Palm releases webOS 1.3.1 for Pre, Pixi

Palm on Friday announced users of the Pre smartphone on both the Sprint network and Bell in Canada will receive an automatic over-the-air software update to webOS 1.3.1. The Palm Pixi, released on Sunday, shipped with the updated operating system as well. A number of new features are made possible with the new OS, and some known issues were resolved. One such new feature is the integration of Yahoo contacts, calendar and messaging into Palm Synergy, along with Outlook EAS, Facebook, Google and LinkedIn accounts. The Yahoo contacts and calendars can also be integrated into the Pre's respective applications, while Yahoo! IM can be used in the webOS Messaging app.

Changes to the e-mail program include improved formatting in forwarded messages and new shortcuts. Users can also now forward and copy single text and IM messages.

Browser cookies are now included, eliminating the need for users to log into any sites that require a log-in. Online account passwords are not saved when backing up however, to enhance security when partially or fully erasing a phone or setting up a replacement handset.

An issue with the improper available memory display after deleting songs has been resolved, as has the formatting of e-mail replies and forwards. A host of other e-mail improvements has also been made, including added support for e-mail hosts.

During music playback, tapping the screen when the album art is displayed results in a playback slider popping out, easing fast forwarding or rewinding the song. Calendar notifications will also no longer partially cover the End Call icon.

Users can also now set the time before the handset automatically locks and requires a password to access again. The previous gap between the screen turning off and the screen locking when pressing the power button has also been eliminated by the update.

There is also a new key shortcut for accessing USB Drive mode, and there is a new, quicker key press combination option for restarting the phone. Widescreen videos will now be shown properly in horizontal mode without being cropped, as before. This also applies to widescreen YouTube videos.

Another change in the web browser includes a YouTube video embedded in a web page being opened in the YouTube video app instead.

Finally, several unspecified security issues have been resolved with the latest webOS software.

By Electronista Staff