webOS 1.4.5 hits Sprint, SFR with 3D gaming for Pixis
updated 10:20 pm EDT, Mon July 5, 2010
Palm webOS update adds official PDK support
HP's new mobile group Palm has started pushing out webOS 1.4.5 to phones on Sprint in the US and SFR in France. Both the Pre and Pixi now officially support the public, finished version of the PDK (Plug-in Development Kit, which allows fully native code in webOS' namesake web apps. For the Pixi and Pixi Plus, the update represents the first time it can support the 3D gaming existing on the Pre in a rougher form since January.
Other fixes are comparatively minor but do resolve a problem with podcasts sometimes not downloading properly, an issue with text fields in the web browser losing focus, and "several" security issues. HP hasn't said when O2, Verizon or other carriers will get their updates, but most webOS rollouts take place within days of each other.
The cost of the phone varies by carrier, but recent promotions have dropped the Pre Plus on Verizon to $50 on contract where the Pixi Plus is free. Both are more expensive at AT&T and Sprint, ranging up to $150 for the Pre.
