Looks like I’m not the only one who wants Palm to join Google’s Open Handset Alliance and use Android as its next operating system. Ryan Block of Engadget wrote a very compelling argument for it, and Stephen Wellman of Information Week chimes in with 5 good reasons. What does Palm say?

Their response : “Palm has always been committed to open platforms for developers. And Palm has the added differentiation of being able to tightly integrate the software platform with our hardware design, which we believe gives us an advantage in delivering a great user experience.

Palm customers have benefited from the availability of Google services on Palm’s platform, such as Google Maps for mobile on Palm OS. And we look forward to further collaboration with Google to offer great user experiences on Palm products.”

This is a non-answer, and it could mean the death of Palm. I would definitely have expected Palm to think it through before giving such a quick response. Let’s look at this scenario, early 2009 :

- Microsoft launches Windows Mobile 8, with multiple handset support and firmware updates for older phones.
- Apple announced iPhone Generation 3 and the iPhone nano. Third party development has had one year to stabilize and mature.
- Smartphones running Android are available in many different shapes and forms, from different carriers, running all the Google applications and services, dozens of third party native applications and thousands of web applications.
- Nokia sells a gajillion phones, business as usual.

The customer would have no shortage of choices when it comes to platform, features, applications, services and price point. Where would Palm fit in?

Please reconsider, Palm. It seems like Palm’s fans are more concerned about the future of Palm than the management — this doesn’t make me feel good as well.

Filed under: Mobile World

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