Verizon’s HP Pre 2 Gets webOS 2.1 Upgrade

HP has released a system software upgrade for Verizon’s version of the Pre 2. The move to webOS 2.1 brings features like Exhibition Mode and voice dialing.

Verizon introduced the Pre 2 in February running webOS 2.0, about the same time HP unveiled webOS 2.1. Buyers of this smartphone have been waiting for an upgrade ever since.

One of the most significant new features is Exhibition mode, which gives the user access to special applications while the device is placed on an HP Touchstone charging dock, such as a photo slideshow or an agenda view.

webOS 2.1 also adds support for voice dialing as well as external Bluetooth keyboards. A number of other small changes have been made, including bug fixes and security enhancements.

Verizon has begun pushing this update out to the Pre 2 as an over-the-air upgrade. Users will be notified by their phone when it has been automatically downloaded and asked if they want to install it.

Other webOS 2.1 Smartphones
Verizon’s version of the the Pre 2 isn’t the only model with the latest version of the webOS. The unlocked, GSM version of the Pre 2 got its upgrade in March. The HP Veer 4G from AT&T debuted running it. And when the HP Pre 3 is introduced later this summer, it’s also going to run this version.

However, older Palm models can’t be upgraded. There won’t be a version for the Palm Pre Plus or Pixi Plus.