PalmSource goes on smartphone offensive

PalmSource is to boost the development of applications for smartphone devices with a programme that gives mobile operators more power to influence development of software for the mobile operating system.

PalmSource, which is responsible for the Palm OS and was spun off from Palm last month, launched its MobileWorld carrier and developer programme at Comdex on Monday but revealed it has yet to set a date for the UK and Europe.

The programme connects mobile operators, infrastructure providers and software developers to bring new Palm OS applications to the market.

David Nagel, president and CEO of PalmSource, said it will enable carriers to feedback and influence Palm OS platform development efforts and allows operators to create a catalogue of software titles for over-the-air delivery to an increasing number of Palm Powered smartphones and PDAs.

"There's an enormous amount of innovation taking place in this space...in the area of smart mobile devices," he said.

No details were available for any European or UK operator partnerships, but Nagel said it will be a global programme. US carrier Sprint was unveiled as the first partner for MobileWorld.

A Sprint spokesman said: "The integration of the phone and PDA has arrived. Voice and data on the same device is what customers have been looking for. This is a breakthrough year for smart devices."

Nagel also announced the US and German availability of its PalmSource software store for online and over-the-air purchase and delivery of software titles. Again, UK and European availability dates have yet to be decided.