mainly use lower frequency bands that don't penetrate concrete or metal as well as the higher bands that Verizon and Sprint use. I know I can easily get reception inside the basement of my college's AT building (commonly referred to as the "CS catacombs" - real twisty turny concrete walled dungeon filled with computer labs for CS students) while some other people who have GSM phones often complain they aren't getting reception. That might just be because Sprint has a massive amount of towers in my town (Binghamton, NY), including one probably a half mile or less away from my campus, though.

[Aaron @ Apr 1st 2009 6:11AM]

"Lets see like the phone but hate sprint , what to do"

Buy a GSM model from Europe and unlock it?

[blaine ball @ Apr 1st 2009 9:57AM]

I agree... I have been with Sprint since 2001 and have no intentions on leaving. I was waiting for my 2-year upgrade to get a Touch Pro, but now I am waiting for a hands on with the Pre before I decide.

Their prices, coverage, phone selection, and network performance is as good, if not better, than any other company.

[Frankenstein Black @ Apr 1st 2009 10:32AM]

CDMA is antiquated with no path forward, oh and it sux azz. Thats why its being dumped by everyone except Sprint. Yea, good luck with that Dano!!

PS @digitalllysick, get the EU GSM version from expansys when it drops...

[Adnox @ Apr 1st 2009 5:51AM]

June; it shall release in June.

[haX0r @ Apr 1st 2009 2:02PM]

I say April. They don't want it too close to the iPhone release.

[gerrrg @ Apr 1st 2009 5:53AM]

Here's a thought: the Pre, exclusively on Sprint, should have had WiMax built inside, alongside any 3G network ability. With WiMax, I could see people later this year, finding value in Palm's Pre.

Without it, I don't see the grand distinction between the Pre and any other smart phone player already in the marketplace.

The April Fool's joke is that you'll have to wait another quarter to get it.

[Libb @ Apr 1st 2009 6:11AM]

The problem with that is Sprint has exactly 1 WiMax market, and while its working on expanding that, its going to take time and money, neither of which both Palm and Sprint really have.

So it was a choice of either future-proofing the Pre with WiMax which would probably raise the price of the unit and delay it a few months, or leave it with the standard that is actually in use and put it at a more mass-market price. I think the decision there was a no-brainer.

If the Pre is successful, I guarantee that a "Pre 4G" or some sort of other webOS device with WiMax will come eventually - Palm is seemingly aiming to be Sprint's signature device provider, and if WiMax pans out, the top-of-the-line devices will have to have it sometime in the semi-near future.

[BlueSkaDude2108 @ Apr 1st 2009 7:02AM]

I'm hoping for a price announcement and hopefully date.

[Landincoldfire @ Apr 1st 2009 7:38AM]

I can wait til June and beyond if needed, my contract expired yesterday. So a little discount when I commit to another two years will be nice.

[Dave @ Apr 1st 2009 7:47AM]

11 years on Sprint. The only thing I can complain about is that earlier they would screw up my billing, and I had to call them religiously about ever 4 mos. Customer service ALWAYS took care of me, matter of fact, there were times that I asked to talk to the super because I was really taken care of. BTW, they got the billing right now. It was dealing with a company discount they would never get right.

I am an IP Consultant, no relation what-so-ever with Sprint. Just think they are getting a bad rap.
The reason I'm posting this is that I CANNOT wait for the Pre, and for people not to jump on the Pre-wagon because of the bad rap Sprint is getting in the market would be dumb.

This phoe will rock. Not the end all, just the phone for now to get. I believe Android will be coming out with some great stuff in time, but for now, the Pre is it. Everyone I turn onto this phone freaks out.

Come on Pre, Come on Pre, Come on Pre

[cmil1212 @ Apr 1st 2009 8:02AM]

I think a lot of the so called bad customer service comes from Sprint offering discounts, sero, other perks, etc.

[Dave @ Apr 1st 2009 8:36AM]

not a joke. forgot it was April Fool's day.
I'll have to repost on the next pre announcement on another day.

[CharlesJR @ Apr 1st 2009 10:54AM]

I'm gonna have to weigh in here on the same tune. Been with SPRINT since they bought Nextel (was with them for years before that).

I've had some unbelievable mistakes setting up accounts, but by the same token, some unbelievable customer service trying to get them repaired. Each time, someone took a lot of personal time, sometimes HOURS, to help me resolve challenges.

I travel all over the US and have never had my SPRINT service drop out except in extreme rural areas. Heck, it even works in Mexico, though SPRINT has dropped the Mexico calling and data plan they use to have. And you can use voice and data together, it just drops the 3G speeds down to regular cellular speeds.

I am an Apple house and workplace, but I won't switch to the iPhone because I won't let go of my SPRINT service. I will happily roll with the Pre when its released. Then, depending on the phone, possibly try out the Touch Pro 2 when its released.

CharlesJR

[Conceyted @ Apr 1st 2009 7:57AM]

This is a joke im pretty sure.

[shawnlaw13 @ Apr 1st 2009 8:15AM]

Release date:wont tell u!
Pricing:wont tell u either!

[onurkillinc @ Apr 1st 2009 8:58AM]

No matter what announcement it is!'^' It will be a april fools joke and i am not gonna believe it today.

[vtecfelon23 @ Apr 1st 2009 9:02AM]

Hmmm, I am going to take a wild guess and say somewhere around may 13th

[Nick Catalano @ Apr 1st 2009 9:15AM]

Today is a HORRIBLE day to make ANY product announcement. They announced the limited beta of Gmail on April 1st and people weren't sure the product existed for quite awhile :)

[Jay Voorhees @ Apr 1st 2009 12:00PM]

I've been using autopilot for a couple hours now, let me tell you, works like a charm.

[onurkillinc @ Apr 1st 2009 9:19AM]

The Post’s most spectacular features include:

* 3.5G / 4G / 5G octo-band radios
* WiFi / WiMax connectivity
* 21 MP digital camera with 1080p video recording
* 4.1″ AMOLED / E-ink “reader” dual-mode display
* Bluetooth 4.0
* Wireless USB charging/syncing
* 128GB flash memory
* Hydrogen-cell battery: 2 weeks talk-time / 2 months standby
* HD pico projector w/ 5.1 channel surround
* T10 predictive thought text auto-correction

It cannot be more ridiculous...

[Ari @ Apr 1st 2009 9:31AM]

@ titanium Man who guessed price points of 299-399. At first i was sure it would come down to 199 to compete (maybe 250-50mir) but lately i've started getting nervous to the possibility of a higher one, only because either Palm/Sprint thinks they have enough hype or they just need the cash to justify all the R&D and advertising to come.
I'm no apple fanboy, though i think they do make some awesome products, and the iphone was never for me because of the keyboard, but i think the biggest impact they made on the smartphone was lowering the price point to 199. If not the storm, niagara, omnia, touch pro and G-1 never come close to 199. I remember when my Samsung i730 was 500 with a contract, and i believe the carriers still charge like $350 ( dont quote me). I just dont think the Pre will sell at higher than the iphone. I'm a long time Verizon user willing to switch to Sprint but not for more than i can currently grab and Iphone or Niagara when it drops.

[Ari @ Apr 1st 2009 9:33AM]

i meant to say they charge $350 on the Palm 750 or 800.

[Dutch @ Apr 1st 2009 10:19AM]

Ari, the Palm 800w on Sprint last sold for list $600, after rebate $99. Before that it was list $600 and $199 after rebates and discounts.

Sprint is not going to sell the Pre for $399 or $299 after discoutns, It will be about $200 for new customers adn existign customers eligble for new custoemr pricing.

Sprint, which has the lowest average subscription per user revenue, stands to make much more on pushing people to higher rate plans (or losing exiting high paying customers to att/iphone) and that is what they see when the look at the Pre.

$100 either way on a phone is a mere $4 a month to Sprint over a 24 month contract. Much more important is pushing customers from $40 to $70 per month or from $70 to $100 , which is $30x24 -- or $720 more revenue.

The Pre is tied to higher plans. Other smartphones on sprint, excepting the instinct including top HTC models are not.

The Pre will be reasonably priced, Sprint sees it as bait. You will see a very very high list price, this serves palms prestige. But the discount will be steep $400 or so. This makes the customer less conscious of the higher plan requirement.

$200 after discoutns, give or take $50

[TitaniumMan @ Apr 1st 2009 5:08PM]

What really makes me consider the higher price is the $199 price for the treo pro, and the hardware inside the pre. Consider the very powerful processor ( which is the same as the one used in the samsung omnia hd), plus the very high quality color display. These are both things that the iphone 3g lacks. Looking back, Palm seems to be like Apple in how they price their products. I think they will go for the higher end Blackberry and iphone users, the kind of people that bought the original iphone at $499 two years ago, and price this at $299 with a two year contract.

[Ethos @ Apr 1st 2009 7:49PM]

I am so friggen keen o this phone have been waiting forever for a release date. I think I'll be hanging for a UK release got friends over their that can buy it for me =]

I'm hoping its no more then $999 Australian(Unlocked/Outright) but you never know....

[ironman @ Apr 1st 2009 10:13AM]

Don't do this to me Engadget! I've been waiting for a release date for months now. Don't let this be an April fools' joke. My heart can only take so much.

[Me4u2 @ Apr 1st 2009 10:35AM]

I predict the price will be around $400 - 500, the pre has no video recording capabilities, a 3.2 megapixel camera, same old palm keyboard, i don't expect it to cost more than my stated price.

Anyway since sprint is useless and the lacks some useful features, i'll wait for the Nokia N97 on at&t. June please hurry!!!

[Phoenix @ Apr 1st 2009 11:28AM]

Before everyone says "They won't say anything big at Web 2.0", that's where the Nokia N810 was announced. was that small?

[The Fuzz 53 @ Apr 1st 2009 11:50AM]

Howard Stern is getting a private preview of the Pre this week.

[insky @ Apr 1st 2009 12:25PM]

I can just imagine him saying "take the top off, take the top off."