Scripps Employees Called 'Hackers' For Exposing Massive Security Flaw
Suspected PayPal Hackers Seek Deal To Stay Out Of Prison
HP talks webOS 2.0: better browser, Flash support baked in, Skype on the way
HP is gearing up for the release of webOS 2.0, and the new version is packed with updates for Pre and Pixi owners. Apart from rebranding as HP webOS, the most newsworthy changes from an average user's standpoint are the long-awaited arrival of both Flash and Skype.The updated webOS browser will offer better HTML5 support, and Flash 10.1 beta will be built-in. And yes, Skype is coming to webOS 2.0 -- but only to the Verizon network (cue sad trombone). For users on other carriers, you'll just have to continue waiting patiently -- much like your Android friends did.
Other slick new features include enterprise-friendly VPN support, the Exhibition dock interface, enhanced multitasking with Stacks, and more powerful IM and Facebook apps.
Full details about webOS 2.0 are available from HP, or take the jump to check out PreCentral's 10 minute video review!
Comments
4
Subscribe to commentsRichardOct 19th 2010 12:14PM
Looks good but still doesn't solve the fundamental issue with WebOS which is that the hardware is poor.
The market has shown that people want high quality touch screen phones with virtual keyboards - not flimsy plastic feeling devices with a slider keyboard that is too small for anyone with average sized hands. Manufacturers who insist on nothing but fixed keyboards have seen their market share go down the pan.
Love the software and UI, but I really hoped that HP would ditch the hardware and start again. It's the only way to save the platform.
FurlowNov 5th 2010 6:13PM
Lol I don't think the hardware is that bad, I have a pixi plus and sure there is some lag, but even with 6 apps open its not the bad. I got the pixi because of how great the webos interface is and how cheap the phone is. I got it for 109 pounds (now 100 pounds) on o2 and the rebel sim costed 22 pounds so I now use it with the network 3 to get better value for money. For what is 130 pounds I think its a great deal for what you get, sure I does lack in the amount of available apps, but it hasn't been around for as long as the Iphone. I don't think they totally need to redesign the phones. The pixies keyboard is very easy to type with, if they had included a full screen then it would most certainly have costed more and I don't have tonnes of money. I think it allows people that don't want to spend 500pounds on a smart phone the opportunity to get smart phone features like you get with an iphone. I can put up with a tiny bit of lag.
I think the main reason fixed keyboard phone sales have gone down is probably due to many of them not having touch screens, not that they have fixed keyboards. The iphone and apple in general have great marketing I think WebOS is better than the IOS due to the way you can switch between apps (cards and soon stacking). What palm lacks is not a great phone, as I have said it could be a bit better, it just needs better marketing.
I would ditch the pre, sliders are horrible (we've known that for ages) for a more full screen style phone, with an on screen keyboard like the iphone. but keep the pixi as the lower cost counter part for people like me with not so much cash.
rant over
motangOct 19th 2010 3:00PM
Pretty cool, I hope Sprint would be getting the Pre2 as well.
nickNov 2nd 2010 10:18PM
Much nicer and flash alone nearly makes the phone kind of worth it, though I'm still disappointed a bit by many of the lack of features. Facebook, twitter, as well as many of the applications should use similar transparent button more native to the phone. Hopefully profile launching is within contacts as well. A screen size increase should have utilize the available space around the edges to at least 3.3 inches. This would make accessibility as well as viewing much nicer.
The lack of a 4g version could prove detrimental at this point, though it might not be an issue in the short run. As for Skype, the Skype's main body is video calling and until a front facing camera is available shouldn't even be mentioned. Prior to unlimited data plans and large amounts of minute use(typically near unlimited or unlimited now) there was room for mention utilizing skype calling as well as google talk.
Some of the scripting within the interfaces is still too manual. In some areas scroll buttons are slightly larger and in other applications area allocation is too small. For a somewhat sophisticated phone allot of refinements as well as additions are needed.
Disappointed about the micro usb, I was looking for a quality slide hatch mechanism that kind of opens like the phone. Instead theres is nothing now. HP's e-print is simply a dedicate e-mail, still on the verge of gimmicky or under developed. An application for e-print would be much nicer and usable it is unfortunate the perspective the companies take. As if when they get one thing correct once every few years per so many elements they produce profits. This leaves a lot to chance and we can understand why there is a lot of low level business antics and failed companies.
Palm has the opportunity to work the mid market. They can simply sit back look at Iphone, blackberry , and android devices and software; notice what makes these phone great and pull the good elements and cut out the waste. It can truly be a great phone if they choose to compete and apply funding appropriately.