Highlights From The Palm Pre Webcast

imageSprint (NYSE: S) and Palm (NSDQ: PALM) co-hosted an exclusive web event today on the upcoming launch of the Palm Pre, the new device being shipped by Palm using its new webOS. Right off the bat, the company said it would not be updating pricing or availability of the device, other than to repeat that it will be available in the first half of the year. The event did not serve any purpose other than to fuel excitement for the device, which is already at amazing heights. The most interesting information came out later in the Q&A, when Palm confirmed it would soon offer an App store for the platform and would continue to support Windows Mobile.

Excerpts from webcast:

Why did Palm pick Sprint?: Palm decided to go with Sprint as the exclusive operator. First, the company’s 3G network, second the company’s “Simply Everything” plan, which includes voice and data and texting for $99 a month; and lastly because of the company’s customer service program called “Ready Now,” which helps people set up their phones and learn how to use them before they leave the store.

More from the Q&A after the jump…

Price plan options: Sprint’s director of consumer acquisition David Owens said they will offer individual, family and business plans for the Pre. Not all plans will be available, but individuals can expect to have the option of voice and data plans at 450, 900 minutes a month and families will have the option of 1,500 and 3,000 minutes a month. Or there’s the Simply Everything plan for $99 a month. The key is that you will need an unlimited data plan, but have the option for number of voice minutes.

What services will be included?: Will navigation, Sprint NFL and Nascar be on the device? Owens: Yes, those three will be on there, but not all of the typical Sprint services will be on it…We’ll do some different stuff for music.

Will Pre support Flash?: Near the end of 2009.

Will Palm continue to support Windows Mobile: Yes, we’ll continue to make Windows Mobile products, and have the Palm Treo Pro launched this weekend with Sprint.

Will there be an app store?: Yes, there will be an app store for Pre, but we’ll offer more details on it later. We’ll support applications for download over the air.

Will the Pre support gaming?: Yes, but it in the first version, it will focus on casual games, like Sudoku, not 3D gaming.

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