Palm Software Revolutionized Handhelds

PalmSource has developed Palm software, whichselection of LCD panel resolutions, one-handed
is most suited for handhelds, an d continues tonavigation, and telephony components.
upgrade it constantly. Software is available toJust a few examples of the most common
perform a variety of functions ranging fromapplications that are included with the Palm OS
running Web browsers, calculators, address books,are:
date books, picture files, video files, smart phones,1. Address Book/Contacts: This versatile software
digital cameras, or pretty much any other functionallows personal information to be entered in
that can be imagined for a portable computingseveral user-definable categories, providing several
solution.slots for phone or e-mail entries.
Jeff Hawkins developed the first Palm operating2. Blazer: This is a Web browser, providing access
system, called Version 1.0, for use on the originalto the Internet for the new model smart phones
PalmPilot 1000 and 5000 series. The PalmPilotand handhelds launched by Palm.
Personal and Professional editions introduced the3. Date Book/Calendar: The date book and
soon upgraded version 2.0. Later, version 3.0 wascalendar software functions not only as a
introduced with the launch of the Palm III series.standard organizer, but can help the user maintain
Support for color, multiple expansion ports, newdaily, weekly or monthly schedules through the
processors and other valuable services wereapplication's alarm facility to alert the user.
added in versions 3.1, 3.3 and 3.5 to provide.4. Calculator: This gives Palm users the
The introduction of Tungsten T, a PalmPilotfunctionality of a standard 4-function pocket
designed for business applications, saw the launchcalculator. In the advanced mode, it will help the
of Palm OS version 5.0. This was the first Palmuser can use perform specific jobs related to
software that could be loaded on ARM devices. Amath, finance, statistics, logic, weight, length, area,
significant feature with Palm software is that theand volume.
newer versions are not radically altered from the5. Expense: This application allows common
older ones. In fact, a great deal of backwardbusiness expenses to be easily tracked by the
compatibility is required, as all new Palmuser.
applications are developed under the aegis of Palm6. HotSync: This is a very important software
Application Compatibility Environment (PACE).function that allows communication between the
PalmSource re-branded its operating systems inPalmPilot and the user's PC. It can be used for
2004. The Palm OS 5 was renamed to becomeany number of functions, such as installing new
Palm OS Garnet, and Palm OS 6 became Palm OSsoftware or backing up important data.
Cobalt. The dedication to constant improvementOf course these are not the only applications that
of its operating systems has made PalmSourcecome with Palm OS. Some of the most popular
the market leader in handheld software.other programs are notepad, digital photo album,
PalmSource software now supports a wideto do list, and video files.