Pandora, Amazon, other third-party apps demoed on Palm Pre
by Chris Ziegler 
posted Apr 1st 2009 at 9:23PM
First off, we saw a NASCAR app, perfect for die-hard fans (but really, even more perfect for Sprint's track record of sponsoring NASCAR events) that culls video highlights, driver profiles, and more. Next, we were treated to a brief look at the Pre's Google Maps implementation, Pandora, Amazon's music store, and FlightView, a trick little flight status app that every frequent traveler will likely want loaded. We also saw a Pre version of the Sprint TV player -- a staple service on most of Sprint's devices -- proving that the Pre has the stones to handle multimedia within its development framework. Video was just a little bit choppy, but they're not making any claims that this is final, optimized code at this point. The best part of the whole demo, perhaps, is Pandora's notification implementation, which brings up a mini-player by tapping on the "P" visible at the bottom of any Pre screen; from here, you can play / pause, rank tracks up and down, and see a full track name, all without leaving the comfort of whatever app you might be in. Try that on an iPhone, eh? Follow the break for video!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Steve @ Apr 1st 2009 9:33PM
Am I the only one who's been burned by Palm so many times with false promises and vaporware to the point that I don't really care at all about the Pre? I don't even find it all that impressive. I'm not crazy about the form factor, and the keyboard looks like it's ripped right off the Centro/Treo Pro (with some much needed added curvature) which automatically means it blows. That has to be one of the worst keyboards I've used in recent memory. I hate the gelly-feel. Give me the old-school Treo keyboard, please.
I used to be completely die-hard Palm, but there is absolutely nothing about the Pre that makes me want one at all.
FWIW, before anyone says it, I'm not an iPhone fanboi, either.
dirk long @ Apr 1st 2009 9:46PM
What planet are you from that you cant find something about the Pre that is good!
Yes, you are the only one.
boris @ Apr 2nd 2009 10:38AM
Yes the new jelly centro/treo pro keyboards are terrible. How does Palm not realize the 600 & 700 series keyboards they originally had are superior?
soydeedo @ Apr 3rd 2009 5:26PM
I have used the 650, 700p, 755p, 800w, and Centro and I think the 800w has the best keyboard of the lot. My girlfriend's Centro is easily the worst of all the Palm sets I've ever used and I think it will probably be my biggest pet peeve with the Pre. That said, at least it has the keyboard on the proper side! And also the curvature helps a whole lot and will probably help me get over the use of the gel keys.
As far as being burned, I know what you mean. I'm approaching the Pre with cautious optimism just because Palm has consistently screwed its users with minimal software updates/fixes over and over again. I won't be an early adopter, but I do hope that Palm can get out of that rut and start supporting this new platform properly so I can hop back on their side.
Mahootzki @ Apr 1st 2009 10:32PM
Sorry, but i think you ARE one of the only ones....
xioman @ Apr 1st 2009 10:11PM
Need one shipped to Miami, FL. overnight please ;)
Sergi @ Apr 1st 2009 10:19PM
Guys, I am living in Australia and because my 2 years old Treo680 needs a replacement I was seriously thinking about purchasing an iPhone... Now things are changing, iPhone has change (a little bit), OSX has change (a lot), Android is here... But I still love my Treo and in my opinion, Pre+WebOS looks just awesome. Multitask was a big criticism comparing Palm OS vs. Windows Mobile, now all the fun boys just believe what Apple says about battery life, but the Pre proves that it is possible. Multi-touch was a big criticism about Android, now you going to enjoy it in a Palm device. Palm has fulfilled all the features I would like to have in my next smartphone, and sorry guys, the iPhone now has a contender. I only hope I can get the Pre soon in Europe or Australia.
Ray @ Apr 1st 2009 10:19PM
I just hope they cut down on those app load times (and the awkward silences that seem to coincide with them)..
WarriorofDeath @ Apr 1st 2009 10:21PM
The more I see of this phone, the more I want it. I seriously hope this phone comes out to be all that its hyped up to be. This can only be good for the mobile space, I hope they give Apple a run for their money. Competition is good. It can only benefit us the consumer in the long run.
As for the notification system, I really like it, Its something that the IPhone should implement.
SoCoolCurt (PSN: KillaKornbread - XBL: SoCoolCurt) @ Apr 3rd 2009 12:08PM
yea and the fact that they keep demoing it on actual hardware really makes me worry alot less about letdowns. the only thing i really see wrong with it right now is some sluggishness in app loading and i noticed a couple hang ups when he was throwing the cards away. other than that, i'm in love with it already.
oscar g @ Apr 2nd 2009 3:42AM
i cant wait to have this phone in my hands awsome
IPHONEKILLLLLLLLLLER
Matt Richmann @ Apr 2nd 2009 11:54AM
I just hope that I can buy an unlocked version an run it here in the USA on my AT&T carrier. If not, the new Andriods look to be the next best bet. Or, maybe the new iPhone will rule them all. . . . only a few months will tell.