Hewlett-Packard today announced HP webOS 2.0 (note the rebranding from Palm to HP) as well as its first webOS 2.0 device, teh Palm Pre 2.
“With webOS 2.0, we’re advancing the innovations we introduced 16 months ago, expanding the features that make webOS great for consumers, enterprises and developers,” said Jon Rubinstein, senior vice president and general manager, Palm Global Business Unit, HP. “We’ve made tremendous strides since the platform launched, and now we’re taking our biggest leap forward with powerful new features that make it easier to get more things done with your webOS device.”
WebOS 2.0 brings a number of new and enhanced features. Among them are true multitasking with the new Stacks (allowing you to group open applications), Just Type, extended Synergy features including more developer access, Exhibition which lets you display certain information while your Pre 2 is docked on its Palm Touchstone Charging Dock, a redesigned app launcher, and more.
Existing customers will receive the webOS 2.0 update in “the coming months” (exact timing to be announced later).
The Palm Pre 2, is as the name implies, the successor to the original Pre. It features a number of hardware improvements, including a new glass display and a slightly flatter and more streamlined designed. Its specifications are:
- Processor: 1GHz
- Operating system: HP webOS 2.0
- Connectivity: CDMA (Verizon) / UMTS (unlocked)
- Other connectivity: GPS, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
- Input: Slide-out QWERTY keyboard
- Display: 3.1-inch HVGA glass touchscreen
- Memory: 512MB RAM
- Storage: 16GB onboard
- Camera: 5MP with LED flash and video capture
- Battery:
- Connectors: 3.5mm headphone jack, microUSB connector
- Dimensions: 100.7 x 59.6 x 16.9 millimeters (3.96 x 2.35 x 0.67 inches) / 145 grams (5.1 ounces)
- Other: Wi-Fi hotspot capability for up to 5 devices
The Palm Pre 2 will be available in France from SFR as of this Friday. It will also be offered by Verizon in the US and in Canada (no carriers mentioned) “in the coming months.” Developers will also be able to buy unlocked UMTS version.