Verizon Wireless, builder and operator of the nation's most reliable wireless network, and Palm, Inc. (Nasdaq: PALM), today announced that the Palm(R) Centro(TM) smartphone will be available online at http://www.verizonwireless.com and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores beginning June 13. Dressed in a crisp cobalt blue, the Centro provides customers with the perfect tool to manage the busiest of lifestyles with voice, text messaging, e-mail and the Web. Centro runs on Verizon Wireless' high-speed data network, which gives customers the ability to quickly send and receive e-mail messages and attachments and browse rich Web content. Verizon Wireless customers can also use the Centro as a modem for their laptops when they subscribe to Verizon Wireless' BroadbandAccess Connect service plan. The handset sports a vibrant color touch-screen, full QWERTY keyboard and a lightweight design. Centro's built-in Google Maps(TM) application delivers quick, reliable directions and lets users perform local searches and view moveable/scalable maps, satellite imagery and traffic updates. Customers can also map a contact's address directly from the contact application simply by selecting the "maps" button. Customers using the stylish Centro will get access to VersaMail(R) 4.0 with built-in Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync(R) support for Microsoft Direct Push Technology to deliver e-mail and calendar updates from a home or office PC using Outlook(R) directly to their handsets. Centro users also have the option of using Wireless Sync, Verizon Wireless' proprietary e-mail solution, for quick and easy access to personal or corporate e-mail, contacts, calendar and tasks from their home or office PC. Wireless Sync supports POP3 or IMAP e-mail accounts and it supports Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Notes(R) and IBM Lotus Domino(R).The Palm Centro also includes the following features and capabilities:
-- Text, picture and video messaging (text messages are presented to customers in a "chat-style" view so customers can see their entire conversation unfold)
-- Superior phone functionality, including one-touch speakerphone and conference calling, the ability to respond to a call with text
messaging, and the option to use the touch-screen dial pad
-- Smart, fast Web browsing using the award-winning Blazer browser
-- 2x digital zoom camera with video capture
-- Media player with Pocket Tunes(TM) Deluxe (PlaysForSure-compatible)
-- Bluetooth(R) v. 1.2 with support for hands-free car kits and headset profiles
-- 64 MB available user storage and microSD(TM) memory card slot with support up to 4 GB
-- User-friendly, familiar Palm OS(R) 5.4.9, including one-touch access to key applications
-- Small, sleek form factor: 2.1" (l) x 4.2" (w) x 0.7" (d)
-- 4.2 ounces with battery
-- 320 x 320 pixel color touch-screen and full QWERTY keyboard for easier e-mail, messaging and Web use