Palm’s webOS 1.2 update for the Pre didn’t launch as expected last week, but is expected to become available sometime during this week. It is reported that a test of a revamped App Catalog is what triggered the delay. A PreCentral source said that the software update will provide native sync for the iTunes 9 software when it is released, which will undoubtedly up the tension between Apple and Palm over the Pre-iTunes dispute.
The source said that Apple’s blocking of iTunes syncing has never caused a delay in the release of new software. In fact, the source claimed that the first attempt to break sync between the software and the device was fixed in just five minutes, by simply changing the USB VendorID to mimic Apple’s ID.
Palm is reportedly committed to continuing efforts to keep iTunes sync working until the amount of time required patching software becomes unreasonable. More specifically, the company will only stop restoring the sync when the process of patching the software takes more than 40 hours; the average work week for an employee.
The USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) recently sided with Apple in the dispute and asked Palm to clarify its position.
Result for: new software
Apple seems to have another hit on their hands, with the company already warning that the upcoming iPhone 3G S will be sold out on launch day and anyone pre-ordering after the 13th will not receive theirs on launch day.
AT&T, the exclusive US carrier, has been telling customers that anyone pre-ordering past that date will receive their devices in one to two weeks after the order is made.
A couple of the new software features from the upcoming iPhone 3.0 firmware will only work on the new 3G S model, and those are specifically, support for voice control, new camera controls, video capture, electronic compass, hardware encryption of all data and Nike + iPod support.
The voice control allows for, as expected, voice dialing. The new camera features include “rapid shutter, low light, macro and autofocus, touch controls for automatic refocus, exposure and white balance settings.” The camera will also be 3MP.
Video capture will allow for trim editing and easy uploads to MobileMe and YouTube. The hardware encryption will encrypt all internal data, making remote wipes instant. The compass, well, shows what direction you are facing on a map display.
The 3G S will hit stores on the 19th.
Result for: new software
Apple had a busy day today at the WWDC 2009 event, revealing that they will be slashing the price of the lowest capacity iPhone 3G to $99 USD, launching an new iPhone 3G S model, and introducing the 3.0 firmware update for the iPhone and iPod Touch.
The 3.0 firmware will be available on June 17th for free for iPhone users or $9.95 USD for Touch users. The most notable new feature available are the ability to purchase and rent movies, TV shows, music videos and audiobooks directly through iTunes right from the device.
Other features include the ability to shake the device to turn on shuffle in music playback and new parental controls that will allow users to limit App Store apps. Also notably, Safari will now include autofill and much faster JavaScript.
AT&T will also finally begin supporting MMS features such as picture and audio mail in “late summer.”
A couple of the new software features will only work on the new 3G S model, and those are specifically, support for voice control, new camera controls, video capture, electronic compass, hardware encryption of all data and Nike + iPod support.
The voice control allows for, as expected, voice dialing. The new camera features include “rapid shutter, low light, macro and autofocus, touch controls for automatic refocus, exposure and white balance settings.” The camera will also be 3MP.
Video capture will allow for trim editing and easy uploads to MobileMe and YouTube. The hardware encryption will encrypt all internal data, making remote wipes instant. The compass, well, shows what direction you are facing on a map display.
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