"Most recently there has been a job description posted on Palm's website for a Linux handset engineer that specifically mentions development of "a new software platform." Now I've received confirmation from someone who actually knows what's going on."

"The analyst I communicated with by email has been privy to Palm's plans in the past, so I asked if he could confirm my conclusion that Palm is writing their own Linux OS. He did, and they are. He asked not to be named, but here's what he said when I asked what he knew: We know about it. Palm has stated on several occasions than 80% of their engineers are software engineers, they are perfectly able to design their own operating system and are working on it. I know they had a prototype of a Linux Treo 650. From my discussions with management my impression is that Palm is hedging their OS risk by developing in-house systems as well as keeping relationships with Palmsource and Microsoft. I know that future Palm models will be coming out with both operating sytems in order to test market reaction."

"I asked if he knew whether any of the Treos slated for later this year were expected to run Palm's new Linux-based system. He said they would run Windows and Palm OS Garnet and that the "new operating system will be introduced in 2007 (don’t know if fiscal or calendar)." This story is from David Beers of Pikesoft.com

I said this a few days ago, I thought Palm might be working on their own OS. They haven't committed to ALP, and they're the ones who made the original Palm OS in the first place. If anyone is going to create a Palm OS successor that is "Palm" like it's going to be Palm.Palm is very smart to do what they're currently doing. Sell devices with Garnet (Palm OS 5), devices with Windows Mobile, and in the future devices with their new OS. Having choices is a good thing, and it caters to more than one type of customer.