Palm Inc's key asset: webOS software "HELSINKI, April 16 (Reuters) - Palm Inc (PALM.O), the money-losing smartphone maker, has hired bankers to explore several options, including a sale of the company.[ID:nN12134403]

Following are the main features of Palm's key asset, its Linux-based webOS operating system, into which Kaufman Bros estimates Palm has invested $600 million.

INFORMATION INTEGRATION

The underlying principle of webOS is the concept of "information everywhere", using its Palm Synergy feature to gather data from multiple locations, from PCs to Internet-based e-mail accounts, social networking sites and corporate servers.

The address book is linked so contacts that contain information from multiple sources (such as Google and Facebook) are presented in a single listing. This capability also extends to calendar and messaging functions.

The messaging function enables users to track conversations in a single view and reply using SMS, MMS, e-mail or instant messaging, regardless of the format of the original message.

TECHNOLOGY -- MULTITOUCH, MULTITASKING

With support for multi-touch and multiple input mechanisms it is one of the closest rivals to Apple's (AAPL.O) iPhone in terms of hardware flexibility and user interface.

Differing from the iPhone, webOS has highly capable multi-tasking environment -- like Nokia's (NOK1V.HE) N900 model -- enabling the user to multitask with several open programmes.

WebOS is fast and responsive. Palm's Pixi model uses relatively modest hardware but it is fast and highly responsive.

Innovative user interface incorporates gestures to execute basic tasks -- like throwing an application off the screen to close, and a backwards swipe along the gestures panel to move back through an application."

Via Reuters .

Labels: palm, palm webos

  ¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 4/16/2010 11:52:00 AM