Palm's webOS Root Image Leaks Out

Kohenkatz writes "As noted in PreCentral.net's forums, the 'webOS Reset Doctor' has been leaked. It includes the webOS root image. From the article: 'Code-inclined individuals on the PreCentral forums have already cracked open the ROM and are getting an unfettered glimpse at the Palm's new platform, which, for the layman, means it should open the doors for some crazy Pre hacking and possibly hint, by way of unfinished / unused code, at what's to come for the platform — and, if we're really lucky, maybe someone will be able to look at this and move us one step closer to an unlocked Pre that could jump onto Verizon's network. Amusingly, you also get to see all the comments left by the devs in the code, guaranteeing a few good chuckles from others who can relate.'" People have already uncovered icons for MSN and AOL, as well as references to the Palm Eos, a rumored successor to the Centro line.

Comments

also found in the root image

[rootofevil]

dev mode enabled using the konami code

It doesn't work that way

[schnell]

If we're really lucky, maybe someone will be able to look at this and move us one step closer to an unlocked Pre that could jump onto Verizon's network.

I thought people would eventually learn this after all the discussion of "why can't I move my iPhone to Verizon?" In the US, Verizon and Sprint use CDMA. Each phone has to be developed for each specific network. AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM, the worldwide standard where phones can be "unlocked" and moved to other networks (as long as the phone support the frequencies used by those networks). So don't hold your breath waiting for a Verizon Pre.

Re:It doesn't work that way

[Anonymous Coward]

As you just answered yourself.. Sprint and Verizon use CDMA. The Pre being on Sprint means that it jumping to Verizon is very possible and is in fact nothing like the iPhone.

Re:It doesn't work that way

[park3r]

I read that the Palm Pre will hit Verizon in about six months .

While you're right about moving phones between carriers, it doesn't seem to matter in this case.

Re:It doesn't work that way

[Kohenkatz]

Verizon will let you use ANY device on their network that conforms to the CDMA specifications. See http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/27/verizon-wireless-opens-network-to-any-apps-any-device-in-2008/ This most likely includes the Pre, even without any modifications.

Re:It doesn't work that way

[Anonymous Coward]

Unfortunately, this is not completely true. They wouldn't let me have a Sprint Touch Pro. I knew several people that did it while their *228 loophole was open. They told me that Sprint phones won't work on Verizon (we all know that's untrue). I had completely reprogrammed the phone with all of VZW's info. I went through all sorts or techs for a period of 2 weeks until I got so disgusted I left VZW and went to Sprint. I know that others have been more fortunate than me and have successfully activated other carriers phones on VZW. I wish everyone luck in doing this but have a backup plan in case VZW won't play ball with you.

Re:It doesn't work that way

[_merlin]

Yeah, but with the US CDMA networks (and, incidentally KDDI in Japan, the Korean CDMA networks and the recently-decommissioned Australian CDMA network), the subscriber identifier is hardcoded into the handset, and the home network identifier is stored in the handset, but can usually be changed. With GSM/UMTS, the equivalents of both pieces of information (IMSI and home network) are stored in a removable SIM card (in Europe, it's mandatory for it to be replaceable, but I've heard that some devices on T-Mobile USA like automated weather stations have it soldered onto the board).

So to switch networks with a GSM/UMTS handset, you need to "unlock" the handset (tell it to accept a SIM card with a different home network to the one that it's "locked" to) and then swap in a new SIM, and it should all be good, provided the handset can tune the frequencies you need.

But with a CDMA handset, you need to "unlock" the phone (convincing it to allow you to change the home network identifier), and change the home network identifier. That's the easy part. You now need to get the subscriber identifier out of the handset and convince the new carrier to register it for you. They're usually very reluctant to do this - they want to sell you a locked-down handset with their customised firmware.

So while technically incorrect - you actually can switch networks with a CDMA handset - his point still stands - it's practically impossible due to the pigheaded attitude prevalent at the carriers.

Unlocking it for verizon

[keeegan]

What does the phone's rom have to do with this? I've unlocked sprint treos for verizon. You just have to reprogram the prl on the cdma chip. No firmware/OS modification involved. Has something drastically changed, or does the op just not understand?

title and summary conflict

[alfal]

The title and the summary of this article aren't in total agreement (one says Reset Doctor, other says root image).
The Reset Doctor wasn't leaked, its available on Palm's site: http://kb.palm.com/wps/portal/kb/common/article/32759_en.html
The WebOS root image is what I would consider being leaked.

Re:Cool, but where are the kernel sources?

[larry bagina]

Have you read anything about it? The root image is linux. That's a fact. You can verify it yourself if you want to.

The Pre is the first Palm device to use webOS, the Linux based platform that replaces Palm's previous Palm OS. Developed from scratch for use in mobile phones - whereas Palm OS was originally designed for PDAs - webOS is capable of supporting built-in first party applications, as well as third party applications.

webOS is a completely new operating system based on Linux.

Re:But Why?

[blahbooboo]

A lot of cell phone coverage issues are actually related to the cell phone. I found that a few Sprint phones i had were AWFUL, then would be sitting next to other people with spint whom had great reception.

I started researching signal strength on my next Sprint phone purchase, result the quality has been INCREDIBLE and I never get dropped calls.

Look to the phone as well as the cell phone tower for your troubles

Re:Will this make be an iPhone killer?

[Em Ellel]

Why is the Pre better? Can you give specific examples?

OK here are a few examples of top of my head:

  * Faster CPU
  * Better memory handling
  * Multitasking (that works!)
  * Keyboard
  * Ability to link quick launch to any button
  * Standard, easy to develop for platform
  * Ability to develop for on ANY OS instead of being locked in
  * No big-brother having absolute power over approving your apps
  * No app kill-switch
  * Universal search
  * Ability to sync music to multiple sources
  * Ability to buy music directly on handset

I can go on....

-Em

Re:Will this make be an iPhone killer?

[Old97]

Let's see, you think that the difference between June 6th and June 8th (or 19th if you count ship dates) is playing "catch up" You must know a lot about product development.

When you don't know an answer to a question your response seems to be different forms of "LOL". Are you nervous and insecure? Moving out of your Mom's basement and getting a job might help your self esteem.

Do you think JS/HTML/CSS means web pages? Well I didn't say that, but what is a web page if not an HTML document with or without JS and CSS? Also, why does WebOS use a webserver these applications or did you miss that part. Also, you don't seem to understand the importance of HTML5 - especially for implementing RIA's that work off-line. HTML5 gives you standards based local persistence among other things. It's kind of important.

Re: native apps and native speed - Do you understand what an Objective C (or C) compiler outputs? It's machine language for the processor(s) that will execute it. That's different from let's say Java which compiles to byte code for a virtual processor. That's even more different than something that interprets(compiled or not) markup language and script. In the later 2 cases you have at least one layer of interpretation between you and execution and you have less access to the OS's APIs. Whatever access you do have will not be portable so it has the disadvantages of interpretation without the portability. Do you know of any hotspot or JIT compilers for HTML or JS?

"Universal Search", aka Spotlight is part of iPhone 3.0. It can do more though since it can access your iDrive too.

Tell me when Pre or Android start running Flash. Tell me why I'd want to.

I doubt that you've ever spent any time using or evaluating an iPhone. I'm not sure you've spent much time in the adult world from what you've written.