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Palm's new OS getting more delays?
The hits just don't seem to be stopping for Palm these days. In the last few weeks we've watched the Foleo debacle unravel, seen the underwhelming Treo 500v announcement, and gotten word that the Elevation Partners partial sale has gone through (a small ray of light, really) -- but it appears we're not done yet. According to a scathing report in The Guardian, Palm is now projecting a 12- to 18-month wait on the new, Linux-based version of its OS (Palm OS II to you and me), which is a considerable extension compared to the dates we heard back in July (which, of course, were just more delays in a long line of empty promises), and puts the oft-hindered software closer to a 2009 release. No offense guys, but you've been talking about this OS for about five years, all while Windows Mobile, RIM, and Symbian have lapped you... repeatedly. Maybe you can get the open source community to lend a hand? They're quite crafty.[Via Brighthand]
DIY'er makes a pet access control system
If you're looking for a way to get your pups eating what you want, when you want, you might want to check into one DIY'ers clever solution for an RFID feeding scheme. The trouble all began when a gentleman named Mike Larsen needed to feed one of his dogs a special diet even though food had to be out constantly for his canines -- thus making that goal quite difficult to achieve. After discovering no commercial products to suit his needs (likely due to an apparent patent-hoarder), he decided to put his own solution together, using some RFID key fobs, a small proximity card access kit, a Radio Shack AC adapter, some loud buzzers... and a little bit of elbow grease. The system works by essentially "scaring" the special-diet-dog away from the food by the use of a loud buzzing sound, which isn't subtle, but certainly effective. Check the video after the break to see the system in action.[Via Make]
New ACCESS Linux Platform screenshots emerge
For those still remotely interested in the ACCESS Linux Platform, we applaud you, and to reward you for your faith, ACCESS has reportedly launched a web portal chock-full of new screenshots from the forthcoming ALP. Admittedly, a few of the captures look mighty similar to those we saw back in February, but the new "User Experience" demonstration vividly depicts the screens found when visiting your Contacts, Photos, Music Player, Dialer, Home / Incoming Call screens, and Launcher. Go on, hit up the gallery for some high-resolution footage.[Via Treonauts]%Gallery-5845%
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]
ACCESS Linux Platform on display at 3GSM
As promised, ACCESS has rolled into Barcelona to let its long-awaited ACCESS Linux Platform (ALP) loose on the teeming masses at this week's big 3GSM conference, also taking the opportunity to introduce version 1.0 of its Product Development Kit and a pre-release version of the equally important Software Development Kit. As evidenced by the shot above, the OS is also looking a fair bit more polished than it was in the last few screens of it we've seen, with those in attendance at the conference also able to test out its all-important Bejewled and Solitaire capabilities (sadly, Doom doesn't seem to have been ported just yet). On the hardware side of things, both Marvell and Texas Instruments have hooked up with ACCESS to show off how their respective wares work with the OS, with both not surprisingly touting high performance and low power consumption. While that lone pic above will have to do for now, we're working to sneak in a few more peeks of the OS in action before 3GSM wraps up and we'll bring 'em to you when we've got them.
Gemalto intros USB smart card to curb phishing
The long, long list of uber-secure USB flash drives continues to grow as paranoid data carriers attempt to protect their lab reports and award-winning recipe books, but Gemalto has a slightly different kind of security in mind with its latest USB smart cards. The forthcoming keys will function much like the Mighty Key already does, as it offers up phishing protection by requiring that users have the USB stick plugged into their computer before being able to access files, online banking accounts, or your secret stash of 90's anime. While the company already provides such security measures for governmental / enterprise agencies, the Network Identity Manager is purportedly tailored for the average joe, won't require "any specialized software," and will play nice with standard browsers. Additionally, the system will utilize a token management system and support Verisign's VIP Network Identity federation framework, but won't require users to carry around a perpetually changing key fob as does PayPal. Gemalto hopes to "simplify" user security and curb the growing phishing problems in America, but there's currently no word on when we'll see these protection measures available for sale here in the States.
ACCESS to partake in 3GSM festivities
It's perfectly understandable if you're still grieving after yesterday's news dashed any hopes of Palm OS ever resurrecting itself, but your new leader has just announced that it'll be showing its stuff at the 3GSM World Congress next month in Barcelona, Spain. Working with the "Unleash Your Digital Life" them, it looks as if ACCESS is planning on showcasing elusive "ALP products, NetFront Browser, and the NetFront Mobile Client Suite / Media Player," all while dodging arrows from Palm OS fanboys, we're sure. Furthermore, the firm does throw in a snippet about Garnet OS along the way, but doesn't specifically mention any hardware partners that might be getting announced on the big stage. Nevertheless, at least ACCESS can't conquer Palm OS and then run for cover, as you'll be hearing a good bit more from this crowd come February 12th.[Thanks, Alan]
T-Mobile promises three free months of WiFi for Vista users
We know, it's a tough call. Do you stick with the operating system you finally got running like a well-oiled machine, or do you throw caution to the wind and pick up Vista even though service packs are already in the works? Just in case you needed a little more persuading to upgrade your laptop to Microsoft's latest OS, or to snag a brand new machine with Vista pre-installed, T-Mobile is hoping to coax users by offering up three months of free hotspot service at the firm's North American WiFi access points found at Starbucks, Borders, FedEx-Kinkos, hotel chains, etc. Interestingly, the offer actually goes "live" on Australia Day, while the freebie comes to an end on April 30th, so if you somehow acquire yourself a copy before the January 30th street date, you can snag a few more precious hours of gratis surfing courtesy of Mr. Gates and T-Mobile.[Via BetaNews]
ACCESS renames Palm OS to "Garnet OS," Treo users die a little more inside
It's no secret: ACCESS hates you, and your futile little wishes for a usable, stable and connected OS. Just to rub it in, ACCESS is even destroying that one thread of hope you've clung to all these years while your buddies left the faith for Windows Mobile or other abominations. Palm OS is no more. That's right, you're a Garnet OS fanboy now that ACCESS has officially renamed Palm OS to Garnet OS -- just doesn't have the same ring to it, does it? ACCESS calls this one of two "milestones in our evolution as a leading provider of a range of technologies, solutions, platforms and products specifically designed for the mobile phone and converged device markets." We're not sure what that's supposed to mean, but at least ACCESS didn't try to write this off as an attempt to reduce customer confusion, there's no chance of that at this point. The other milestone is the announcement of the "ACCESS Powered" logo, which will denote -- you guessed it -- ACCESS powered products, which we suppose will include Palm products for the moment, even though Palm has taken most of the Garnet development reins of late. What we're specifically hoping it means is that ACCESS is finally prepping to debut its long-awaited ACCESS Linux Platform (ALP), and just needed a fancy logo to slap on and make everything official.
Developers chime in on PalmOS, ALP
While the whole Cobalt-that-never-was / Access buyout has all been sort of a blur over the past few years, the one thing that remained constant was the aging of Palm's current OS and the inability to sufficiently replace it. While we've seen ALP prototypes and more recently, Palm licensing Garnet source code from ACCESS, an interesting series of interviews over at PocketFactory asks developers to throw in their $.02 in regard to the debacle, and overall, responses weren't entirely shocking. The CEO of mobile game developer Astraware felt the need was still there to continue supporting Palm, if for nothing more than to take advantage of its relatively impressive installed user base, but it was no secret that he was more excited about a Linux-based possibility. Moreover, both the COO of iambic, Inc. and Stuart Dewar from Pimlico Software stressed that Palm's situation is nothing short of dire; with Windows Mobile 5 devices selling by the truckload (and not suffering OS battles all the while), it's giving developers less reason to focus their efforts on Palm applications. Additionally, building WinMo apps that could easily be ported to a Linux platform is becoming the most attractive option, which eventually leaves Palm trailing in the dust. Nevertheless, it's hard to deny to depth and breadth of Palm's marketshare, but be sure to hit the read link for the full skinny on just how developers feel about using their efforts to create Palm-friendly programs.
Pocket PC gets LocationFree thanks to... ACCESS?
Imagine a world where Sony, Microsoft, and ACCESS (owners of Palm OS) all live in perfect harmony with one another. PlayStation and XBOX games are completely interchangeable, Blu-ray and HD DVD are one and the same, and that HTC Hermes in your pocket can triple-boot Windows Mobile, Palm OS Garnet, and ALP. Alright, enough with the touchy-feely peace and unity stuff... back to reality for a moment. For the first time, US customers have been able to get their hands on ACCESS' NetFront LocationFree Player for Pocket PC this month thanks to a new version 2.0. No, it's not exactly PlayStation / XBOX interchangeability, but it's one small step in making strange bedfellows out of corporate giants and sworn enemies -- and more importantly, it gives SlingPlayer some competition in the Windows Mobile placeshifting landscape. You can get your hands on NetFront LocationFree now for about $20; see ACCESS' press release for details.[Via Impress Watch]
Zi Corporation gets licensed for ALP
Windows Mobile couldn't be the only operating system on the block with its own predictive text software, now could it? Thanks to Zi Corporation's deal with Access Linux Platform (ALP), the upcoming release of the OS will contain both eZiText predictive text and Decuma handwriting software. Unfortunately, this doesn't mean that existing devices running this OS will get the new applications; it will still require individual licensees to make that decision. eZiText is a variant of most predictive text systems currently available which also incorporates dual language support and phrase prediction. Decuma is handwriting software found on the Sony Clie (people still use those?) and has support for English, Arabic, Japanese, and Chinese.[Via Brighthand]
DirecTV now friendly with Viiv boxes, other PCs to come?
After DirecTV's long-awaited HR20 HD DVR finally got its rightful announcements and actually hit users' hands, it wasn't too long before folks were plugging and praying in hopes of getting their new toy to play nice with that HTPC beside it. While we knew the two firms had gone hand-in-hand awhile back, we finally got the thumbs-up that a new, Viiv-alicious DirecTV Plus HD DVR would be unveiled soon to interact out-of-the-box with Viiv-enabled systems, but more importantly, that a software update was coming to the plain ole HR20s to accomplish the same thing. The time has come, and users are reporting over at DBSTalk that the "0x108 software" has opened up the Ethernet port for use, and allows browsing / connections via a Viiv-certified machine, but definitely made things difficult for those not exactly keen on shelling out for a few new components. Nevertheless, there's already been somewhat of a workaround worked out, which allows PCs with just Windows MCE installed to "see" the HR20, but not "serve up files in a way that HR20 can work with," which we're all but certain will change as the wheels spin in owners' heads. Reportedly, DirecTV is establishing a dedicated website to getting folks up and running with the new connectivity options, and be sure to keep an eye on the linked thread for any "future developments" regarding non-Viiv-savvy PCs.[Via PVRWire]
Access Linux Platform delayed until "first half of 2007" [Updated]
Earlier this year (wow, February seems like an eternity ago), we told you how Access was going to relaunch and rebrand the next version of Palm OS, called Access Linux Platform, which was supposed to be in the hands of licensees by the end of the year. Well, the end of 2006 is almost upon us, and now Access has announced that the version won't get to developers until sometime "in the first half of 2007." We're guessing that translates to "we've got no product" for now, and guys, we're bummed. Still, this has no apparent effect on Palm, given that it has no immediate plans to use ALP -- it's sticking to licensing Palm OS Garnet from Access. And yes, that's the same ol' version Palm's been using since the beginning of recorded time. No bitterness here.[Via Phone Scoop]Update: Access now says that a pre-release version of ALP PDK will be out by year's end "to select licensees, and a pre-release version of the ACCESS Linux Platform SDK [will be available] to select registered developers before the end of this year, and that general availability would be in the first half of 2007." [Source: PalmInfocenter]
Access Linux Platform delayed until "first half of 2007"
Earlier this year (wow, February seems like an eternity ago), we told you how Access was going to relaunch and rebrand the next version of Palm OS, called Access Linux Platform, which was supposed to be in the hands of licensees by the end of the year. Well, the end of 2006 is almost upon us, and now Access has announced that the version won't get to developers until sometime "in the first half of 2007." We're guessing that translates to "we've got no product" for now, and guys, we're bummed. Still, this has no apparent effect on Palm, given that it has no immediate plans to use ALP -- it's sticking to licensing Palm OS Garnet from Access. And yes, that's the same ol' version Palm's been using since the beginning of recorded time. No bitterness here.[Via Phone Scoop]
Palm licenses Palm OS Garnet source code from ACCESS
For better or for worse, we're about full-circle with Garnet now: Palm just forked over $44 million to ACCESS for a perpetual, non-exclusive license to the Garnet source code, granting Palm "the right to use Palm OS Garnet in whole or in part in any product from Palm and together with any other system technologies," along with the welcome ability to modify underlying Garnet source code. The good news is that in the short term we should be seeing some stability and feature enhancements on the Treo and other Palm handhelds, the bad news is that this appears to be a further procrastination for the introduction of ALP to Palm devices, possibly even spelling a cancellation of that roadmap altogether. What we do know is that ACCESS and Palm have set up a "test/compatibility harness" to ensure "forward-compatibility" of Garnet apps on ALP's Garnet Host layer. For the time being we'll just be glad to see Palm shore up its ever-buggier OS, but one of these days we're going to want a modern OS from these guys to fiddle around with.[Via Palm Info Center]
United Nations "Internet" Summit held sans internet
Do you lose any and all direction in your life if your internet goes down for more than 20 seconds or so? Sadly, the same goes for us, but imagine the hysteria that ensued when participants realized the United Nations "Internet" summit was completely devoid of web access. Amazingly enough, the one conference where free WiFi was all but guaranteed failed to deliver, as the techies working for the "luxury resort hotel on the Athenian Riveria" couldn't iron out the connectivity issues. The hotspot initially presented the dreaded "could not connect to the network" error, and after repeated troubleshooting efforts were completed in vain, conference organizers apparently gave up on ever finding a solution. So, are you rethinking that decision to pick up one of those snazzy 3G ExpressCards yet?
PalmSource, RIP: 2003 - 2006
Yes, the name "PalmSource" is going away; of course, we all knew that PalmSource's days as a corporate identity were numbered when Japan's ACCESS scooped up the former Palm subsidiary last year, so let us concentrate not on the death of one logo, but on the birth of another. Simultaneous with the rebranding, ACCESS has retooled its corporate logo (pictured bottom), apparently "signifying the Company's evolution as a global corporation." Ultimately, be they PalmSource, ACCESS, Be, or anything else, all we really care about is seeing that Linux goodness find its way into some devices we can actually buy, so how about y'all spend less time on your branding initiatives and more time heads-down in the code, mkay?[Via Brighthand]
Palm's license to next-gen ALP to expire this December!
Trouble is a-brewing in Palm land. According to their most recent annual report, Palm is pulling out of a co-development agreement they had with PalmSource (now Access) in regards to the next-generation of Palm OS. They're obligated to pay through December 2, 2006, but they're stopping the multi-million dollar royalty payments after that due to a failure by PalmSource to meet certain promised milestones. Of course, milestones or no, a lack of royalties means a lack of a next-gen OS license to pep up our Treo. Palm states that they will keep producing new products based on the current version of the OS, and are "presently in negotiations with PalmSource to expand our development and distribution rights to the current version of the Palm OS." This would seem to imply that Palm wants to try their hand at their very own branch off of Palm OS 5, but if that were the case it would mean we're in for some more waiting -- the practice of which Palm users must be pretty good at by now.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Mobile Internet access outstrips PC access in Japan
Why does this not surprise us? According to a report published by Japan's government this week, more of its citizens hit the Net via phone -- 69.2 million, to be exact -- than by personal computer (66 million). Mobile users are also more likely than PC users to log on at least once a day by about 11%, not surprising considering the relative likelihood of having your mobile on your person when you just absolutely must check your email. Of course, if our country was completely blanketed in glorious FOMA, we might be able to put up similar statistics, but in the meantime, we'll take an EDGE-ready UX, thankey.[Via MocoNews]
