Palm OS 6, originally code-named Sahara and now known as Palm Cobalt, is the next major version of the Palm OS from PalmSource (the software division of Palm). It was written from ground up using intellectual capital it gained from the aquistion of Be, Inc. Be was a company that developed a very technologically advanced, albeit not very widely used, operating system.
The main difference from Palm OS 5 is that Palm OS 6 was written to natively support the latest ARM-based processors. This means that Palm applications are developed directly for these processors and can take full advatage of the speed and advanced capabilties.
While OS 5 runs on these same processors, it does so using a software layer that allows older Palm applications written for the previous Motorola Dragonball 68K series processors (OS 4 and below) to run. This software layer really slows down the applications that run on your device. The only reason we don't really think of OS 5 programs as "slow" is because the processors are over 10x faster. Developers could write some sections of native ARM code which runs very fast, but few did. PalmSource stated that many OS 5 programs ran up to 3x faster than on OS 4. Where did the difference between 3x and 10x go? It was lost in the software layer overhead.
Palm OS 6 will still include a software layer to allow older OS 5, OS 4, and prior applications to run on the new OS. As with the transition from OS 4 to OS 5, if the developers strictly follow PalmSource's programming rules, their applications should run fine. If they got too creative and went outside these rules, then there will be problems.
Cobalt Features
Here's a run-down on the new and/or improved features in Cobalt:
* Native support for fast ARM-based processors -- Translates to faster applications, especially processor-intense functions such as multimedia applications.
* Support for Landscape and Portrait Mode -- Support will be built-in for this as opposed to licencees having to develop their own code to do it
* Enhanced Multimedia Support -- PalmSource is integrating enhanced multimedia technology from the BeOS it acquired into OS 6.
* Threading and Background Processes -- This means true multi-tasking, running multiple applications at the same time.
* Protected Memory and Process Protection -- Each application has its own block of memory (called a dynamic heap). This in conjunction with process protection, helps to keep a single buggy program from crashing the whole device.
* No more 16-Category and 4K Memo Limits -- Finally!
* Roaming on wireless networks -- This allows, for example, roaming from Wi-Fi to GPRS seamlessly.
* Pluggable I/O Interfaces -- Allow the various OS licencees to chose what input methods are supported. Eg. Graffiti2 or keyboard.
* Enhanced Security
* View Files in Native Format -- Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Files (PDF's)
* Support for Web services and Email Servers -- Built-in support for Microsoft Exhange and Lotus
More detailed technical information on Cobalt for developer's is available from PalmSource here.
Cobalt User Interface
Cobalt (OS 6) Launcher Cobalt (OS 6) CalendarThe Cobalt (OS 6) user interface has not received significant updates. The PIM applications are still very similar to OS 5. A command bar is added, but palmOne had already done that with the T3 anyway. Cobalt does introduce a new tabbed interace element, though.
PalmSource has stated that the User Interface will be significantly enhanced in the next major release or Cobalt.
New features in Palm OS Cobalt 6.1
* Integrated Telephony Components — Palm OS Cobalt 6.1 now includes a standard GSM, MUX and a new GPRS API designed to make it easier and faster for hardware manufacturers to create a Palm Powered smartphone. Palm OS Cobalt 6.1 also adds standard support for NAND ROMs through an automatic backup and restore feature designed to prevent loss of user data in low power situations and during battery removal.
* Standard Support for Bluetooth and WiFi — Palm OS Cobalt 6.1 incorporates the latest Bluetooth implementation, in addition to new headset and hands-free profiles critical to the development of next generation smartphones and other wireless devices. In addition, Palm OS Cobalt 6.1 provides standard 802.11 support designed to enable device manufactures to create products with built-in WiFi.
* Standard Support for One-handed and Five-way Navigation — With built-in support for one-handed and five-way navigation, Palm OS Cobalt 6.1 paves the way for better usability and software compatibility for Palm Powered smartphones and other wireless devices. In addition, the PIM applications have been updated to take advantage of this new functionality.
* Built-in SD/IO Support — Palm OS Cobalt 6.1 provides standard SD/IO support designed to enable the creation of expansion cards such as cameras, GPS systems and wireless radios for Palm Powered smart mobile devices. In addition, Palm OS Cobalt 6.1 is compliant with USB On-the-Go, a solution that facilitates compatibility between USB-enabled mobile devices.
* Enhanced User Interface — Newly designed user interface features in Palm OS Cobalt 6.1 give many applications a new modern look and feel. Palm OS Cobalt 6.1 also introduces a Preferences application designed to enable a user to manage numerous individual settings and preferences in one central location. In addition, Palm OS Cobalt 6.1 is designed to encourage new categories of Palm Powered wireless devices by supporting QVGA, HVGA and VGA display resolutions in both portrait and landscape orientations.
* Chinese Language Support — Palm OS Cobalt 6.1 incorporates support for Simplified Chinese to enable new Palm Powered mobile products aimed at the growing China mobile market.