Hawkins Speaks on the Treo 600 and Future

Posted By: Ryan Friday, October 31, 2003 2:12:40 PM

A recent interview with Jeff Hawkins, Palm Inc founder and now palmOne chief technology officer, has been published where he speaks on his future role with palmOne, the Treo 600 and even future products plans. Also today, the Treo 600 made an appearance on the Howard Stern radio show.

Hawkins Interview
In a recent interview in the Investors Business Daily Hawkins talks about the merger with Palm Inc, his feelings on the smartphone space and the Treo 600 and he goes on to start talking about his next big idea for mobile computing.

Some highlights from the interview:

I got the bug in my head that the future of personal computing was going to be mobile devices, mobile computing. I looked at the world of PCs and said, "This ain't gonna work for a world of 6 billion people."

[...]

I'm convinced that everyone in the world is going to have a (cell) phone and they all should be smart phones. Everyone should have a little e-mail, Web browser and access to information anywhere in the world.

On the next generation Treo and Competion...
There are some things that we can do to compete against these guys in the smart phone space. But already, and this is going to be a big tease, I have the unbelievable next big thing in mind that I want to work on.

Handspring Treo 600 Review ~ Click for largerOne of the reasons I wanted to merge Handspring with Palm was because of this idea. And it's something that was bigger than just Handspring could do on its own. I felt that the combined companies were perfectly aligned to do this new thing.

Howard Stern likes the Treo 600
Gizmodo brought to my attention an interesting piece in Jeff Jarvis's blog. Famous US Radio personality Howard Stern bragged about his new Treo 600 this morning on his show. This site (Thanks Gekko) also has a synopsis of the mention on the show.

He [Howard] was showing off his new Treo 600 to the gang this morning. He takes a picture so we can all hear the neat sound it makes. He is proud. cont...

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Howard Stern uses a Treo 600?

Foo Fighter @ 10/31/2003 2:42:09 PM #
Well now I don't want a Treo. Somehow I'd always feel dirty carrying one in my pocket.

-------------------------------
My blog: www.pocketfactory.com
RE: Howard Stern uses a Treo 600?
sub_tex @ 10/31/2003 3:18:45 PM #
Hey, now. Howard is always good for a morning laugh. This morning's James Caan interview was quite funny.

RE: Howard Stern uses a Treo 600?
Admin @ 10/31/2003 3:35:26 PM #
if anyone finds the audio online, let me know
RE: Howard Stern uses a Treo 600?
Gekko @ 10/31/2003 6:57:04 PM #

http://www.marksfriggin.com

RE: Howard Stern uses a Treo 600?
Foo Fighter @ 10/31/2003 8:52:28 PM #
It's a shame I don't listen to the show. If I had known he had a Treo 600 and loved it so much, I would have called his show and have Howard talk to the folks at Verizon for me. *evil laugh*

"Uh, yeah..Verizon? Can you freaking hear me now? This is Howard Stern. I got a caller on the line name Foo Fighter. We want to know why you douche bags don't carry this Treo 600 that I have. You people should be shot!

-------------------------------
My blog: www.pocketfactory.com

RE: Howard Stern uses a Treo 600?
TooMuch @ 11/1/2003 1:33:54 AM #
Foo, that is hilarious!

RE: Howard Stern uses a Treo 600?
Strider_mt2k @ 11/3/2003 6:27:15 AM #
He really must be into it.
It's first thing Monday morning, and he's talking about it already!

Interesting hearing his slant on it.
Especially since he's a little clueless about this stuff.

OK then, shrink it down

treo007 @ 10/31/2003 3:18:24 PM #
"I'm convinced that everyone in the world is going to have a (cell) phone and they all should be smart phones. Everyone should have a little e-mail, Web browser and access to information anywhere in the world."

That's great, I'm all for it. Now stop making them look like Nerd Phones and we'll be on to something. Seriously, it's not a flame here. I think the new Treo's great from a feature perspective (particularly the way the 5-way navpad integrates with the software), but it's embarrasingly large a weird looking. Keyboard's are great, but come up with a way to hide them (Nokia did with the 6600 series).

The majority of the public doesn't want to look like a geek. Case in point: a recent reviewer of the 600 on Orange's network began the review by stating that everyone kept asking him: "why is your cell phone so big"? That's another way of saying "eww...I don't think I'd want that."

I understand the technology may not necessarily be there yet (although the Samsung OS 4 smartphone on Sprint's network is pretty diminutive), but until Handspring and others get this, they're not going to get a lot of sales.

RE: OK then, shrink it down
Miss Clie @ 10/31/2003 3:46:44 PM #
I go the opposite route. I want a Palm without a thumb/key board, 340x480 screen for browsing, and a BT or jacked headset option. This will also be a phone, but I will never need to hold the device to my head.

Why would you want to? You want to be multi-tasking on the device while you're on the phone; writing down a phone number, adding info on your calendar, looking at online maps, etc.

RE: OK then, shrink it down
treo007 @ 10/31/2003 3:56:44 PM #
>>"I go the opposite route. I want a Palm without a thumb/key board, 340x480 screen for browsing, and a BT or jacked headset option. This will also be a phone, but I will never need to hold the device to my head.

Why would you want to? You want to be multi-tasking on the device while you're on the phone; writing down a phone number, adding info on your calendar, looking at online maps, etc."

Well, I know one size doesn't fit all. But do you really want to be running around with a BT headset on everywhere you go?



RE: OK then, shrink it down
hotpaw4 @ 10/31/2003 11:02:33 PM #
> "I'm convinced that everyone in the world is going to have a (cell) phone and they all should be smart phones. Everyone should have a little e-mail, Web browser and access to information anywhere in the world."

I disagree with the first half of this comment. Current fashion and phone portability dictate that a cell phone be significantly smaller than any usable PDA. Large cell phones are perceived as "low class". Usability dictates that a PDA display be bigger than any popular cell phone. Now, I agree with the second half of this comment; and the trend in connectivity dictates that most future PDA's will become connected, whether near an access point or far away on the road.

But a PDA doesn't need to be connected as a persons primary cell phone. I see a 2 part solution, where most people will carry a tiny "slightly-smart" cell phone, and maybe also a connectable PDA. The PDA connection might either be via Bluetooth thru the phone, or via the cellular network, perhaps even sharing the same account and phone number as a persons cell phone.

New devices which are connectable by Bluetooth have far less regulatory hassles and product delays. But cell phones have the major advantage of significant service-bundle discounts. Perhaps cellular companies can provide rebates for Bluetooth PDA's if the user signs up for and uses the cellular data services from this PDA (thus generating revenue to offset the rebate cost).

The suggested scenario above may change if and when someone figures out how to make folding displays work, or when heads-up displays become affordable and fashionable.

RE: OK then, shrink it down
Scott R @ 11/2/2003 9:26:23 PM #
Miss Clie, I agree completely. The good news is that you can do all that and still have a good phone. Here's my mockup:
http://hipnetic.com/geek/treo_new2.gif

The general idea is that it's a smaller version of the Nokia Communicator.

Scott

http://TapLand.com
- Tapwave Zodiac News, Reviews, & Discussion -

RE: OK then, shrink it down
Hippocrates @ 11/3/2003 12:24:39 AM #
Nice idea, but no big phones will ever sell well. The future belongs to phones that are like the SE P900, only smaller. Big phones scream, "GEEK!" and will be shunned by the general public. Sorry.

RE: OK then, shrink it down
treo007 @ 11/3/2003 1:45:30 AM #
>>"Nice idea, but no big phones will ever sell well. The future belongs to phones that are like the SE P900, only smaller. Big phones scream, "GEEK!" and will be shunned by the general public. Sorry."

Hippocrates, you hit it right on the head. My point exactly. This article shows that Hawkins is so arrogant to believe that whatever he touches turns to gold. Funny, it didn't happen with the 300, because it was a Big Geek Phone too. The guy's so into himself he can't even learn from his own mistakes. Springboard for instance. He really thought he had come up with an earth shaking idea with that one too.

Memo to Jeff: Maybe if you yourself had some style, you'd understand why others would like to keep theirs. They don't want to be like you. They don't want phones with visible keyboards, they don't want to put PDA's up to their heads to talk.

RE: OK then, shrink it down
mschuyler @ 11/3/2003 6:53:49 PM #
My eyes have hard enough time with a Treo screen. You CAN'T shrink the screen any further, and that's the main issue as far as size is concerned. It's a silly keyboard. I'd much rather have Grafitti, but that's the breaks.

But I AGREE that the whole thing is too big, so the solution would be....

Virtual screen. Make it pop out in front of you in space. I wear glasses, so it ought to be easy. For you young guys who don't wear glasses, well.....you will!

Next Big Thing??

ozz @ 10/31/2003 3:32:33 PM #
Jeff Hawkins refers to "...the unbelievable next big thing in mind that I want to work on." Well, now, what could that be??? It is so big that he had to acquire Handspring to develop "it". Wow! Maybe a Dick Tracy PDA for grade schoolers to start them young! What could it be??



_________________________
Lord, help me become the person my dog thinks I am!

RE: Next Big Thing??
ptc @ 10/31/2003 5:37:46 PM #
Jeff seems a little high on himself, no? The next unbeleivable thing by me, Jeff Hawkins. p.s. I'm great!!
RE: Next Big Thing??
batmon @ 10/31/2003 6:06:09 PM #
I am hoping that it will be something like an ID card that will allow you to use your PDA like a credit card to purchase things in the store, on-line, or even use it as bus ticket or to access your corporate information (laptop) through this PDA/ID authentication processes. This way, we might not even have to carry our wallet in the future now. :-)

RE: Next Big Thing??
RhinoSteve @ 10/31/2003 7:38:55 PM #
Well if you ask me, it is a smaller PDA than what already exists. Maybe the size of a credit card or something with streaming video using a next generation wireless thing.

Just please mane the next model Treo have the Palm Universal Connector on it since there are no more IP issues after the merger.

RE: Next Big Thing??
batmon @ 10/31/2003 8:35:43 PM #
You are right, credit card size might be good since this is about m505's screen size.

Connector?? I thought we all want to use wireless and SDIO now. I like the miniUSB idea, OTG will be the best! :_D

RE: Next Big Thing??
batmon @ 10/31/2003 8:35:43 PM #
You are right, credit card size might be good since this is about m505's screen size.

Connector?? I thought we all want to use wireless and SDIO now. I like the miniUSB idea, OTG will be the best! :_D

RE: Next Big Thing??
tsinvest @ 11/1/2003 8:58:07 AM #
Maybe it is a Palm that turns into a sedgeway (sp?) and you can ride it to work and check you email at the same time.

Regards, Tom S.
RE: Next Big Thing??
OrionNE @ 11/1/2003 10:11:26 AM #
Well I never wanted a Treo. I had a Handspring Visor Delux when the first came out. And then I pre ordered a Prism. Then came Treo.. Didn't appeal to me. I went to a Palm M505 then Tungsten:T, T2 and now T3. I hope they continue developing the PDA. Not a three in one communicator. (Cellphone, Pager, PDA)

Someday they may all be in one but right now I like them seperate.

OrionNE



RE: Next Big Thing??
OrionNE @ 11/1/2003 10:16:05 AM #
OOOP's: Dear, Mr Hawkins
I forgot to mention. Thanks for all the springboard that were overpriced and the promise you would keep the design in all future HandSpring handheald PDA's. I know you kept your promise since the Treo line is not a PDA. It is too bad that some of the innovative small companys that designed Springboards went out of business with a warehouse full of useless inventory with the word that all Handspring PDA's will have the Springboard slot. Wonder what big plans you have now.

OrionNE


RE: Next Big Thing??
The Ugly Truth @ 11/1/2003 11:57:26 AM #
You are right, credit card size might be good since this is about m505's screen size.

Good idea - sounds like the REX organizer. Oh wait a minute, hasn't the REX's former manufacturer already sued Palm? The technology just isn't here yet for miniature, relatively full-function PDAs.

Sometimes the truth just isn't pretty™

RE: Next Big Thing??
mikecane @ 11/1/2003 1:43:42 PM #
Watch for my Predictions article. I will predict what Hawkins's Big Thing is.

Odd that he comes out and mentions that *now* when I've ben thinking about the next predictions article for the past two months (I start early!) and what I'd say about Hawkins in it.

But then, that's also part of Jeff's Next Big Thing!

RE: Next Big Thing??
RhinoSteve @ 11/1/2003 11:38:55 PM #
Talking about abandoning Springboard ... I wonder if anyone ever tried to sue Handspring for dropping the support.

RE: Next Big Thing??
Palminator @ 11/2/2003 7:28:39 PM #
He makes it sound like he created the entire mobile computing industry. Next thing he will be saying he created/started the internet. Then he and Al Gore can stand up and fight over which one should get credited for it. Personally, I believe everyone from the handset world (Nokia, Mot, Samsung, etc) are all moving towards the same idea and they have a lot more resources to make it happen.

RE: Next Big Thing??
karrock @ 11/3/2003 11:51:23 AM #
You mean like this Citizen PDA?

http://www.mobilemag.com/content/100/333/C2195/
http://www.citizen.co.jp/english/release/02/02pda/02pda.htm

Problem is, at that size, you lose too many features and capabilites.

RE: Next Big Thing??
Hippocrates @ 11/3/2003 12:49:37 PM #
You mean like this Citizen PDA?

REX lives!

Long live the REX! (Only older and fatter...)

RE: Next Big Thing??
batmon @ 11/3/2003 3:17:54 PM #
yeah, size wise it would be nice. But mainly I would like to see us using Palm PDA in super market, beam your credit card info with IrDA, BT, WiFi or whatever to cashier, just like Beam your Palm business card to others.

>>fainting!<<

mikecane @ 11/1/2003 1:45:41 PM #
What?! No sneers from hoplites (aka ska)?!!?

That's a beautiful thing!

RE: >>fainting!<<
Foo Fighter @ 11/2/2003 9:53:10 AM #
Oh he's lurking around. His latest incarnation is the alias Cataphract. I love the way he chooses names based on references to the Classic and Middle ages. What will his next name be; Toxotes? Petrobolos? Myrmidon? Helepolis? Phalanx?

-------------------------------
My blog: www.pocketfactory.com
RE: >>fainting!<<
phalanx @ 11/2/2003 10:33:39 AM #
It's ancient greek, that would be about 15 centuries before the twilight of middle age.
RE: >>fainting!<<
Hippocrates @ 11/2/2003 11:30:00 AM #
Didn't your triplet brother kick your arse (purpleX) out of Treocentral last week? And now you show up here. You're so funny. Do they pay you to post?

RE: >>fainting!<<
abosco @ 11/2/2003 3:30:11 PM #
>>And now you show up here.

Now? He's been here for one year, one month, 20 days, 19 hours, 45 minutes, and 13 seconds. Correct me if I'm wrong.

-Bosco
PalmSource SC
http://www.palmsource.com/interests/browsers
Everything you've ever wanted to know about Palm OS web browsers.
NX80v + Wifi + BT + T616

RE: >>fainting!<<
treo007 @ 11/3/2003 2:23:32 AM #
Look, I'm not familiar with this SKA's posts, but it's amazing the energy some of you devote to talking about him. It's bordering on obsession (making sure you track any alias he might have, doing "SKA posts" even if he hasn't shown up in a thread, etc.)

He seems to get some of your goats pretty easily. Remember, help is only a phone call away to your friendly neighborhood shrink if it all gets to be too much.

RE: >>fainting!<<
conflagrare @ 11/3/2003 12:09:49 PM #
If you had seen more of his posts here and www.treocentral.com (and who knows where else) then you'd realize what a sh*thole he is. Why else would he have to create like 6 alias?
RE: >>fainting!<<
abosco @ 11/3/2003 2:56:47 PM #
Energy? I was reading up on some old forum posts and I stmbled on one of ska's first posts. I thought it was funny so I bookmarked it. For that post that I made yesterday, all I did was click the bookmark and see what month it was. 13 months ago. The rest was just messing around.

-Bosco
PalmSource SC
http://www.palmsource.com/interests/browsers
Everything you've ever wanted to know about Palm OS web browsers.
NX80v + Wifi + BT + T616

Hawkins' U.N.B.T.

The Ugly Truth @ 11/1/2003 2:14:37 PM #
Mr. Hawkins, a suggestion for your U.N.B.T. (unbelievable next big thing):

Quality control.


Radical idea, isn't it?

Sometimes the truth just isn't pretty™

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