Just this week, photos of a Palm Centro apparently running webOS made waves in the headlines. These rumors have since been proven false, however what we saw was more than just a fancy Photoshop job.
The cool webOS theme that the Centro is running is actually TealOS, a new program by TealPoint Software designed to run on current PalmOS handhelds. From the video we saw of TealOS in action, it's actually quite impressive in emulating several UI features of the new platform. Engadget also posted a video that further demonstrates features of the software.
The most obvious feature that TealOS has emulated is the "cards" feature of webOS; open PalmOS programs are reduced to thumbnails that can be manipulated on the touchscreen, either reorganizing them or flicking them off the top of the screen to close, as we've seen in many demos of the Pre. The launcher is also emulated, represented as a floating, wave-shaped bar. TealPoint describes their program as:
More than just a visual skin, TealOS is a multi-functional application launcher that gives your time-honored handheld the exciting look and feel of the newest device.
If you can't wait to get your hands on the Pre or just want some interesting new functionality on your PalmOS device, then this could be the thing for you. TealOS costs $14.95 and has a free trial version available for download.
UPDATE (02/23): Looks like more people are catching the TealOS fever. PUGcast has posted some "tricks with TealOS", that should have your Palm device in top shape to handle the fancy application. In the article, he recommends first hard-resetting the device, and keeping open applications to a minimum for best performance. Security issues involving the screenshots used as cards can also be avoided by utilizing the "Card Exceptions" feature.
(03/01): Andy Berrios from PalmAddicts also wrote a short article entitled "Having fun again!", on his experience with TealOS on his Palm device. Particularly, why it has brought new life to an aging Palm TX, which he uses in lieu of an iPod Touch: "TealOS may have found the last niche in the emptying Palm OS...This may keep us diehard PalmOS users happy for at least a couple more years."
(03/02): TreoCentral has posted a full review of TealOS detailing the new home screen, application screen, and wave launcher. This should be useful if you're thinking of purchasing the full version, or just want to see some more screenshots of TealOS in action.
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