The webOS developer community leaps ahead

Today, Palm expanded the Mojo SDK program for webOS, announcing that a broad group of developers will be provided with the software development kit to create applications for the Palm Pre phone (as well as other future devices running webOS).

Speaking at the Web 2.0 Expo, Palm’s senior vice president of Applications Software and Services Michael Abbott also highlighted some of the most exciting aspects of webOS -- including a new branded service that lets developers create apps that push live content across the Internet -- and invited the audience to apply for the early access program at the Palm Developer Network website.

The power of webOS lets developers rethink how they develop for mobile devices -- and creates opportunities for new kinds of apps. Abbott highlighted several key features of webOS that open up new avenues for the creative ingenuity of the developer community:

• a cards metaphor that simplifies multi-tasking
• Palm Synergy to unify information from sources like Google, Facebook, and Exchange
• a user-friendly approach to notifications that ensures the user is up to date without distracting them from the task at hand. 

An often-overlooked aspect of webOS is that Web applications run natively on the phone. They don’t depend on access to a server, and can run even when there is no access to the Internet. But the full power of webOS is unleashed when the device works together with “the cloud” – the combination of all of the Web sites and services that a user interacts with.

Abbott noted that webOS encompasses software that runs both on the device and in the cloud. He also announced that Palm is creating its own cloud service -- the Mojo messaging service -- that will enable developers to have live interactions between users and applications both on and off the cloud.

You can get a taste of several upcoming apps for the Pre -- including Pandora and Fandango -- in a new video on Palm’s website. As the first mobile OS based on standard Web technologies (like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS), webOS is also accessible to developers comfortable with Web development, even if they’ve never created mobile apps before.

Here are a few first impressions from some of the first webOS developers working on apps for the Pre:

Jon Zilber

Comments

[Ricquel]

I'm a Realtor and use my current TREO to open lockboxes wirelessly. Will the new Pre have the same ability?

[Alex H. at Edelman for Palm]

Ricquel -- we haven't announced this functionality. It's certainly one of the more popular Palm OS apps so a third party developer could develop it for webOS.

[Valencia]

I have read quite a few of the comments and I agree.I am trying to be patient and wait for the Pre but it is difficult being that I am unhappy with Sprint at the present. My only reason for being a Sprint customer right now is that I am waiting for this phone but if it takes much longer I think that I may just go with Verizon's Blackberry. I really think that you should atleast give an exact date.

[T]

looks like a great phone too bad its with sprint!

[Frank Grimmelmann]

Will traditional Palm OS Apps run on the WebOS, or are the applications incompatible??

[Brandon]

I am a REALTOR also and have read on several sites that the PRE will NOT have an infared port...bummer.

[Carroll]

As a Palm user since the IIIc, I am among those were ecstatic about the Pre. My coworkers flaunt their Iphones, but I've tried to be patient. I bought my Treo 680 unlocked because ATT didn't have Treo at the time. The longer the release of Pre takes, the more I lose hope of being able to wait for an unlocked or ATT version. I won't go with Sprint. So Palm, please consider those loyal users who need a GSM and an unlocked version! Is one coming within the year?

[Manish]

Just the date !!! Don't know how many are losing patience already...

[Templarian]

@Alex H, that's weird, I only get the "Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time."

Do we have to be logged in somewhere to not get this message?

[Templarian]

Oh nevermind, didn't notice it's disabled on a few of the posts (the only ones I clicked).

[Kim]

Can we please have a release date? Can't wait to use the phone. Will it work with iCal on the Mac. Can I use this device with Mercedes Benz blue tooth for the car?

Ms Jersey City

[LInda Church]

I too am excited about the Pre. I don't have Sprint and don't want sprint. Any idea when it will be available for other phone providers? Also, I have the ipod touch and love the apps. Will the pre be able to have apps similar to those of the Iphone?
Linda

[bobo]

look palm, can you just give us a price at least?! i mean seriously. you already know everyone is excited about the pre, and chances are that it's going to sell out no matter what, so can you just give us the price already?! witholding that information really isn't doing anyone any good! just give us the price, that will keep us off your back for a little bit at least! maybe you are still tinkering with the pre and you dont know when it will come out exactly, however, i highly doubt you are tinkering with the price; i hope you guys have a price range at least, because if you're still tinkering with the price, then this phone might not be as successful as you think...

[jf]

If Palm doesn't release Palm Pre by August 2009, i'm going to get something els.

[T-Rx]

Any word about streaming internet radio OTHER than via Pandora ? Easy access to Streaming Radio Stations - KCRW, WMVY, WWOZ, KTUH, KRCL, etc, etc. That's THE Hook for sooooo many music junkies. One good streaming app is all that's needed to make Tons of music lovers ecstatic. P-L-E-A-S-E !!!

[Leo]

You guys that can't wait for the launch date,see ya. 1 less person in line. All the crying about the launch date and threatening to get another phone sounds childish in my opinion. Let Palm get my Pre right without all the drama.

[Barbara Duckett]

Is the Pre going to be compatible with a 64 bit computer? If it will be compabible, I'll wait, if not I'll go with the Blackberry.

[jrjr77]

WTF ,I need my Palm Pre NOW!! I haven't payed my light bill in 2 month just to save up for this one. When is it coming out???????

jrjr77

[SY]

Will Palm Pre be available in Asia, Hong Kong, Singapore, etc?

[Keisy]

add an app like the one the iphone has BACC: Blood Alcohol Concentration Calculator. This calculator estimates your blood alcohol concentration.And we want the date of release???

[Frank]

a full media phone without taking micro cards?? that's as bad as apple products.

[supergeek13579]

i would really like a release date but more importantly i would like a price.

[Christina]

What is the release date? This is ridiculous. Considering going with another phone!

[Stephen]

The Pre looks way cool and seems to be incredibly engineered and designed. The big question remains-when will it arrive? My Centro is dying and I'll spend my money elsewhere if this goes on much longer. Another question is what will the integration be with my MacBook? Is there any integration or will the cloud concept eliminate syncing my calendars and address book from my computer? If the cloud concept eliminates the iSync with the Apple computer, will syncing with .mac/mobile.me be an option or has gmail been preselected as the server of choice? (only gmail is shown in the videos) I have had Palm products of ancient all the way through Treo's and Centro's. I have lots of Palm stuff maintained on my computer over time and I like to freely sync with my phone. I am hoping that Palm did not do what Sony had done in the past by making their pda incompatible with the Mac OS. If I have to go through the hassle of a third party Mark Space app to be compatible with Mac, I may be discouraged to stay with the program.

[Jaume]

Hi guys,
All this news are great...! (Except that we have no date to launch...! :) )
You have done an excelent job...but, to deffinetivelly win you must have BlabckBerry Support. Corporate users has no option for the email, they must use BB as a corporate email solution. We can love or hate but BB is a "Standart" for corporations .Please put BB connect on the Pre!!
Thanks