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Product managers like me have needed a place to communicate with Palm customers and fans about what's happening at Palm, and now we have it with the new Palm blog! We're looking forward to future blogging and to reading your feedback and comments. One of the hot topics on the Palm/Treo community forums has been about software updates and I noticed that folks often wonder why we can quickly post a patch for some issues, but others sometimes take a full ROM/firmware update and take more time to deliver. Let's look at a couple examples... Shortly after the release of the Treo 680 smartphone, it was discovered that using the camera could cause an excessive battery drain on the device. We quickly diagnosed the problem and figured out that a small change to the camera application could solve the problem. We cranked out the updated app, wrapped it up in an installer and got quick approval from the carrier to post it. Case closed, but how could it happen so fast? Two reasons - it was a small change limited to one app, and that one app happened to be a component that we could replace with a new version in user storage. Since the change was localized and didn't touch any of the radio/telephony software, we could push out a patch quickly. Now maintenance releases (MRs) are a different story. When we release a MR that replaces the ROM image and radio firmware on a Treo, the process becomes more rigorous and requires more steps than a patch. Once you start mucking with complex components like the radio, power management or the file system, then you are way beyond a patch. Case in point: we started working on Bluetooth improvements for the Treo 700p as a patch so we could get it out quickly. More than a few months into the effort we decided that a patch wasn't going to work because the changes touched too many other components - we'd need to build it into a full MR. MRs are usually big efforts - the deeper into the wireless functions we dig, the more careful we need to be to avoid breaking something else and the more testing Palm and the carriers have to do. So when we do an MR, we try to make it count. That means we batch together a number of changes that come from a variety of sources - call centers, online forums, carriers, retail stores, etc. Once Palm is done with the MR development work, we beta test the software internally and externally, run through pre-certification checklists, and hand the MR to the carrier for final certification and potentially a final round of changes. We're now in the carrier certification phase with the Treo 700p MR and as I type this, our best estimate of customer release will be the week of May 28th. In addition to the Bluetooth improvements I mentioned above, the 700p MR includes updates to SMS send/receive performance, MP3 playback, phone app launch speed and other areas. It's admittedly been a much longer project than expected, but we're almost there... Thanks for reading, Steve Sinclair Treo Product Manager Update: We have been reading through everyone's comments on the 700p maintenance release update and I wanted to answer some of the recurring questions that have been brought up: Why didn't you mention the lag in your blog? "The lag" is a broad term that could mean any of number of symptoms customers have reported, so it would have been a mistake for me to make a blanket statement like "the lag is fixed" or "the lag is not fixed." We've implemented specific mitigations that will benefit some of you: launching the phone app should be faster, we've lessened the occurrence of SMS sending delays and we addressed a problem that was causing the multi-second delays when launching/exiting the browser. Will this MR make the device more stable? The short answer is "yes" in most cases, but I can't list every situation where we've made changes or quantify the improvement since each person's device setup is different. What are the Bluetooth improvements? We've improved overall stability to Bluetooth pairing and connections. When the MR goes live, we're going to publish an updated list of Bluetooth accessories that are compatible with the Treo 700p + MR software. Why don't you share the MR release notes? In this blog and some of my previous correspondence to the Palm community, I've referred to the most discussed issues. Our standard policy has been to not publish an itemized list, but to disclose the top issues that are addressed by the MR when the MR goes live on our web site. We know that a number of you are frustrated and appreciate that you've all taken the time to share your feedback, and apologies for taking a bit to respond to that feedback. I recently found myself stuck at a wedding in the middle of the UCLA vs. Florida NCAA Final Four game. Fortunately for me I had my Treo 700p (with an unlimited data plan - crucial if you do a lot of internet browsing and multimedia) , along with a Slingbox back at my apartment in San Francisco. Using these two devices, combined with a cleverly concealed ear piece, I was able to finish the game during the ceremony with no one the wiser. For the uninitiated, Slingbox is a device you attach to your Cable TV, Satellite or DVR set-top box, and to the high-speed internet connection you have at home, so you can "sling" video to just about any web enabled device (in this case my Treo 700p) . So whether you are stuck in the office, killing time on a train or watching your friends get hitched (be careful not to get caught) , you can control your TV from just about anywhere there's a network connection. There is no monthly fee from Sling Media, but make sure you have an unlimited data plan with your cell phone carrier (otherwise it could get a little costly) . As far as setup goes, if you have a UPNP router, setting up your Slingbox should be a breeze. Otherwise setup can be a little tricky, especially if terms like router, port number and IP address sound like a foreign language. So if you are one to be easily frustrated, you may want to invite your wiz kid nephew over or perhaps someone from Best Buy's Geek Squad to do the initial setup. If you are a current Sling user or watching and controlling your TV from your Treo sounds like something you can get behind, you should definitely check it out: -Treo smartphones (700w/wxand 750 models supported) -SlingPlayer Mobile for Palm OS (700p) is currently available as a public Beta Let us know your thoughts, Jeff Finkelstein Product Manager, Multimedia Also, here are a few takes from others: -MyTreo.net -TreoCentral -UneasySilence

In my role at Palm as the director of wireless solutions (a role that lets me experiment with lots of applications on my phones!) , I carry about one of every model we make. One for each carrier, each form factor, each operating system, and I run a variety of applications starting with the killer core -- PIM/Email, to the over the air stuff (audio books, music and video) , to maps and GPS to Sales Force Automation. So the idea of these posts are to talk about what I like on each phone and what bugs me on each. First some background to see if you can identify with my style: I'm a male, +/-50 year olds. Runner/Biker (road and mountain) . BIG music and movie fan. Do more email and text than voice (50-100 emails a day on Exchange, Yahoo! and MSN and 50 text messages per day vs. five phone calls a day. I'm married with teenage daughters (thus the texting) . I believe in work/life balance and go out of my way to see my kids in sports and plays, and to make room to ride, run and travel. So what do I like. I tried to think of some of the core things on each OS that make a difference - what are the things that when I switch from one to the other that make me go "dang" when it's not there: -Palm OS (Treo 650, 680, 700p) - I love the application buttons. I love pushing the email button and getting my email. Push the Calendar and see the calendar. I use the Secondary (option/button) to get even more functions - web, text, camera...whatever I program. -Windows Mobile (Treo 700w/wx, 750) - Multitasking is great. I can start a download of an audio book from Audible and then switch back to email and continue working while the book downloads. Or type in a URL like www.dyestatcal.com (daughter's track results) in the browser and while it brings down all the fancy pictures, I switch back to Google Maps or a text message, then switch back a minute later and the page is all there ready to be read. Or put them in reverse: When I'm on the PalmOS, I'd really like to multitask, and when I'm on WinMo, I'd really like the direct control of the application buttons. Next time I'll talk about music players...or Sales Force Automation...or my Tivo... Joe Fabris - Director of Wireless Solutions
A blog post on comments is probably not what some of you were expecting here, but I thought it would be a good thing to let you know that we are reading your comments on the Palm blog itself and in other places too (e.g. forums and posts on other blogs) . Several people have brought up topics they would like us to talk about from ChatterEmail and WiFi to "What features/functionality would you like to see in the next Palm or WinMo OS?" They haven't fallen on deaf ears, and thank you for sharing them. We will do our best to talk about as many of the submissions as possible and we are responding with our thoughts too. Also, I thought everyone would like to know that we try to get your comments live within a few hours, but sometimes it does take longer than we would like (e.g. overnight and during the weekend or when I have a nasty cold) . Other comment related things: -Some people have raised the issue that their comments have been attributed incorrectly to someone else: http://discussion.treocentral.com/showthread.php?t=141806. It's a simple misunderstanding - names of commenters are included at the bottom of the comment submitted, not at the top. Taking this into account, if you are still finding that your comments are attributed incorrectly to someone else, yikes...let me know and we will take care of it. -Also, here is a link to the Palm blog comment policy: http://blog.palm.com/palm/2007/04/palm_blog_comme_1.html Appreciate everyone taking the time to share your thoughts, Paul Loeffler
With the launch of our first Windows Mobile product back in early 2006, it's now common knowledge that Palm has two OS platforms (Palm and WinMo) . Multiple operating systems allow us to provide choice to our customers, which is important because we have such a diverse customer base. We like them both and don't play favorites, despite some people asking us to share with them which one we like best: http://mobileofficeblog.dataviz.com/2007/04/palm_os_vs_windows_mobile.html� http://www.mobilitysite.com/2007/04/palm_os_versus_windows_mobile_palm_decid.php In order for any OS strategy to be successful it requires a strong developer program. Keeping this in mind, we've worked side-by-side with Microsoft to help expand our presence within the community as well as educate developers on the Treo. We will be attending Microsoft's Mobile and Embedded Developers Conference (MEDC) next week in Las Vegas, where we'll not only be showing off our Windows Mobile Treos (700w/wx and 750) , but also working to bring more developers into the Palm family. Lucky for us we already have a great start because a lot of the Palm OS community develop on both platforms. We want to encourage more/new developers to set their sights on the Treo, so we've spiced things up a bit. On Monday we'll be launching the Treo Windows Mobile Challenge for the developer that can come up with the hottest new Treo application. With any challange comes prizes right? How about $10, 000 and a XBOX 360? Full details can be found here: https://pdn.palm.com/regac/pdn/page? Page_Name=medc2007. Check it out and we'll see you at the conference next week - Booth # 207! Mike Rank - Director of Developer Relations

A lot of people have been talking about how the recent damage to off-ramps from the San Francisco Bay Bridge will make traffic in the Bay Area even uglier during the next few months. I commute by car every day during the work week and probably should have been looking for alternatives sooner, so with the traffic delays I have experienced over the past couple days (30+ minutes in addition to my hour commute) , I started looking into other options. I am sure for some it might not have any effect at all or it will be a minor inconvenience, but for others like me it could mean significant changes in how you get from point A to point B. Regardless, I thought it would be nice to provide a few ways on how the Treo and other mobile devices might make commuting a little easier during the next few months. For those who plan to take mass transit more frequently and avoid the roadways as much as possible check out: -- BART Quick Planner (http://www.bart.gov/stations/quickplanner/pda.asp) - provides quick tips on addresses, fares, stations, transfer details and more -- Caltrain+ (http://www.wrafra.net/software/Caltrain/#CurVer) - allows you to check schedules and fares for the Peninsula If you decide to brave the roads you can try GoogleMaps, which gives you the latest traffic conditions and also turn-by-turn directions in case you are trying out new routes. You can also check out public transit and road traffic sites that have been optimized for use on mobile devices. Here are a couple: -- HopStop (http://hopstop.com/) - allows you to send directions by e-mail or text message to your mobile device directly from its site, so you can plan a trip with mul tiple destinations. You can also open HopStop up on your web-enabled mobile device, it will recognize that it's a mobile device and put directions into a digestible format for getting to and from the nearest subway stop. -- SigAlert (www.sigalert.com) - allows California drivers to view traffic from their mobile device with real-time, personalized traffic reports. If you are interested in applications that provide more features and don't mind paying a little for it check these out: -- Telenav (http://www.telenav.com/products/tn/) - provides traffic updates every five minutes and re-routing instructions to navigate traffic accidents and slowdowns. -- Traffic for Treo (http://www.palm.com/us/software/traffic/) - provides details on traffic incidents -- accidents, construction, stalled cars and more -- along all major and minor roadways. Information is updated wirelessly. -- Tube 2 (http://www.visualit.co.uk/Palm/palm_Tube2.htm) - gives you a map of subways and metro systems around the world that includes line changes, platform directions and accurate journey times. Of course the Bay Area isn't the only place that has to deal with these types of situations and traffic in general, so if you're outside the Bay Area, see which of the above applications and sites work best for getting around. Feel free to share any tips for commuting or how to survive traffic jams, whether it involves a mobile device or not. Good luck out there, Adam Moise - Manager Developer Relations

We have seen several people inquiring about support for Palm Desktop on Windows Vista:http://blog.palm.com/palm/2007/04/editors_note_bl.html#comment-68399558.
I wanted to let everyone know that we are working on a beta release of the new Windows Vista-compatible Palm Desktop and HotSync Manager software - time frame for the release is this summer. I will make sure to let everyone know when the software is available. Also, here is a link with info on Windows Vista for Palm's Palm OS and Windows Mobile devices: http://www.palm.com/us/support/windowsvista/. David Sloan - Product Manager

There has been a lot of buzz and chatter about the Treo 755p smartphone (when will it be available, what features does it include, etc.) Well, now it's "officially official" with Sprint as the first carrier, available in stores May 14th. � � Here are some specs and features: Internal antenna, slimmer form factor and mini-SD slot (up to 4GB SD card) Two colors - "Midnight Blue" and "Burgundy" Built-in Microsoft Direct Push Technology that delivers automatic updates to Outlook email as well as support for Global Address Lookup and IT policies like remote data wipe Integrated Google
Maps built into the ROM, right out of the box Sprint Mobile Instant Messaging - chat with AIM, Yahoo! and Windows Messenger For more details: http://socialnews.palm.com/release.aspx?hid=6 http://www.palm.com/us/products/smartphones/treo755p/ One new thing to check out is the Google Maps feature built into the Contacts page (personal favorite) that allows you to open Google Maps directly to a contact's address, and easily get driving directions or find local businesses. Let us know what you think. Rob Katcher - Product Manager

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