Users can shoot pictures or videos with the built-in digital camera. The Midnight Black Centro from Bell has 128MB of available memory and the ability to add up to 4GB more with a microSD card (sold separately). Palm Centro for Bell also comes with a variety of out-of-box software, including Bluetooth, Calculator, Calendar, Camcorder, Camera, Contacts, Documents To Go Professional Edition 10, Email (VersaMail 4.0), HotSync, Memos, Messaging, My Centro, Phone, Pics and Video, Pocket Tunes, Quick Tour, Tasks, Voice Dial, Voice Memo, Web (Blazer 4.5), and World Clock. It is now available at 49.95 with 3 years contract.

Source [PalmInfoCenter]

Check out the list of the enhancements below:

• Improved Gmail IMAP compatibility and an updated setup wizard with the new Gmail settings
• Updated compatibility for Google Mobile Maps My Location feature to approximate your current location – great for directions, finding nearby restaurants or business, or checking local traffic.
• Improved ongoing delivery of email sent to VersaMail accounts using Microsoft’s Direct Push Technology via Exchange ActiveSync
• Bluetooth usability enhancements and updates
• Sprint TV performance enhancements
• Enhanced AOL Instant Messenger performance
• Improved performance when adding a contact using Mobile Voice Control
• Improved email attachment handling
• Changed default camera shutter sound to “ON”. Audible shutter “click” will be heard when taking photos
• Allows Preferred Roaming List updates over the air

Get the software update here

via [gizmodo]

According to the Admob’s Mobile Metrics report, Palm Centro leapt onto the list of mobile phones worldwide in May as the No. 8 device, and moved up in June to No. 7. AdMob cites the growth of inexpensive phones, such as Palm Centro, as a primary driver in mobile Internet usage.

“Consumers are ready to do more on their mobile phone, and Centro has struck a chord around the world,” said Brodie Keast, senior vice president of marketing for Palm, Inc. “Centro has everything a person needs to stay connected with everyone who is important to them — and at a price point and size that make smartphones more attractive to a much wider audience.”

Palm has also added a Palm Centro in electric blue color for AT&T US early this month.

Palm has also hinted a possible price cut on the Palm Centro and will be more affordable than ever for back-to-schoolers from July 11 to September 20, 2008.

The unlocked Palm Centro retains the smartphone’s compact, modern design and is dressed in a new white color with grey accents. Centro offers customers more choices to stay in touch with friends, family and co-workers by using voice, text messaging, email or the web.

Google Maps for mobile with My Location makes it easier and faster for Centro customers to get mapping and direction information by approximating the user’s current location on the map. This saves time and keystrokes for people trying to find where they are, what’s around them, and how to get there.

In addition to My Location, Google Maps offers:

• Comprehensive information on traffic conditions in more than 30 U.S. major metropolitan areas, and partial information in many others;
• Detailed driving directions with traffic estimates to avoid congestions;
• One-touch recall of favorite locations and routes;
• Integrated search results for business locations, including directions and contact information;
• Ability to scan and drag maps using Centro’s touch screen for a PC-like experience; and
• Satellite and aerial views.

The unlocked Centro smartphone is available online at http://www.palm.com/centro for $299. Google Maps for mobile with My Location will be available tomorrow free of charge for Palm Centro smartphones at http://www.google.com/gmm.

“Traditional cell phone users are stepping up the Palm Centro in droves because of its cool design, full keyboard and ease of use,” said Brodie Keast, senior vice president of marketing for Palm, Inc. “More and more people need voice, text, email, web, contact and calendar capabilities all wrapped in one compact device so they can stay connected with everyone who is important to them. Centro delivers all that and more.”

Centro has a modern, stylish look that feels comfortable in the hand, and discreetly fits in a pocket or clutch. Centro helps users manage email and text messaging, keep track of their schedules, stay up-to-date on the latest news, capture and share pictures, and get maps and directions with Google Maps. Its full keyboard also makes it easy to quickly type text messages and emails with complete thoughts and ideas.

Customers using the stylish Centro will get access to VersaMail 4.0 with built-in Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync support for Microsoft Direct Push Technology to deliver e-mail and calendar updates from a home or office PC using Outlook directly to their handsets. Centro users also have the option of using Wireless Sync, Verizon Wireless’ proprietary e-mail solution, for quick and easy access to personal or corporate e-mail, contacts, calendar and tasks from their home or office PC. Wireless Sync supports POP3 or IMAP e-mail accounts and it supports Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Notes and IBM Lotus Domino.

The Palm Centro also includes the following features and capabilities:

• Media player with Pocket Tunes Deluxe (PlaysForSure-compatible)
• Bluetooth v. 1.2 with support for hands-free car kits and headset profiles
• 64 MB available user storage and microSD memory card slot with support up to 4 GB
• Palm OS 5.4.9, including one-touch access to key applications
• 2.1″ (l) x 4.2″ (w) x 0.7″ (d)
• 4.2 ounces with battery
• 320 x 320 pixel color touch-screen and full QWERTY keyboard for easier e-mail, messaging and Web use

The Palm Centro smartphone will be available for $99.99 after a $70 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers may want to pair their Centro voice plan with Verizon Wireless’ E-mail and Web for Smartphone service for $29.99.

With voice, text, email, web, contact and calendar capabilities, a color touch screen and full keyboard, Centro brings Palm’s renowned simplicity to users who want to stay connected with friends, family and co-workers.

More photos of the Palm Centro in blue can be found here via [Palminfocenter]