Palm Not Switching OS from WebOS to Android
Beleaguered mobile device maker Palm, Inc’s stock may have dropped to $4 (should we buy stock?), but there is no plan to switch platforms from WebOS to Google’s Android, despite recent rumors of an internal memo suggesting CEO Jon Rubenstein is showing support for Android. If this switch does happen, it would be more of an integration of the two mobile platforms, not a replacement.
This is a relief, considering I just bought a Palm Pre Plus a few days ago, both for development use and for its MiFi feature that — for an extra monthly fee — allows me to use the phone as a mobile hotspot to connect five devices. This feature came in hand the very next day after purchase, and it’ll be a boon when I get my hands on a WiFi-only iPad soon, also for development. While I’d personally prefer to program in C++ over Java (Android), but if integrating/ switching to Android keeps Palm alive, I support the move. On the other hand, there are some other things that Palm can do to stay alive, including using some of their $500M in cash reserves for better marketing. Also, educate developers with the same massive quantity of video tutorials and college courses that Apple has been doing for the iPhone SDK. Show developers and consumers that you plan to stay with WebOS for the long haul.
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