Could there be an upside to the Pixi not having WiFi? 56
Thu, 10 Sep 2009 2:43 pm EDT 
While we’re not entirely stoked about the lack of WiFi in the upcoming Palm Pixi, we can understand Palm’s reasoning behind the move. They need someway to differentiate the Pixi from the Pre, and dropping WiFi, using a smaller screen, and throwing in a slower processor are definitely ways to make it clear which phone is the ‘better’ device. But not having WiFi on the Pixi does open up an interesting door, which PreCentral reader and Twitter user Ah_Itz_That_Guy noted:
"No wifi on Pixi good for pre users? Prevents "wifi-only" app restrictions (a la slingplayer on iPhone, Amazon mp3 on Pre)?"
Indeed, that does seem to be the case. The leaked webOS 1.2 change log on Sprint.com actually does point out that the Amazon MP3 will no longer be limited to exclusively WiFi downloads. While at the time we heralded the change as just more gooder, we can now look at the Pixi and say, “Ah, now it really makes sense.” Since webOS has been designed to work on multiple devices with different hardware, it’s now going to force Palm to not limit applications based on their connectivity loads. Limiting an app to WiFi only would also prevent it from working on the Pixi, and that should be the last thing that Palm wants.
See, there is a silver lining to every cloud. Just not necessarily WiFi access.
56 Comments
There is no reason why it can't work.
Game developers will just make the games scale down to fit the Pixi screen. That means black bars on the sides, but it will also mean that at the end of the day the game will still work without having to make two separate versions.
Palm wont let an app into the catalog if its not renderable on any webOS device screen. This is part of the quality control that they review when you submit your app. The software should work on any screen size whether its a 9" webOS tablet, a Pre, or a Pixi.
Or...Or...Or, they can just make the app have an option. Pre/Pixi
It'll b more wrk for developers though. Sux pixi will be messing up things, but hopefully there won't be "Pixi only" games and apps... Well, another reason to love the Pre over the Pixi... thought Pre isn't cheap...though the price is rapidly dropping for contract ppl... so hey, Pre is looking more and more reasonable as time goes on...
If the Pixi has a slower processor than the Pre, then why does it appear to be much faster than my Pre? The lag isn't horrible, however, it is noticeably slower. Can anyone explain this to me please?
Maybe because it has 1.2 on it?
I'm not sure how strongly the removal of the Amazon/EDVO download restriction and the Pixi release really are.
I'd be surprised if there wasn't some way for the application to determine which platform it's running on and/or whether WiFi is part of the platform - so making the download restriction conditional probably wouldn't have been too hard.
Still I applaud Palm for removing it. I'd like to think that Palm, being given their choice of options, took the one that made the most sense for their users.
Meh.
Some things just work better over wifi, so the flip side is if they block apps that are wifi only, we might miss out on thing.
Agreed kinda but I always believe it's better to have too much than not enough. Even if you never use wifi on your device, it good to know it's there
have you ever been in another country, where you ant to go online with your phone? it's really really expensive if you cant use wifi!
Honestly, the only time I turn on WiFi is when I have to download a webOS update. All other times its all EVDO all the time.
The Pixi not having wifi really isn't a big deal considering how many Blackberry smart phones still dont. Plus, Sprints mobile broadband is fast enough that it should really be a none issue.
So how about using my teather over wifi, right now that is the only option I have to use my ipod touch, I use slingplayer on my ipod touch while its teathering through my pre and watching slingplayer, and all this is happening thanks to wifi. NO THANKS PIXIE
Reaallly, You own a pre and would go buy a Pixie, and get ride of your Pre. Moron, This phone is to add options to people who dont have a Pre, you obviously do and use it well. Some people are so narrow minded, BRING ON THE PIXIE.
make a GSM Pixi and roll into China!
they don't allow wifi there, so perfect device to ride on China Telecom's 3G bandwagon (China Telecom uses the same CDMA EVDO 3G network!)
there is no upside to this for people who don't live in 3G areaas
ahh does it really matter if it has or doesnt have it. I mean 3G speed is everywhere, i have my wifi turned off. i dont need to pay extra if i use the network for it so does it really matter. to me wifi was needed when internet on the phone cost an arm and a leg. but now it doesnt, so really wifi who needs it?
I need it when I'm in the school library and downstairs where there is no phone service, but some free school wifi. I need it to do my French Hw online, (audio part) and many ppl are faced with the same situation that they are in a place where they have no evdo, but need the net to do something, so wifi is a must for me, now that I have it. I wouldn't get rid of my wifi, it's useful.
I need it. The more options you give the customer the better for you but taking into considerations that the Pixie is targeted towards a younger non-techy audiance I would assume it was smart to remove it.
This is a GREAT point. This actually adds a lot to the case I made today in the forums about a Palm Profile desktop sync. . . . though that means PocketMirror and The Missing Sync won't work either (over Wifi) in their current iteration.
It would be a nice perk if Pixi forced the developers to allow USB and/or BlueTooth syncing to PC for MissingSync, PocketMirror, and Classic. That's something I'm missing on the Pre today.
I thought this was Pre-Central not AllPalm-Central!
this is more like webos-central.
Sprint or future carriers like AT&T can/will make that restriction if they wish.
I don't know why people are so up in arms over the pixie not having wifi. Long before the Pre even came out Palm stated they were planning a long line of devices based on WebOS...that would include various models, at different prices, with different software, with different hardware, etc. It isn't the Palm Pre 2 people. Get over it. Some of the nerds in this world have too much time on their hands to worry about a lost feature here or there like the wifi or a smaller screen.
"OH NOz!! I CaNt use another FOOD apP...WTF!! THE PiXie screen Iz too small!! FML!!"
It isn't another Palm Pre it just uses the palms operating system, chill out. Palm knows what they are doing, why don't you leave it to the professionals who have thus far been going toe to toe with Apple since the Pre's release? I think they are more knowledgable.
Incidentally I hope Palm fanboys don't become like Apple fanboys busting the chops of every device out there they deem less worthy to follow in their almighty god's (pre) foosteps
I believe that the different resolutions of the devices is a none issue. WebOS is resolution independent so it really doesn't matter what size the screen is. Developers create the code and the OS handles displaying it. Developers will need to make sure they're testing is thorough on both devices. Does that calm everyone down on the resolution issue now?
The resolution independence is mentioned in this article:
http://www.precentral.net/webos-based-foleo-rumor-picking-steam
You can't polish a turd.
I guess that would depend on the type of turd. Didnt Mythbusters show you can polish some turds.
I wouldn't call it a good thing, even though it has had one good result: downloads enabled via 3G. Also, the theory that it is intended to differentiate the device is a bit shaky. The Pixie also has expandable memory, which I would see as an upgrade. So it's not a pure feature for feature loss.
So much drama over a phone that is suppose to cover palm on the low-end of the price scale! Some of you don't get it; one can easily see that the Pixi will eventually be offered for free (after rebates).... Isn't that what Palm would want? Free WebOS devices? Thus MORE WebOS devices out in the market? Thus more Apps being developed? Thus more DEMAND for WebOS devices? Thus more business for Palm? I mean come on, am I the only one that sees this? You can't just give away you flagship model for free; it wouldn't be a flagship. Besides, it would be cost prohibitive, thus the cheaper hardware on the Pixi. Same WebOs, cheaper hardware.
Too many damn drama mamas on this forum. Use your head peoples! You think you can out-think Palm? That's a joke. If you don't like the Pixi ... then don't buy it.
So much drama over a phone that is suppose to cover palm on the low-end of the price scale! Some of you don't get it; one can easily see that the Pixi will eventually be offered for free (after rebates).... Isn't that what Palm would want? Free WebOS devices? Thus MORE WebOS devices out in the market? Thus more Apps being developed? Thus more DEMAND for WebOS devices? Thus more business for Palm? I mean come on, am I the only one that sees this? You can't just give away you flagship model for free; it wouldn't be a flagship. Besides, it would be cost prohibitive, thus the cheaper hardware on the Pixi. Same WebOs, cheaper hardware.
Too many damn drama mamas on this forum. Use your heads people! You think you can out-think Palm? That's a joke. If you don't like the Pixi ... then don't buy it.
So much drama over a phone that is suppose to cover palm on the low-end of the price scale! Some of you don't get it; one can easily see that the Pixi will eventually be offered for free (after rebates).... Isn't that what Palm would want? Free WebOS devices? Thus MORE WebOS devices out in the market? Thus more Apps being developed? Thus more DEMAND for WebOS devices? Thus more business for Palm? I mean come on, am I the only one that sees this? You can't just give away you flagship model for free; it wouldn't be a flagship. Besides, it would be cost prohibitive, thus the cheaper hardware on the Pixi. Same WebOs, cheaper hardware.
Too many damn drama mamas on this forum. Use your head peoples! You think you can out-think Palm? That's a joke. If you don't like the Pixi ... then don't buy it.