Treo 800w Watch: July on Sprint?

Our Sprint reps told us June is the launch date for the Treo 800w and that it will have WM 6.1. Maybe June is the business launch month and July is the consumer launch, that's the normal Sprint M.O., launch a new device to business users one month and the next month launch it to the general public.

Our Sprint reps told us June is the launch date for the Treo 800w and that it will have WM 6.1. Maybe June is the business launch month and July is the consumer launch, that's the normal Sprint M.O., launch a new device to business users one month and the next month launch it to the general public.

It must have been moved up then if that were to be true. I am pretty sure they said on the earnings call it wouldn't be in the 2nd quarter.

Our Sprint reps told us June is the launch date for the Treo 800w and that it will have WM 6.1. Maybe June is the business launch month and July is the consumer launch, that's the normal Sprint M.O., launch a new device to business users one month and the next month launch it to the general public.

Interesting info especially about the June/July tiered launch, which sounds normal for Sprint.

Also glad to hear about 6.1, which makes sense as Colligan said:

We are also increasing our Windows Mobile efforts targeted at the enterprise. We expect to refresh our Windows Mobile product line before the end of the summer, with exciting new products which will be targeted at business customers. And as Microsoft delivers its latest Exchange-based device management solutions, you will see the combination of our efforts reach a new pitch.

I will say that we will of course support Microsoft’s latest offerings from an operating system standpoint, which would in theory then support their back-end services in relation to device management, security, and so forth that they are extending right now.

= MSCMDM 2008 + WM 6.1 (to enable)

Previously, MS & Palm publicly have said their Treo 750 will get a 6.1 upgrade. It would seem odd for them not to launch the 800w without 6.1, especially since financially they have so much riding on the WM mix to boost their margins. Colligan also said :

And I am working hard with Microsoft right now to make sure that we’re -- as these products come out, we’re ready to aggressively come to market with them and market them effectively to really make an impact on the business.

Andy Brown :

When we introduce new Treos this summer...

I like the Rev A part. I had the Pantech PX-500 for a while when I was traveling a LOT, and I was blown away as to where I got coverage. Small towns like Baker, California, got an EVDO signal. Rev. 0 I think, although I don't remember the speed test I did there if it was Rev. A.

At any rate, what about GSM/3G/WCDMA?? Are we getting it on AT&T anytime soon, or does Sprint have an exclusive for a while, like Verizon did for 6 months with the Treo 700w a while back?

If not, then will there be a European and/or Asian and/or GSM unlocked version(s) around that time??

Thanks! ;)

I like the Rev A part. I had the Pantech PX-500 for a while when I was traveling a LOT, and I was blown away as to where I got coverage. Small towns like Baker, California, got an EVDO signal. Rev. 0 I think, although I don't remember the speed test I did there if it was Rev. A. At any rate, what about GSM/3G/WCDMA?? Are we getting it on AT&T anytime soon, or does Sprint have an exclusive for a while, like Verizon did for 6 months with the Treo 700w a while back? If not, then will there be a European and/or Asian and/or GSM unlocked version(s) around that time?? Thanks! ;)

July 2008/Any Brown's quote above:

When we introduce new Treos this summer...

And note from the leaked Vodaphone report, Palm is clearly listed as saying WM 6.1 for July.

No doubt in my mind right now: 800w will have WM 6.1 and you'll have a quadband GSM variant shortly thereafter. AT&T? No idea and no prediction.

Thanks to Vyruz Reaper via SprintUsers.com, we have what appears to be the release chart for upcoming Sprint devices and lo and behold, the Treo 800w is smack on there for a July release (crosses fingers).

I'd been considering buying a Verizon Touch when its released end of April, but the more I think about it, might as well just hang in there, as I'm not desperate for a Smartphone, and get an 800w when released by Verizon which ought to be 3 months after Sprint gets it. How come Sprint always gets these great phones first??? Verizon does not want to pay the extra moolah to be first? (I guess.....besides, 3 months is only a tiny little blip on the scale of evolution on earth...! :p ). Having an autonomous GPS as in the 800w will be worthwhile, I think. With the Touch I'd have to get a GPS puck. And with the 800w I wouldn't have to worry about which virtual (soft) keyboard to buy....Touchpal vs. Tengo vs. whatever.
Roger

"Autonomous GPS"? Is that a new term?

"Autonomous GPS"? Is that a new term?

It means it does what it wants and if you ask it for directions maybe it'll give you them. :p


Autonomous GPS here is meant to differentiate between a standalone solution vs. server-assisted aGPS.

So this wont' rely on the network for the GPS signal, it can handle it on it's own i.e. straight satellite based.

The Moto Q9c on Sprint is like this but we should be able to tweak the registry to enable the assistance servers to get the best of both worlds.


Read here for more info.

Cool. Thanks :thumbsup:

BTW, Palm Info Center had to pull the pic b/c Sprint complained.

Also, if you click the my link for "Sprintusers", you'll notice the thread has been deleted ;-)

Guess it's real, lol.

Just when I was about ready to give in and get a Mogul :D

Can I have one?

Is it just me or, why cant Palm come up with something new, I was sure hoping for a much nicer, flasher, newer look that pic (I know its hard to tell from one picture) looks a lot like a 700wx -antenna with a couple of new buttons. YAWN :(

July 2008/Any Brown's quote above: And note from the leaked Vodaphone report, Palm is clearly listed as saying WM 6.1 for July. No doubt in my mind right now: 800w will have WM 6.1 and you'll have a quadband GSM variant shortly thereafter. AT&T? No idea and no prediction.

AWESOME!!! Thanks. My brother and my entire family is on Vodafone, and they are eligible for an upgrade, so I'll use all three of their accounts and get three of them. lol...They don't care, and they like the phones they have. :D

Does Vodafone lock its phones, by the way, and if so, do they give out the unlock code. They've been Vodafone customers since before it was called Vodafone. ;)

Thanks again!

Is it just me or, why cant Palm come up with something new, I was sure hoping for a much nicer, flasher, newer look that pic (I know its hard to tell from one picture) looks a lot like a 700wx -antenna with a couple of new buttons. YAWN :(

Hey Big D5 :D , I sort of understand what you are saying, yet we have to remember that this is a very old "mock up" and in no way can convey what the 800w will actually look like in final form (colors, material, subtle design changes, etc.). It's not an attempt to sell customers on the device, merely a place holder. In fact Palm would much rather you have never seen it as now we are all pre-judging before the actual reveal--it'd be like you judging my prettiness on my avatar ;-)

It is a "square-qwerty" which when you compare to other devices of similar design, really don't differ that much.

The hardware seems solid enough as well for an business device (not a pro-sumer though, which is a different market).

So I guess I would put back the question: [COLOR="YellowGreen">While still maintaining the classic "Treo" properties (whatever those are), how would you improve on the design?[/COLOR]

For myself, I'm hesitant to judge the design of the device till I at least see live shots and preferably handle it (Centro was ripped for "ugliness", but nearly universally praised once it was released)

But hey, Palm now has TWO former Apple employees both in charge of "product design"...if that doesn't inspire hope, than I don't know what will!

Does Vodafone lock its phones, by the way, and if so, do they give out the unlock code. They've been Vodafone customers since before it was called Vodafone. ;) Thanks again!

No idea, but IIRC, unlocking by 3rd party companies is very common and easily accessible, so I would not be too concerned.

Is it just me or, why cant Palm come up with something new, I was sure hoping for a much nicer, flasher, newer look that pic (I know its hard to tell from one picture) looks a lot like a 700wx -antenna with a couple of new buttons. YAWN :(

It's not just you. If you think about it, they created this category and now are not even a major player in it anymore. The CEO has no experience launching ne products--he's just not comfortable with it.

I think eventually they will get squeezed from both directions from Rimm on the businss side and Apple on the consumer side unless they get a new CEO in there to really shake things up. I hope they do.

There have been no leaks from Verizon about the 800w, but I'm thinking Verizon might just get the 800w the same time as Sprint. Only argument against that is that very often Sprint gets a 3-month headstart on phones. Whatever. 3 months is just a little blip in the evolutionary scale anyhow..!!

...3 months is just a little blip in the evolutionary scale anyhow..!!

I disagree. If you consider the evolutionary cycle is generally 12-18 mos then 3 mos. represents a significant difference. Lately VZW is falling closer to 6-12 mos behind which is almost an entire generation. AT&T will likely get the BB 9000 1-2 mos after VZW gets the Curve! That is just sad.

I disagree. If you consider the evolutionary cycle is generally 12-18 mos then 3 mos. represents a significant difference. Lately VZW is falling closer to 6-12 mos behind which is almost an entire generation. AT&T will likely get the BB 9000 1-2 mos after VZW gets the Curve! That is just sad.

Well isn't it getting moot at this point. For example can't you just take that dang Sprint Treo and just bring it over to Verizon and have them activate it?
It's supposed to be moving to an open network ya?

No, not until Q4.

OK Thats It...

I am tired of waiting for the Treo 850 or HP 900, I ordered the iMate 8502.

3-7 days hurry up.

Regards

Will the 800WX have the means to send picture mail. It is so frustrating that sprint turned off this feature, when free to cheap phones can send pictures.

Will the 800WX have the means to send picture mail. It is so frustrating that sprint turned off this feature, when free to cheap phones can send pictures.

i believe this is why its taking longer for us to see the 800

i believe this is why its taking longer for us to see the 800

Actually, probably not this aspect of the Sprint software ;)

Sprint has been pretty clear: no PictureMail on PDA devices and there are no immediate plans to change that. Long story on why and I think tonight I may be able to actually write up a detailed article on WMExperts--so hold tight if you want the nitty gritty.

However, there is a workaround out now (just released) which I will also detail.

So officially: no PictureMail on the 800w; Unofficially there is a solution.

Actually, probably not this aspect of the Sprint software ;) Sprint has been pretty clear: no PictureMail on PDA devices and there are no immediate plans to change that. Long story on why and I think tonight I may be able to actually write up a detailed article on WMExperts--so hold tight if you want the nitty gritty. However, there is a workaround out now (just released) which I will also detail. So officially: no PictureMail on the 800w; Unofficially there is a solution.

Ooo.... Let me know when you get that posted.

I think I'm tired of waiting. I think I'm numb for waiting so long for this phone and now Samsung has come with this instinct and it has some good and bad; however this screen is whats got me leaning towards it. Plus there is a definite release date!!!!!!!!!!

We have seen it and there is no guessing to what it looks like and there is no guessing to what it has.
The 800???????????? Who knows.

I think I'm tired of waiting. I think I'm numb for waiting so long for this phone and now Samsung has come with this instinct and it has some good and bad; however this screen is whats got me leaning towards it. Plus there is a definite release date!!!!!!!!!! We have seen it and there is no guessing to what it looks like and there is no guessing to what it has. The 800???????????? Who knows.

Very true...I'd prefer a keyboard and the 1handed operation of a Treo but there i no real date. it could be July or September or Palm could merge with Motrola and the whole thing scrapped. Also if the Iphone comes out in May or June with OLED screen + GPS man that will be hard to pass up.

Amen to that!

This waiting is over a year now and there have been so many rumors told about the release date for the 800. Now I'm seeing a release for the 2nd quarter. I have the 650 and I have been saying for the past year that I would wait to get the latest and greatest Treo from Palm and I don't mean that little Centro (way too small for these hands). I have to have a PDA phone for my buisness and the 650 is on it's last leg, my 2 year agrrement is over, and I want something new. Shame on you Sprint/Palm. You guys are treating us loyals like CRACK HEADS!!! We need the fix right now darn it!!!!!!!!!

That Instinct is looking better by the day to these hungry eyes.

Why Sprint say no picturemail on PDA?

Actually, probably not this aspect of the Sprint software ;) Sprint has been pretty clear: no PictureMail on PDA devices and there are no immediate plans to change that. Long story on why and I think tonight I may be able to actually write up a detailed article on WMExperts--so hold tight if you want the nitty gritty. However, there is a workaround out now (just released) which I will also detail. So officially: no PictureMail on the 800w; Unofficially there is a solution.

while we both dont know what it really is.... and im having a had to getting the details;) there is still a possibility... but ur probably right, it can be anything, and only time will tell for certain. Heck, everything we find out now can be true, but last minute palm or sprint changes something, takes it away, or ads it. I see it happen all the time in the VC world.

quick quesiotn tho, i thought i had picturemail on my 755p??

yeah, palm os devices have pic mail (centro has it), just not any WM (and I hear BB don't either).

Basically Sprint needs to license software to do it and they won't . they're on record as saying "no picmail on WM devices"..

I'll try to explain more in the article...but it probably won't post till Friday.

That Instinct is looking better by the day to these hungry eyes.

But the Instinct is **not** a Win-Mob Prof. phone!! The Touch by HTC is a great phone, and Verizon's release coming end of April will have GPS, everyone is saying. Ought to be worth looking at. But...if it does not have GPS, I'm waiting for the Treo 800w.

Are we talking about the SPRINT phone or one for AT&T here??? Vodafone, much like Sprint, has it on its upcoming phones sheet with the note: Replaces Treo 750v. Come on now...:( :(

Actually, probably not this aspect of the Sprint software ;) Sprint has been pretty clear: no PictureMail on PDA devices and there are no immediate plans to change that. Long story on why and I think tonight I may be able to actually write up a detailed article on WMExperts--so hold tight if you want the nitty gritty. However, there is a workaround out now (just released) which I will also detail. So officially: no PictureMail on the 800w; Unofficially there is a solution.

hey hey hey, this confirms most of the info i was given bro... check it out:

Sprint to offer MMS to MW users
This is just popped up in the Buzz About Wireless chat with John Garcia the chief marketing officer for Sprint.

Steve asked: PictureMail is not available on PDA-style devices - I have a PPC-6700 with WM 6.0. And this device, when I purchased it said it was PictureMail compatible; but while using it I have learned otherwise. And I am wondering if/when Sprint is going to allow the higher end PDA devices to partake in the PictureMail features (since we are pay ing fo r it; although we can't use it). It would seem like a logical thing do to, since the Instinct is coming out soon; just allow PictureMail on the PDA-style devices. If a business doesn't want their employees to have access to this feature then they can request it be removed. But please, don't penalize all of us PDA users, for a few people's wants/needs.

John Garcia : We're working with Microsoft to build a PictureMail application that will work on their Windows product to give you a similar experience as our other products. As some of you may be aware, currently, you can actually do this on a Windows product, but you have to do it through e-mail or Bluetooth. We realize this is cumbersome. We're working to enhance this for you soon.

Looks promising! Maybe this will be one of the features in the Windows 6.1 upgrades all current WM6 phones are going to receive this summer.

hey hey hey, this confirms most of the info i was given bro... check it out

(pulls pipe from mouth)

Indeed sir!

Article is up:
http://www.wmexperts.com/articles/sprint_and_mms_its_in_the_work.html

Why does sprint always seem to get stuff first? And why is Verizon so slow? Any ideas? I really want the 800 but to wait for Verizon to get it might be forever.

Why does sprint always seem to get stuff first? And why is Verizon so slow? Any ideas? I really want the 800 but to wait for Verizon to get it might be forever.

VZ is the most control oriented carrier. Or has been so far.
Verizon seems to take longer putting things through "testing". Also I think they work harder on getting their services/apps to work with each device. it takes time and there can be big delays. that may change tho

Why does sprint always seem to get stuff first? And why is Verizon so slow? Any ideas? I really want the 800 but to wait for Verizon to get it might be forever.

I have no proof of this and this is just my opinion but I think one of the reasons is simply that Verizon has more bureaucracy when it comes to getting phones approved. I also think the line that Verizon puts out there that they take longer because they are working the bugs out and want to make sure of the best customer experience is complete garbage. With the 6800, they released it with the same buggy 2.09 ROM that Sprint released months before them. So what were they doing all that time? Well one thing they did change from the Sprint version was to remove the Ineternet Connection Sharing app in hopes of trying to force people to use their software and pay the extra fee if they want to tether. Seems that at least some of that extra time it took them to release the device may have been spent on crippling it. I'm not trying to say that one carrier is better than another (Sprint and ATT certainly have their fair share of faults as well) but I don't see why it should not be possible for Verizon to release handsets in a more timely fashion. I think Verizon is just incredibly inefficient when it comes to approving new handsets and that they use the excuse of a more rigorous testing process as a smoke screen to cover their behinds.

VZW is a joke. It's such a shame that the company with the best network and customer service also has to have the worst phones. They could have a monopoly if they would just give up this "testing" BS and just put out some decent phones.

They could have a monopoly if they would just give up this "testing" BS and just put out some decent phones.

agreed!

Actually, probably not this aspect of the Sprint software ;) Sprint has been pretty clear: no PictureMail on PDA devices and there are no immediate plans to change that. Long story on why and I think tonight I may be able to actually write up a detailed article on WMExperts--so hold tight if you want the nitty gritty. However, there is a workaround out now (just released) which I will also detail. So officially: no PictureMail on the 800w; Unofficially there is a solution.

Was the mms workaround ever posted?

Was the mms workaround ever posted?

Yeah, posted the info in this article:
Sprint, MMS and Windows Mobile: Why They Hatin'?

and then had a follow up

Sprint and MMS: It's in the works for Windows Mobile!

Don't know if anyone saw this on Engadget, but apparently they may be starting beta testing. If it's supposed to be out in July, would they wait until this late to start the beta?

Don't know if anyone saw this on Engadget, but apparently they may be starting beta testing. If it's supposed to be out in July, would they wait until this late to start the beta?

Just saw that too and had the exact same thoughts. Worried it's going to be delayed even longer now...

Just saw that too and had the exact same thoughts. Worried it's going to be delayed even longer now...

It won't be... don't worry about it, trust me....

It won't be... don't worry about it, trust me....

Why do you say that? How do you know, if I may ask?

Just saw that too and had the exact same thoughts. Worried it's going to be delayed even longer now...

Most companies do two levels of testing (not counting FCC of course):
[LIST=1]
[*]Internal (engineers, etc.)
[*]Carrier
[/LIST]
Palm in this case is doing one extra, which is basically "road testing" (as Engadget put it) the device. It's a way to put the device in power-user's hands to find any fatal flaws or superficial things (low speaker volume, etc.) that can be remedied fairly easily.

The risk is of course leaks to the public at large (in violation of NDAs). The benefits is a more solid device and confidence on launch.

Think if the HTC Mogul had been put through this wringer, perhaps it's memory and BT problems would have been actually identified. Same with the Moto Q problems (data blocked phone calls; no letters on the dialpad). Usually regular phones don't need this. I think PDA devices definitely do as has been shown with the problematic releases from many companies (Palm included e.g. 700w).

Testing is actually only a few weeks long and usually does not result in major overhauls but rather tweaking. At this point, internal and carrier testing are basically finalized.

Why do you say that? How do you know, if I may ask?

Obvious... first phrogpilot73 incorrectly states that the device will be out in "july" in order to make the "testing" email seem more pressing.

Anyone in the know understands that the device could be out between now and either Labor day or September 20th (depending on how you calculate "end of summer). Colligan said the device would be out before the end of the summer... he never said July. Of course, the rumor mill is kicking around July like they said in '07 that the launch would be in early '08... ;)

So giving the 20 Sep 08 date, they could definitely fix any issues that come up within 5 months and still be on target for the "official" before end of summer launch date.

I've said all along that the launch would be in Aug... even back when the rumors of early '08 were kicking around.... just like I've said Nova would not be out no earlier than April '09 (on a shelf for sale)... I've said that for at least a year.

You have to separate fact from fiction around here... being in the know helps... :p

You have to separate fact from fiction around here... being in the know helps... :p

"Fact from fiction" is a bit strong, more like "specific vs. non-specific" time frames. :p

Ed was also being coy as he said "treos" referencing GSM and CDMA versions. July was a fair guess with the Sprint roadmap and all, but yeah...actual dates are very prone to rescheduling and with the beta test, there is more likely a "window" for release rather than specific date. Still, July is plausible.

"Fact from fiction" is a bit strong, more like "specific vs. non-specific" time frames. :p Ed was also being coy as he said "treos" referencing GSM and CDMA versions. July was a fair guess with the Sprint roadmap and all, but yeah...actual dates are very prone to rescheduling and with the beta test, there is more likely a "window" for release rather than specific date. Still, July is plausible.

Actually, you guys and gals know more than I.

I was pulling the other guy's leg... I don't know jack (like 99.999% of the people here?)... I was having a bit of fun.

I'm so far out of the know, I wouldn't even know what the know was if I stepped on it. :D

All good, fun to see when this thing will launch... be nice if it is july... my treo is getting long on the tooth... or rather I'm ready to dump this thing. :D

I'm hoping palm gets it right... they almost have to get it right.

Most companies do two levels of testing (not counting FCC of course): [LIST=1] [*]Internal (engineers, etc.) [*]Carrier [/LIST] Palm in this case is doing one extra, which is basically "road testing" (as Engadget put it) the device. It's a way to put the device in power-user's hands to find any fatal flaws or superficial things (low speaker volume, etc.) that can be remedied fairly easily. The risk is of course leaks to the public at large (in violation of NDAs). The benefits is a more solid device and confidence on launch. Think if the HTC Mogul had been put through this wringer, perhaps it's memory and BT problems would have been actually identified. Same with the Moto Q problems (data blocked phone calls; no letters on the dialpad). Usually regular phones don't need this. I think PDA devices definitely do as has been shown with the problematic releases from many companies (Palm included e.g. 700w). Testing is actually only a few weeks long and usually does not result in major overhauls but rather tweaking. At this point, internal and carrier testing are basically finalized.

What's sad is that the internal and carrier testing seems to catch almost nothing with respect to usability.