Palm’s failure to gain traction with variations of the Pre and Pixi in several key markets, including the crucial North American market, has been troubling to fans and investors alike. The handsets are compelling products to be sure, but it’s quickly becoming apparent that jump-starting the company’s sales efforts may require the release of a new flagship device to increase consumer mindshare against current (Droid, 3GS, et al) and future (refreshed iPhone, new Android devices) competition.
According to the Wall Street Journal (subscription required), Palm is well aware of this fact and is actively developing a new handset (C40, anyone?) for release later this year. This, in combination with a better-executed launch on AT&T later this year, could will hopefully help.
This probably isn’t a terribly shocking revelation to many as it’s generally been anticipated that Palm would release updated hardware around the time the original Pre was released last year on Sprint (June). The real question is this: Can updated hardware and new carrier partnerships get Palm back on track to realize its sales goals?
[via everythingpre]