The smartphone that pioneered the modern multitasking interface we use today
In short: Before the modern era of sleek glass slabs, the Palm Pre introduced a revolutionary 'card' system for multitasking. It was a sophisticated, Linux-based innovation that faced intense legal scrutiny from Apple while simultaneously pioneering the very gestures and features that now define the global smartphone experience.
Launched in the United States on June 6, 2009, the Palm Pre was a landmark device that introduced webOS, Palm's first Linux-based mobile operating system. It was designed with a distinct physical identity, featuring a multi-touch screen and a sliding keyboard. Its most innovative software feature was a system of 'cards' used to manage multitasking, alongside a feature called Synergy. Synergy was designed to integrate contacts from various sources like Gmail, Yahoo!, and Facebook into a single list—a highly innovative concept at the time, though some critics noted it could be overly inclusive, such as pulling birthdays from Facebook.
The device was not without controversy. Apple accused Palm of copying elements of its user interface, leading to a public exchange where Apple's then-COO Tim Cook called the move 'ripping off' intellectual property. Despite the friction, the Pre was a commercial success for its carrier, becoming the fastest-selling phone in Sprint's history, with estimated sales of approximately 50,000 units on its first day. However, it faced significant hardware hurdles, including a loose slider mechanism nicknamed the 'Oreo Twist' and a delicate curved plastic screen that was prone to cracking.
Ultimately, the Pre served as Palm's 'swan song.' While it pioneered many features later adopted by iOS and Android, and offered a unique open environment where webOS could be modified without jailbreaking, sales were not enough to keep the company afloat. This led to Palm's acquisition by HP. The lineage continued with the Palm Pre Plus in 2010 and the Palm Pre 2, which featured a 1 GHz processor and Gorilla Glass, before the hardware line was eventually discontinued.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Palm Pre
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