Techie, here is a detail description of OS4 from an expired Yahoo article dated Jan. 25, 2001
OS 4 stages :
Communication Phase 1 -- In 2001, Palm will extend its existing e-mail solutions to include message
notification, instant messaging, and seamless access to Exchange e-mail.
Communication Phase 2 -- Palm is adding voice -- first via telephony, then incorporating voice as data into
the Palm OS. Palm OS 4.0, which Palm shared with developers today, is architected to enable rich Palm
OS-based telephony. Kyocera and Handspring already sell Palm OS-based smartphones, and Palm is
working with them and Motorola, Nokia, and Samsung to develop next-generation smartphones.
Security Phase 1 -- Palm handhelds will be used as passkeys and to perform services associated with a
wallet. Possible uses include repositories for a driver's license, passport and credit cards. Palm OS 4.0
includes security enhancements designed to help protect users' data.
Security Phase 2 -- As industry infrastructure matures, Palm handhelds will be used as electronic wallets,
conducting secure transactions -- payments, corporate transactions, offline banking and customized
``me-commerce.'' VeriFone, one of the world's leaders in secure transaction terminals, already has
announced collaboration with Palm toward this end, and Yankowski said more announcements are
imminent. |
