Posted on 23 June 2008, at 3:20 pm, by Judie Lipsett
No one can dispute the runaway success of the little Centro that could; it has truly become something of a phenomenon. Judging by the fact that Palm has just released an unlocked GSM version, they must want to make sure that anyone who would like to buy their own Centro (without a new contract commitment) has a fair chance…
In addition, they have released Google Maps with My Location.
The unlocked Centro smartphone is available online at http://www.palm.com/centro for $299.
Google Maps for mobile with My Location will be available tomorrow free of charge for Palm Centro smartphones at http://www.google.com/gmm. Please check the site for details on the download process and carrier availability.
Palm Announces Unlocked Centro Smartphone and Google Maps with My Location
SUNNYVALE, Calif., June 23, 2008 – Palm, Inc. (Nasdaq: PALM) today announced that the popular Palm® Centro™ smartphone is now available unlocked for U.S. customers. Now offered on Sprint, AT&T and Verizon Wireless – the nation’s three largest carriers – and in an unlocked GSM version, Centro gives U.S. customers the ability to choose the mobile phone that’s right for them.(1) Palm also announced that Google™ Maps for mobile with My Location on Centro is available for Centro starting tomorrow, giving customers faster access to local maps and driving directions.(2)
The unlocked Palm Centro retains the smartphone’s compact, modern design and is dressed in a new white color with grey accents. Centro offers customers more choices to stay in touch with friends, family and co-workers by using voice, text messaging, email or the web. Also available in 25 countries worldwide, Centro is Palm’s smallest and lightest smartphone to date.
Google Maps for mobile with My Location makes it easier and faster for Centro customers to get mapping and direction information by approximating the user’s current location on the map. This saves time and keystrokes for people trying to find where they are, what’s around them, and how to get there.
In addition to My Location, Google Maps offers:
•   Comprehensive information on traffic conditions in more than 30 U.S. major metropolitan areas, and partial information in many others;
•   Detailed driving directions with traffic estimates to avoid congestions;
•   One-touch recall of favorite locations and routes;
•   Integrated search results for business locations, including directions and contact information;
•   Ability to scan and drag maps using Centro’s touch screen for a PC-like experience; and
•   Satellite and aerial views.Pricing and Availability
The unlocked Centro smartphone is available online at http://www.palm.com/centro for $299.
Google Maps for mobile with My Location will be available tomorrow free of charge for Palm Centro smartphones at http://www.google.com/gmm. Please check the site for details on the download process and carrier availability.
About Palm, Inc.
Palm, Inc. is a global leader and innovator of easy-to-use mobile products that simplify people’s lives and help them stay connected on the go. The company offers a range of products — including Palm® Treoâ„¢ and Centroâ„¢ smartphones, Palm handhelds, services and accessories — to meet the needs of consumers, mobile professionals and businesses.
Palm products are sold through select Internet, retail, reseller and wireless operator channels throughout the world, and at Palm online stores (http://www.palm.com/store).
More information about Palm, Inc. is available at http://www.palm.com.
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(1) Within wireless service coverage area only. Availability and coverage depends upon carrier and the geographic scope of international roaming agreements. Email, messaging and web access requires data services from a mobile service provider at an additional cost.
(2) Google Maps for Mobile may not be available for certain areas.
Palm, Treo and Centro are among the trademarks or registered trademarks owned by or licensed to Palm, Inc. All other brand and product names are or may be trademarks of, and are used to identify products or services of, their respective owners.
June 23rd, 2008 at 4:04 pm
DOH!
Wayne you need to CHECK before you post!
Anyway….
I am going to have alot to say about the Centro when I do my review. First, I think the Centro, like it or not, is going to SAVE Palm. Yes it’s simple. Yes it’s small. Yes it is simple. Yes it does not have wifi. However, noone can dispute that Palm has sold TONS of these phones. I think that Palm has discovered a market of people….ones who WANTED smartphones, but could not justify spending 200-300 or more on a smartphone.
I am really liking the VZW version. Just stay tuned right here for the review sometime in the next week and a hlaf (it goes back a week from friday…
).