Palm Pre Updated to webOS 1.1, Gets New Features for Work and Play

Palm has released a system software update for the Palm Pre. webOS 1.1 brings several additions to this smartphone's support for Exchange ActiveSync, along with numerous other small enhancements.

In order to appeal to business users, the Pre includes the ability to synchronize with a remove server running Microsoft Exchange. The new version of its software for handling this has just received several new features: remote wipe, PIN/password requirements, inactivity timeout, improved certificate handling, and more.

iTunes Syncing Is Back
When Palm introduced this smartphone last month, it included the ability to synchronize multimedia files with Apple's desktop media software, iTunes. A few weeks later Apple release a new version that broke this feature.

With webOS 1.1, iTunes syncing is back. Thanks to this OS update, the Pre can once again have music and video files automatically transferred from a Mac or PC running iTunes.

Other Enhancements
There are a number of other small changes included ion this update. For example, users can now set a “person reminders” in the contacts app, so the next time they get a message or phone call from that person, a message pops up showing a reminder.

A full changelog can be found on Palm's website.

Coming Now to a Pre Near You
This update is being pushed out to Palm Pre users now. Those who don't want to wait can go to the Updates application on their device and download it immediately.

Unlike with Palm OS-based devices from this company, installing webOS 1.0.4 does not involve erasing everything on the smartphone, and can be done in a few minutes. 

An Overview of the webOS
Palm's webOS is the replacement for the venerable Palm OS. This is a new, multi-tasking operating system able to wirelessly synchronize a wide variety of data with online services like Google and Facebook, as well as Microsoft Exchange.

This OS debuted on the Palm Pre, which features a sliding keyboard as well as a multi-touch-capable 3.1-inch display. This device is also equipped with 8 GB of on-board storage (7 GB available to users), Wi-Fi b/g, Bluetooth 2.1, GPS, and a 3.0 megapixel camera with LED flash. 

A second webOS-based model, the Palm Eos, is rumored to be on the docket for this fall.

Source: Palm