Oct 19, 2010 18:21 GMT  ·  By

Today, HP announced officially the release of a new version of its mobile operating system, namely HP webOS 2.0, complemented by the near availability of a new handset running under the platform, namely Palm Pre 2, which should land on shelves at SFR France as soon as Friday, while being expected to arrive in the US at Verizon in the coming months.

Palm Pre 2 is the first handset from the company to run under the new webOS 2.0 operating system, while also the first webOS device with a 1GHz processor inside.

The specifications list of the new handset includes a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash and video recording, a sleeker, streamlined design, and a 3.1-inch touchscreen display that boasts a 320 x 480 pixels resolution.

According to the company, the new webOS 2.0 platform version is one of the main features the new handset comes to the market with, especially since it can offer a great application experience, as well as enhanced openness to app developers.

“With webOS 2.0, we’re advancing the innovations we introduced 16 months ago, expanding the features that make webOS great for consumers, enterprises and developers,” said Jon Rubinstein, senior vice president and general manager, Palm Global Business Unit, HP.

“We’ve made tremendous strides since the platform launched, and now we’re taking our biggest leap forward with powerful new features that make it easier to get more things done with your webOS device.”

Some of the main features of the new OS flavor include True Multitasking capabilities, Just Type, HP Synergy, Exhibition, or support for Adobe Flash Player 10.1 Beta.

At the same time, the new OS flavor includes Favorites, Skype Mobile for Verizon users, Text Assist, Quickoffice Connect Mobile Suite, Facebook 2.0, VPN, support for Bluetooth keyboards and Bluetooth SPP peripherals, and more.

“The webOS 2.0 update will be delivered to existing customers in the coming months, with exact timing to be announced at a later date,” the company announced.

At the same time, HP unveiled that it offers developers the possibility to purchase unlocked UMTS versions of Pre 2 in the United States so as to come up with “the next generation of webOS applications and services.”

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webOS 2.0 and Palm Pre 2 now official
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