New Pre commercial aired on Facebook
The bold new Pre ad, featuring over 1000 martial arts performers, has aired publicly on Facebook and to celebrities at the Hollywood benefit tonight. Directed by acclaimed director Tarsem and choreographed by Sun Yupeng, it provides an artistic interpretation of unique Pre features, such as Synergy and Cards. You can also check out behind-the-scenes footage via Facebook.
Sprint "situation rooms" ensure smooth launch
As the hotly-anticipated Pre handset enters the home stretch before its June 6 release, Sprint and Palm are publicy trying to "manage expectations", reports the NY Times. Success "is not about having a line out the door", states Sprint spokesman Mark Elliott. "It's about being able to treat each customer and make sure they're happy with their decision."
This attitude is perhaps most evident in "war rooms" that Sprint is planning for the big day to counter possible shortage issues. The company is approaching the launch with "military strategy", reports Forbes, bringing in extra employees to manage crowds for the next two months, and to staff the "situation rooms" to quickly address tech support issues via live chat. These measures rival the iPhone launch, which saw AT&T implement information websites in order streamline the user registration process.
But will these measures be enough to ensure a smooth and hassle-free launch day? If inventory holds up, perhaps. Otherwise, better bring along a sleeping bag ahead of time, like the guy already waiting outside a Sprint/Nextel store (pictured at right). More news after the break.
Best Buy inventory leak
Best Buy inventory reports from several areas have been leaked, and the Pre numbers don't look great, reports Engadget. While some stores may be getting as many as 20 units, others look to have few to none on the way.
While the chart represents the number requested (rather than the number they may actually receive), it's still interesting to see the breakdown. Although it seems the $849 no-contract price will hold up, at least it beats the previous 4 per store rumor. Regardless, if you can't get one it may be a good idea to consider the waitlist they are planning. Better yet, you can try your hand at winning a Pre from Big Blue if you're a rewards member.
Head over to Everything Pre for stock lists from stores in FL, MI, IL, and CA.
UPDATE: Engadget now reports on the FULL Best Buy inventory lists for the entire US!
iTunes 8.2 remains Pre-compatible
The headline pretty much sums it up. Rumors that the next version of iTunes would break Pre compatibility look to be disproven (although future versions could break the fragile bond with iTunes). MyPre reports that the latest update to the popular Apple software does not cut the cord with the webOS handset, which fools iTunes into thinking it's an iPod.
Now sources who have tested the Pre with the iTunes 8.2 have confirmed to Wired.com that music syncing still works.
New Pre apps revealed
Several new Pre apps have been disclosed recently, which bodes well for a strong webOS launch lineup:
WHERE app: Originally famous as an iPhone app serving up location-aware local weather, news, entertainment, restaurant reviews, gas prices, and Yellow Pages, it will now be available on the Pre at launch via the App Catalog, reports IntoMobile.
"Tweed" Twitter app: EverythingPre reports that Pivotal Labs have developed a new Twitter client, possibly the first of many to come. The new app was announced by Twitter, appropriately, although it's not clear at this point whether it will come with the device or be available for purchase through the App Catalog, although we're leaning towards the latter.
Sudoku and Alarm Clock: In addition to a firmware update from 1.01 to 1.02, Precentral spotted that a native alarm clock app, supporting multiple and repeating alarms, as well as a basic Sudoku game.
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