PalmSource Ships Palm OS 5

PalmSource, Palm's software unit, announced Monday that the next version of its handheld operating system has gone gold and is now shipping to developers and licensees. Palm OS 5 adds security enhancements, wireless capability and support for the more powerful ARM-compliant processors. The new OS will be backwards compatible with current software titles, allowing developers to make use of the same tools they currently utilize.

Palm is expected to release an ARM-based handheld running Palm OS 5 this fall. Sony will also integrate the next release, which improves multimedia support, into its upcoming CLIE line of handhelds.

"Palm OS 5 is a major milestone for PalmSource, and we're happy to be delivering the final version ahead of schedule," said David Nagel, president and chief executive officer at PalmSource, in Monday's announcement. "We're executing quickly and effectively, and giving our licensees and developers what they need to bring innovative, cutting-edge solutions to the market."

The user interface has also been given a makeover in Palm OS 5. Icons and fonts now support high-resolution displays, making for better readability on the latest handhelds. Users will additionally be able to personalize the interface with color themes.