Palm Beta Testing Treo 800w?

There’s no doubt that the forthcoming Windows Mobile Treo 800w (see first image) is one of the most anticipated new smartphones waiting to be released in the coming months.  According to rumours it will be the first Palm smartphone to include both built-in GPS, 802.11g WiFi and Bluetooth 2.0 as well as other new specifications such as a mini-USB plug to sync & charge instead of Palm’s current proprietary plug (something which will likely require an entire new range of Treo accessories).

Various leaks have pointed to a July launch of the Treo 800w and a recent Sprint press release also stated that “All of Sprint's new Windows Mobile smartphones launching in the second half of 2008 will offer Windows Mobile 6.1 software including a new Palm Treo launching later this year.  Further details will be announced upon commercial availability."

Additionally, last week the Palm Beta Test Team sent out an email inviting qualified business smartphone users to take part in a “Beta Test Opportunity” writing that:

“We have a new opportunity for people in an enterprise environment who want to test an innovative device for connectivity from Palm, one of the global leaders in communication.

Palm is seeking people to test an innovative new product.  This product is focused on seasoned business professionals.  People who commute and spend a ton of time working on email and on the phone.  This test is for people looking for cutting edge technology and demand constant communication.

Qualified candidates should work in an enterprise level business and have a lot of experience with varied technologies.  These people should invest a significant amount of money in their technology and use it daily.”

Required Qualifications
– Sprint Subscriber
– Bluetooth headphones or car kits
– WiFi Router access

Optional Qualifications
– Existing Smartphone Users
– Heavy to Medium e-mail users
– Heavy phone users
– Travel for work with their phone

While there was naturally no mention whatsoever of a Treo 800w in Palm’s email most people have nonetheless assumed that this is the most likely smartphone to be tested – particularly because part of the required qualifications include “access to a WiFi router”.

Separately, we should also not forget that there is another rather attractive Windows Mobile smartphone – a Treo 550 codenamed “Wanda” (image above) – offering a Centro-sized body with a very clean and attractive pebble-like smooth rounded back which is expected to be released by Vodafone in Europe around September this year (sadly no ETA for a US release yet).

Overall, between the releases of the Verizon Centro (June?), Treo 800w (July?) and Treo 550 (September?) as well as the unveiling of Palm’s new “Nova” operating system by the end of the year we should have plenty of things to keep us busy in the coming months…

Palm Beta Test Opportunity Email via Treocentral Forum
Sprint Announces Windows Mobile 6.1 Upgrades – BusinessWire

Treonauts are always testing something new…