Pre owners should be aware that Palm recently released a new webOS update, less than two weeks after version 1.02 was released. The 1.03 update weighs in at 13MB (compared to the previous 67MB) , and brings improvements to several applications; notably, improving sync functionality in Gmail, contacts and calendar and enhancing power performance in areas of poor coverage. View the full changelog to see the additions.
This is a step in the right direction towards improving battery life of the Pre, an issue which has put a damper on numerous positive initial reviews of Palm's new webOS handset.
Another feature of the Pre's OTA updates is that they are automatically downloaded and installed. While for the average user this is a benefit, some may find this policy slightly burdonsome. Like many devices, the Pre will download updates in the background, prompt you to install it, and you can delay the timer if you like. However after the third dismissal, the next 10-minute timer cannot be defused, provided your device has 30% battery power and a strong enough signal.
While updates by in large provide helpful additions to the system, hackers will likely find their tweaks negated with new updates (not unlike on the iPhone), and developers could be in for a headache if an update were to take issue with their applications. For example, problems with the Classic App were reported after the update; although users have since found a fix.
PhoneNews even goes so far to suggest forced updates could be a danger; for example in the unlikely case an update were to brick your phone (or drain too much battery) and you need to dial 911, only to find a dead phone in your pocket. Do you think Palm should give you the option of choosing not to install an update, for whatever reason?
Sources: Gizmodo, Precentral
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