Donald Kirker, the creator of the Universe Web Browser, has sent us the following statements on the Foleo:
Please tell us more about yourself and your company!
I am Donald Kirker. As most know, I am the developer of the Universe web browser. My company, OpenMobl Systems develops mobile communications software such as web browser and multimedia messaging clients.
What did you expect Palm to release? What were your initial impressions of the Foleo?
Truthfully, I was expecting a UMPC. This is mostly based off of the rumors that were being passed around. I kind of figured this wouldn’t be what was released.
Initially I loved the Foleo. I was really excited. After I began reading the negative responses my opinion turned a bit sour (I was also tied up in the issues surrounding the Treo 700p MR news).
What do you think about the device now that the news is out for a few days?
Now that it has been a few days, I can admit that I am back to being pretty excited about the Foleo. I do plan on purchasing one at some point (maybe a successor?).
Do you plan to produce products or provide services for the Foleo?
Yes, I do. I cannot comment on what they will be, but I will give a hint: think of the main feature of the Foleo (Palm has been talking about it, and no, it isn’t email), and now think about the software that my company is writing. Ok, too many hints.
Do you think that the Foleo will sell well? Will it get a successor?
This requires forecasting (which, is rarely accurate). I think that it will sell just as Jeff Hawkins has noted, “It’s not going to be a driver in the short term. But it allows us to rethink how you design smartphones.”
I am sure that it will get a successor. I would guess maybe one with a faster processor. It is really hard to tell.
The Foleo looks very much like a subnotebook/UMPC mixture. How will it fare against UMPCs?
It really depends. If you consider the Foleo to be a UMPC, then it probably won’t do too hot. The thing is, I don’t believe that the Foleo is targeting what the UMPC is targeting. Had the Foleo been targeting the same group then I am sure that the Feloe would have far more features.
I see the Foleo just as Palm sees it, a companion to the smartphone that is designed primarily for business executives, or people who may need more than a smartphone but not as much as a notebook at a given time.
The Foleo was hyped almost as much as Apple�s iPhone. Which of the boxen deserves the hype more?
Hmmm… I am not sure. I think they both need as much hype that will drive their success. The iPhone is targeted to the media and “media phone” crowd while the Foleo is to the executives. No point in hyping the devices to crowds that won’t need them.
Would you prefer Palm to open the Foleo platform to other hardware developers?
This would be cool. It would be nice to see many devices to extend the Foleo.
How will the Foleo affect the Palm OS economy and the PDA/smartphone market in general?
It shouldn’t. If anything it might enhance the smartphone market. The PDA is in a completely different class. It is pocketable, the Foleo is not.
Anything you would like to add?
Not really. I do think the Foleo is cool, but hey, I am a gadget freak. We’ll see what comes of it.
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hmmm.. instant messaging? please?!
I think I know what he means… Is it perchance a Foleo-Uinverse port?
Much better than an IM client, imo… Still won’t get a Foleo, though. (Asus EEE,ftw maybe?)