Palm announces new Pixi handset
Once again Palm is positioning a product on the doorstep of a new Apple announcement. The Pre wasn't exactly buried when it was revealed the day before the iPhone 3GS, but it's equally difficult to see the promotional benefit of such schoolyard pushing and shoving.
Still, we're always interested to hear more about the once great PDA giant's triumphant return, this time with its thinnest smartphone to date: the Pixi.
Probably the most important aspect of this new device is its operating system, and it's good to see Palm is sticking with WebOS. The purpose of the device seems to be a budget range accompaniment to the Pre, sporting a full QWERTY keyboard, though no slider.
"With Palm webOS, were creating a new, more intuitive smartphone experience defined by unmatched simplicity and usefulness," said Jon Rubinstein, Palm chairman and chief executive officer. "Palm Pixi brings this unique experience to a broader range of people who want enhanced messaging and social networking in a design that lets them express their personal style."
As sexy as it looks, one potential dealbreaker of the Pixi is a lack of wi-fi, which is a glaring oversight in the current smartphone market - especially since Palm is pushing the social and connected aspects of the handset quite hard.
A number of limited edition designer covers are also being used to help build the Pixi's profile, suggesting that Palm is aiming the handset at the hotshot young executive on the street.
