Palm’s Linux Smartphone Now In ‘08

Palm has announced it now won't be releasing its Linux OS until next year, but still plans new products in '07.

Back in April, Palm revealed that it was working on a Linux OS for its mobiles, like the Treo. At that time, it expected to roll out the software before the end ofthis year.

That date has now been put back.

“We will deliver some new smartphone products through the rest of this calendar year on Windows Mobile and Palm OS,” said Palmchief executive Ed Colligan. “Products based on the new Linux platform will not [arrive] until some time next year.”

The Linux software is planned to replace Palm OS 5, which hasn’t undergone any major upgrades in over three years. The planned update to Palm OS6 Cobalt was canceled in 2005.

There’s been a move from Palm software to Windows Treo models, which are preferred by business because they integrate more readily with other systems, and Windows Treos make uparound half of Palm’s sales.

Palm isn’t placing all its eggs in the Linux basket, however. Colligan stressed that the company will continue to release new devices during theremainder of ’07.