Treo 800w

Although we initially were told Voice Dialing over Bluetooth would be part of the Sprint Palm Treo 800w, unfortunately the functionality never made it to the final product release.  Palm Treo 800w owners will be delighted to know that Palm has addressed the concern in record breaking time by issuing a statement on their website announcing that an update is on it’s way soon:

Palm Treo 800w Voice Dialing Over Bluetooth will be available soon as a download from this web page. Please return to this page in the coming days for the download and details.”

With the hands free laws spreading nationwide, it is always nice to see Palm addressing the Voice Dialing over Bluetooth worries.  We have no specific details on the release date of this update, but we are told that we can expect a download sometime in August so until then we will have to make due.  You can check the coming soon page in the meantime, here.

The Samsung Instinct has been the focus in Sprint’s marketing efforts, but Windows Mobile enthusiasts have been patiently awaiting the arrival of the next generation in Palm’s CDMA Treos.  The Palm Treo 800w has become official with the latest press release direct from Sprint, outlining the specs of this Windows Mobile 6.1 smartphone complete with WiFi and GPS.  While the iPhone and Instinct steal the spotlight, the Treo 800w has been positioned alongside the other Business smartphones aimed at taking corporate America sales away from both RIM and Apple.

As the first Treo to offer WiFi, the 800w is a rock-solid device much like the Treo 700wx.  While other Windows Mobile smartphones offer faster processing power and more RAM, the Windows Mobile Treos always seem to perform far beyond what their specs would suggest.  With EVDO Rev A support, GPS, WiFi and Windows Mobile 6.1, the Treo 800w is the perfect update for existing Treo 700wx users not willing to take the ‘bold’ leap into BlackBerry’s lineup.  It will be interesting to see how long the Treo 800w is able to remain at the top of Sprint Business sales as RIM prepares to launch the BlackBerry Bold across all US carriers in early September.  In the meantime you can pickup the Sprint Treo 800w for $249.99 on a 2 year contract after Mail in Rebates.

Full Press Release:

SUNNYVALE, Calif. and OVERLAND PARK, Kan., July 14, 2008 - Palm, Inc. (Nasdaq: PALM) and Sprint (NYSE:S) today introduced the Palm® Treoâ„¢ 800w, Sprint’s newest smartphone with Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional. Designed for business users who depend on their smartphones for high-speed productivity on the go, the Palm Treo 800w operates on the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network(1) and comes out of the box with support for EV-DO Rev. A data speeds, WiFi for data and GPS capabilities.(2)

The Treo 800w is Palm’s most business-friendly phone yet. IT departments can simplify infrastructure and lower costs with a direct connection to Microsoft Exchange Server, giving users up-to-date email, contacts, calendars and access to other productivity applications. Palm designed the Treo 800w for easy-to-use mobility with a full QWERTY keyboard, five-way navigation and one-touch buttons to the most-used applications, making it a smartphone people want to use.

As Sprint’s first smartphone to ship immediately with EV-DO Rev. A network support, the Treo 800w offers customers the ability to quickly browse the web and send and receive emails - even those with large attachments - at broadband speeds. The vast majority of Sprint’s Mobile Broadband Network has been upgraded to EV-DO Rev. A technology, providing Treo 800w users blazing-fast speeds on the nation’s largest mobile broadband network (based on covered square miles). The Sprint Mobile Broadband Network (inclusive of data roaming) reaches more than 246 million people, 16,022 cities and 1,506 airports and brings customers instant gratification so they can work fast and on the go. With EV-DO Rev. A, peak network download data rates increase to 3.1 Mbps and peak upload data rates increase to 1.8 Mbps; average download speeds improve to 600 kbps to 1.4 mbps and average uplink speeds increase to 350-500 kbps.

Palm’s WiFi hardware and software innovations make it easy to get online fast and manage network connections and power usage. The one-touch WiFi button provides a clean, uncluttered WiFi experience that gets Treo 800w users rapidly connected at home, in the office or in WiFi hotspots.(2) It includes 802.11b/g WiFi and built-in Internet Explorer Mobile, which means faster, more secure access to web-based data.

With integrated GPS and Palm software enhancements, the Treo 800w smartphone offers maps, point-to-point directions and point-of-interest (POI) searches for locations such as restaurants or stores.(3) POI search is available directly from the Today Screen and is integrated with contacts, giving customers one-touch access to the places they want to go. Treo 800w also supports Sprint Navigation for turn-by-turn directions as well as other popular third-party location-based services applications.

Robust Business Productivity Features

Companies looking for more control, centralization and security will find the Treo 800w an attractive choice. It connects directly with Exchange Server 2003 SP2 or 2007 and works within a company’s existing Microsoft infrastructure, eliminating costly middleware or the maintenance of additional servers. The Treo 800w extends business capabilities by providing a familiar Microsoft Windows experience while on the go to keep employees productive. With thousands of applications available for Windows Mobile, businesses can extend mobility beyond email to optimize business processes whether in sales or out in field.

The Treo 800w comes fully equipped with easy-to-use professional email. Microsoft Direct Push Technology is available out of the box and gives users connected to a Microsoft Exchange Server fast, automatic wireless updates from their email, calendar, contacts and tasks.(4) Users can download email attachments to view and edit Microsoft Word and Excel files, view PowerPoint and PDF files, and open ZIP files.

The Treo 800w is compatible with Microsoft’s System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008, which delivers increased security and easier smartphone management as well as access to information on the corporate network via mobile VPN. IT professionals can confidently manage large Treo 800w deployments the same way they would expect to manage PCs with a low-cost, reliable solution that fits seamlessly with their existing IT infrastructures.

The Palm Experience on Windows Mobile 6.1

“Palm is adding a unique stamp to the Windows Mobile experience with the Treo 800w,” said Stephane Maes, vice president, product marketing, Palm, Inc. “It’s an easy-to-use feature-packed smartphone that will keep users happy, empowered and productive.”

In addition to Palm’s WiFi and GPS enhancements, Palm innovations on top of Windows Mobile include:

Today Screen enhancements — call, text, email, perform a web search and map a contact’s address, all directly from the Today Screen;(5)
Dial from the Today Screen — enter the contact name, select the number and dial. Add text or picture speed dials for one-touch calls to family and friends, or use the physical or touch screen number keys to dial the number directly;
Voicemail controls — VCR-like icons, such as rewind, delete and fast-forward, for easy navigation;
Ignore with text — ignore a call quickly by sending a text message, such as “In a meeting” or “Can’t talk right now”;
Superior phone and call management — dedicated mute, speakerphone, conference calling icons, or dial any number in an email or webpage, all with just one touch; and
Palm ease-of-use features — hard buttons for email and calendar, a five-way navigation button and on/off ringer switch.

Exclusive Sprint Content and Services

“Sprint recognizes that businesses must stay productive and competitive with quick, always-accessible information and assistance for their own customers,” said Michael Hahn, vice president of device operations for Sprint. “With instant access to email, messaging services and the web on the nation’s largest Mobile Broadband Network, Sprint provides its customers the mobile tools they need to increase productivity and improve competitiveness now.”

In addition to the valuable business-friendly features delivered through Palm and Windows Mobile 6.1, new business applications are being created through Sprint’s newly launched Professional Developer Program and with tools such as the Titan platform for Windows Mobile 6.1 devices. A growing community of application developers who may previously have focused on desktop services are now finding it easier to generate services that can perform on both the desktop and mobile devices.

Treo 800w customers can leverage the speed of the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network to access Sprint content, including:

Sprint TV® allowing users to watch live TV or video-on-demand with full-motion video or catch the latest news, sports, weather, entertainment and movie trailers on the go.(5) Choose from more than 50 live television channels and watch programs such as CNN mobile, FOX sports and E! Entertainment; access NFL Network and special programming via Sprint Exclusive Entertainment.
Sprint Navigation delivers turn-by-turn voice-guided and on-screen driving directions, 3-D moving maps similar to an in-car navigation system or personal navigation device, as well as local search, intelligent traffic alerts and one-click rerouting.
Pocket Express to retrieve customized, up-to-date web content such as sports, weather, news, money and movie information with the push of a button.
Sprint IM extends instant messaging to the Treo 800w with access to Yahoo! Messenger, AOL’s AIM® service and MSN Messenger.(5)

Pricing and Availability

The Treo 800w is available today for consumers and businesses at Sprint Stores, online at www.sprint.com or www.palm.com, and through Sprint or Palm’s B2B sales organizations. It will be available for $249.99 after discounts and rebates with a two-year contract.

To receive the best value and experience the full capabilities of the device, customers must subscribe to a pricing plan offering unlimited data. Customers can choose from Everything plans for individuals ranging from $69.99 per month for 450 voice minutes and unlimited data or the Talk/Message/Data Share plans for families starting at $129.99 per month for 1,500 voice minutes (shared between two lines) and unlimited data. Sprint also offers its signature Simply Everything plan offering both unlimited nationwide voice and data services for just $99.99 per month. Customers may also choose one of Sprint’s Individual Talk Plans and add on the $30 per month Pro Pack to take advantage of data capabilities.

About Palm, Inc.

Palm, Inc. is a leading mobile products company, creating instinctive yet powerful mobile products that enable people to better manage their lives on the go. The company’s products for consumers, mobile professionals and businesses include Palm® Treoâ„¢ and Centroâ„¢ smartphones and Palm handheld computers, as well as software, services and accessories.

Palm products are sold through select Internet, retail, reseller and wireless operator channels throughout the world, and at Palm online stores (http://www.palm.com/store).

More information about Palm, Inc. is available at http://www.palm.com.

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two wireless networks serving nearly 53 million customers at the end of the first quarter 2008; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.

(1) Within EvDO Rev A data coverage area only. Actual data speeds vary based on network capacity and application design. Requires data services at additional cost. Coverage not available everywhere. See sprint.com/coverage for details.

(2) Within range of Wi-Fi hotspot using 802.11b/g wireless connection. Some Wi-Fi hotspots require fee for usage.

(3) GPS not available in all areas at all times. Requires an account and data services at additional cost.

(4) Microsoft Direct Push Technology requires Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 with SP2 or Exchange Server 2007.

(5) Within wireless coverage area only. Requires data services at additional cost. Additional fees may apply.

Palm, Treo and Centro are among the trademarks or registered trademarks owned by or licensed to Palm, Inc. All other brand and product names are or may be trademarks of, and are used to identify products or services of, their respective owners.

Before you ask the answer is yes, the Sprint Palm Treo 800w will be the first Treo to sport WiFi.  While the design and style are nothing to take your breath away, any doubts about Windows Mobile 6.1 and EVDO Rev A can also be dismissed.  What you need to know is that July 13th the Treo 800w will be launching on Sprint for $249.99 after rebates and that it will be compatible with Sprint SERO Plans, unlike the current situation with the Samsung Instinct.

With the Sprint Treo 700wx running its course as a solid performer for the carrier, a replacement handset was due and the 800w should continue to get the job done.  While our eyes are focused on the unreleased Treo 850, die-hard Treo fans should find the updated features of the Treo 800w enough to keep their loyalties with Sprint and Palm.  

Sprint Palm Treo 800w User Manual

The July 13th launch of the Treo 800w on Sprint (previous ETA was July 22) is looking like it might end up being an exclusive Sprint launch with a 60 to 90 day window.  Although the exclusive launch has not been confirmed, PhoneArena has reported that the received documents that indicate an exclusive window does exist and that Verizon Wireless might actually be the 3rd US carrier to launch the Treo 800w.  According to the information, the validity of the exclusive launch is in question and it might simply be delays within ‘Big Red’ that prevent Verizon customers from riding in on the Treo 800w train.

With a $249.99 price tag after 2 year contract and the usual $100 in mail in rebates it will be an interesting launch for Palm with the heavy competition from the BlackBerry Bold and iPhone 3G this July.  Without many major design improvements and the big additions to the Treo 800w being WM 6.1, EVDO Rev A, GPS and Wifi we are not sure how many people are willing to remain loyal to Palm when Sprint is expecting the launch of the both the HTC Touch Diamond and Raphael this year.  Certainly the die-hard Palm fanboys will be all over the Treo 800w, but we are really more interested in the leaked shots of the Treo 850 and the slim form factor that might help Palm redefine their lineup.

[Via: Phone Arena]

The date is set and confirmed, July 13th the Treo 800w will go on sale for Sprint subscribers.  We have multiple confirmations citing EVDO Rev A, Windows Mobile 6.1 and WiFi.  The upgraded 320 x 320 resolution screen and 2.0 megapixel camera have also been mentioned extensively, but today a tipster over at Engadgetmobile dropped some additional confirmation to our ‘proof bag’.  Where exactly this tipster found the slides is unclear, but as we expected the Treo 800w follows the path of all Smartphones before it, no MMS support.  That’s right folks, Sprint PictureMail support has been axed from the equation and once again we must turn to our friend at ppcgeeks and xda-developers to return one of the most basic features to a Sprint Windows Mobile device.

If you still haven’t figured out why Sprint has decided to terminate PictureMail support for their PDA lineup, it all stems from the mindset that PDA / Smartphones are designed for business users.  Business users rely on email and should not be bothered by a socially stimulated activity such as picture messaging.  Sprint apparently has not tried out Windows Mobile devices from T-mobile, At&t or Verizon, since all 3 carriers have full MMS support.

One other piece of information in the slides is confirmation on location based services.  With the Palm Centro receiving an update to enable the My Location feature in Google Maps and the previous Treo 800w spec sheets all showing GPS support, it is nice to have another confirmation.  With the years of waiting for Palm to include WiFi it would not have surprised us if they pulled the rug out on GPS at the last moment in a move similar to RIM (how many BlackBerry 8000 series device does it take to have GPS and WiFi?)

The most ironic thing about spy shots these days is that the people who get a chance to nab a picture off their phone of a unreleased high tech device all seem to be using Motorola RAZR camera phones.  In another set of blurry pictures, a shot of the Sprint Palm Treo 800w has been spotted, but this time it is clearly running Windows Mobile.  Also captured in the picture is the back of the phone which confirms a low-end 1.3 megapixel camera without flash, autofocus or anything worth noting.  I think it is about time we get some high resolution shots of the Sprint Palm Treo 800w already because this thing is definitely not going to hold its own next to any of the high end smartphones being released this Summer.  Even if we were die hard Palm Fans, the Centro at least has a small form factor, this thing is looking like a Treo 700wx without the antenna mixed with the 755p.

 

July 22 is still quite a ways away, but in the meantime we have a little piece of news that will catch the attention of anyone hot on the trail of the Sprint Treo 800w. DSL Reports offers a nice little tool which lets you test your Internet speed for your cell phone (http://www.dslreports.com/mspeed) and lucky for us a trail is left behind for past speed tests. This is when a eagle-eyed veteran over at WMExperts noticed a Sprint Treo 800w under the User Agent column, complete with detailed specs listing a 320×320 resolution and IEMobile 7.11 which confirm the details we leaked yesterday

The only downside to this news is the speed test which recorded a meager 475 kbps download speed with a .268s latency off the 1MB file.  With Sprint’s EVDO Rev A network fully functional and running on the HTC Mogul, we experience speeds of 1500kbps in full coverage areas here in Los Angeles so this speed test is very disappointing.  We can only hope that the person testing the Sprint Treo 800w is simply unfortunate enough to not be in EVDO Rev A coverage.

On a side note, we are still waiting for some live shots of the Sprint Treo 800w so feel free to submit a tip up top on the navigation bar.  We would greatly appreciate any heads up on this one, thanks.

The road for the Sprint Treo 800w has been anything but a smooth one. Originally we had expected the unit to drop into retail channels by the start of Summer 2008, but then the delays started and the beta testing program for Sprint business users who rely heavily on email (Palm Beta Testing New Device: Treo 800w?). Today we have even more interesting news as WMExperts have announced that their tipster claims the Treo 800w will be releasing on July 22, 2008. To add fuel to the fire, the Treo 800w will also come equipped with a new version of Internet Explorer, 7.11.

The delay and refinement to the Internet browser are of little surprise based on the time it took Palm to release the Sprint Treo 700wx.  In the Summer that the Treo 700wx released, it seemed that we might never see a Treo on Sprint’s network running Windows because of all the delays due to optimizing the OS and the Treo 800w will be exactly the same case.

What’s the word on Verizon launching a Treo 800?  Unfortunately it seems that Verizon is missing the boat on this device or at least is going to be locked out due to an exclusive agreement between Sprint and Palm .  This is much like the Treo 700w launch which gave Verizon 6 months of exclusivity before Sprint could join the fun.  The details on the Treo 800w have remained nearly identical to the initial specifications we predicted, but we have conveniently thrown together a recap below:

Palm Treo 800w launching on Sprint’s Network July 22, 2008:

 

• Threaded SMS (Palm Treo-style SMS, not Windows Mobile 6.1/750v style)
• Windows Mobile 6.1 OS
• Autonomous GPS A-GPS
• Keyboard is larger than Palm Centro, but smaller than Treo 750/755
• Device will be extremely refined, excellent system performance much like how the Treo 700wx outperforms many other devices with faster processors
• EV-DO Rev A connectivity, standard.
• Wi-Fi built in (b/g)
• 256MB of ROM and 128MB of RAM (same as the Sprint HTC Touch)
• Official color will be Charcoal Black with other colors launching later much like the Sprint Palm Centro’s red, black and pink options.
• Camera is still expected to be 2.0 megapixels

 

 

Sprintusers.com is a solid source of information for Sprint customers and EVDO fanatics out there, but a recent road-map leak has us questioning the authenticity.  With standard image graphics for the device time-line, we are not convinced this is in anyway an official Sprint internal document.  It does confirm other rumors indicating a July launch for the Treo 800w, but the most inaccurate information in the image is the description which says that it will replace the Treo 700w, which was a device that never launched on Sprint.  Only the Treo 700wx ever hit Sprint shelves so please take this image with a grain of salt.

The other notable information in the graphic is that the Treo 800w will come with Windows Mobile 6.0 instead of 6.1, EVDO Rev A, WiFi, GPS and two versions depending on whether a camera is permitted in your workplace.  The camera-less options have historically been a fad of Verizon and AT&T so we are once again doubtful that this information refers to Sprint, but nonetheless it should provide some interesting discussions.  Drop us some comments and let us know what you think about this questionable graphic.