BusinessWeek writes on Palm, Microsoft and the recent buyout of PalmSource. Not surprisingly, Palm was trying to buy PalmSource but eventually lost out, which is why it went for such a premium to Access. BusinessWeek confirms that Palm will be using Windows Mobile in an upcoming Treo and that the company plans on using both PalmOS and Windows Bobile:
And while Palm will sell both Palm OS and Windows Treos for the indefinite future, Microsoft software is likely to dominate the market over time.
Rumors broke in August that the Treo 670 would run Windows Mobile. According to the BusinessWeek article, it should be announced soon (though it could be called by another name). It should start shipping early next year.
Why would anyone want a bloated OS like WinCE aka WindowsMobile with their phone? Symbian and PalmOS are SO much nicer and lighter...
I wouldn't trade the PalmOS for WindowsMobile any time, and all the Treo users I know (3) love it because of the PalmOS, and 2 of them went to the Treo (600) from a HP pocketPC, looking for something simpler.
I think Palm makes a big mistake, and they'll regret it over time, as this move will annoy the Treo users who selected their devices because of the PalmOS.
I think this is a good opportunity for Samsung to finally release the clamshell-factor SCH-i539 with palmOS and a megapixel camera into the US (currently it's only shipping in China). A GSM version, with megapixel camera and clamshell design, running PalmOS 5.x (or 6.x) would be a winner and would take significant market share from the Treo for people who think the treo form factor is "too big".
Wow, some people sure are Palm bigots. I have had Palms and Pocket PCs since 1998, and a Treo 600 for 2 years. I prefer Windows because I am a MS Outlook user professionally, and I use my PDA for that.
Also, I like a combo phone/pda - only one device and charger to carry. IF I can get a Treo with Windows, I will buy it. If not, I will by a different phone with Windows. I do not think Palm will lose phone sales by offering a choice, I expect the opposite to happen.
So what do you think the name is going to be? Treo 670? I believe the rumors for the Tre 650 called it the Treo 610... Perhaps it will break out of the 6XX series since it's such a departure--a whole new OS.
They could have something like the Treo 700 series that is Windows Mobile powered, while the Treo 670 is the next gen Palm OS model.