Palm’s Gets WebOS 1.4, Users Rejoice

At least this user did. Once I read that the update had been pushed out to my beloved Palm Pre, I couldn’t wait to start playing with it. That’s the great thing about software updates, it makes your aging tech seem like new, kind of like a digital facelift. After waiting for approximately ten minutes for the software to download and install, I was ready to give my new and improved baby a test drive. In case you’re wondering, the 1.4.0 update enables both Pres and Pixis to capture, edit, and share video with just the flick of a button, that is, of course if you’re on Sprint. Unfortunately the Palm Pre and Pixi Plus Verizon owners have yet to join in the fun. On the upside I can finally capture all of my dog’s shenanigans without having to scramble for my digital camera or my Flip.

The video editing tools are simple and intuitive. If you need to trim a video, you just drag the slider to the points where you want the video to start and end. When the edits are done, users can shoot the video over to YouTube, Facebook, or share it with friends and family via email or text message. In addition to its snazzy video capabilities, webOS 1.4 also gives Pre Flash 10 capability. Sorry Pixis, better luck next update.

Calendar, Phone, Messaging, and Email also got some new tricks. Calendar synchronization performance has been improved in poor network coverage areas to optimize battery life. Global Address Lookup now shows up as a contacts search option when you perform a universal search while loading times for apps and service have been improved overall. This release also beefs up battery life which is an answer to any smartphone user’s prayers. When the going gets rough and the web browsing, tweeting, emailing, and text get thick the battery usually burns out faster than a ringtone rapper’s career.

Another nifty addition is the LED notification. Anytime I receive a new email, text, or miss a phone call, the little button located smack dab in the middle of my Pre’s shiny gesture area lights up. I’m not sure if I need my phone lighting up like a homing beacon everytime someone pings me, but I can get used to it. I’ve yet to take my phone to task as far as battery life is concerned, but overall, Palm has made a huge step in the right direction. It’s no wonder that Jack Bauer of “24″ fame rocks a Pre.

About the Author
Sherri is a freelance writer that has a love of all things fun and geeky including gadgets, gaming, anime, and comics. When she isn't writing or out on the town living it up, she loves doing 10-12 hour marathon sessions on her Xbox 360 or one of her older consoles. It's not an addiction, it's a way of life!
See all posts by Sherri L. Smith.