Palm releases WebOS 1.2

PALM HAS ISSUED an update for its WebOS smartphone platform.

WebOS 1.2 will add a number of features to the company's Pre handset, including the ability to download files through the Pre's browser and synchronise information from a LinkedIn profile.

Other new features include the ability to dial phone numbers directly from the Pre's calendar application, and to cut and paste web pages and emails. The update will also improve support for Exchange security policies for corporate users.

Pre users will be able to download music via Wi-Fi or a wide area network through Amazon's online music store, but will not be able to synchronise their devices with Apple's iTunes software.

Palm had at one point worked to implement the feature against Apple's wishes, but has since backed off under pressure from the USB Implementer's Forum.

The update comes amid reports of a possible setback for the Pre. Last week, media reports suggested that US telco Verizon was backing off on its 2010 rollout plans for the handset. µ