Good news for Palm users! In addition to Sprint subscribers that were able to download the update this weekend (seriously Palm/Verizon, what was up with that?), Verizon users are now able to download webOS 1.4 onto their Palm handsets. We knew it was coming by the end of the month (February) thanks to the Palm presentation at CES in January, so it was nice to see them stick to their word (though they were a few hours away from lying - to Verizon customers, at least).
I downloaded it onto my demo unit, and I've been very pleased with the changes. Obviously, the notable improvement here is recording video, but there are some nifty new features, and some other issues that I hope have been improved upon...
Improvements/changes that I've noted so far:
-The "Ev" icon has been replaced by a "3G" icon
-Camera icon is different
-Video recording is now an option
-Overall system performance; seems to be a bit snappier
-When opening programs, there's a slightly different graphic prior to the application launching (versus dead space while the phone lags). Program opens in "card" form, and then magnifies to fill the screen when ready to go.
-Improvement in dial pad; calls list in a normal fashion.
What I'm hoping has improved, but haven't been able to test just yet:
-Battery life
-Battery life
-Battery life
A couple of people at PhoneDog East (our corporate office) carry the Palm Pre, and I've asked them for their official responses:
Tom, President
"Best upgrade by far...lots of useful changes. Video capture is a welcome feature! New options within dial-pad are very helpful; you no longer have to call-back the number only, can now SMS or change the callback number. Quicker reaction time when an app is loading - it now shows a pending window opening in progress, instead of just waiting for an app to open and wondering if you actually selected the app or not."
Rebecca, Business Manager
I upgraded to WebOS 1.4 on my Palm Pre this past Saturday. One of my previous complaints can be removed, as video capture was added to the device. I tested it out and was able to record, view, and then delete with no problems. It also seems to have some editing features that I can't wait to try out. Another improvement that I am really enjoying is the access to my contacts from the dialer. Changes include being able to re-dial a missed call much easier, the ability to dial a different phone number for that person directly from the dialer, and to directly send someone a text message. Before the upgrade I was always opening my phone to see if I had new messages or e-mail. Now the button on the gesture pad flashes if something new is there. Very handy.
Overall I am enjoying the improvements that webOS 1.4 brought to my Palm Pre. One complaint for me that still remains is the fact I cannot lean the phone on my shoulder and talk. During a test call to my Mom today she said it sounded like "I had a cold in my nose". When I moved it around and tried again she couldn't understand me at all. Not the end of the world but it really does make me have to stop what I am doing and actually hold onto the phone to talk. I'm sure additional improvements will come from Palm as time goes on, so I will keep my fingers crossed.
Check out the full changelog here. Palm users, what are you waiting for? Go get your download on!
