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.

Although details of the software update is not posted on the download page, one of the Palm support staff has posted few information on the list of improvements

Specific enhancements:

The first is to add an error message when there is “no service” and a call is dropped if applicable.
Here is the technical explanation (Palm has added software support where if service is lost immediately after origination, modem disconnects the call with “no service” error which is not handled as an error. So no UI is displayed. This was fixed by adding in a handling code of “no service” call disconnect as an error.) 

The second is for the Columbus Ohio and has to do with a NAM programming.
Here is the technical explanation (”Upon programming of the NAM via the keypad, OTASP/OTAPA, or support tool, this setting shall be set to Automatic-A if the first SID/NID pair entry of the current NAM is odd, or set to Automatic-B if the first SID/NID pair entry of the current NAM is even.

[via PalmInfoCenter]

The Olive green and Vibrant rose Centro smartphones is available now at select retail locations, and beginning Nov. 2 in Sprint Stores. The new colors will be available for a special promotional price — as low as $79.99 with a two-year subscriber agreement and $100 mail-in rebate.

The holidays are always a busy time, and Centro lets users keep in touch with friends and family with voice, text, IM, email, web — even using Facebook for Palm, which is pre-installed on the new Centro holiday colors. Facebook for Palm lets users connect with friends, respond to messages, upload photos and videos, receive status updates, browse friends’ profiles and send out new friend requests. And with Google Maps’ new My Location feature, Centro knows where the user is and what’s close by, so customers can find nearby restaurants, get directions, or see updated traffic reports.

Users can shoot pictures or videos and send them to friends, or use the built-in MP3 player and take tunes to go. The new Olive green and Vibrant rose Centro smartphones have 128MB of available memory (twice the storage of the original Centro for Sprint) and the ability to add up to 4GB more with a microSD card (sold separately), so there’s plenty of room for playlists, photos and videos. Users can also watch Sprint TV channels, such as CNN mobile, FOX Sports, The Weather Channel and Disney Channel.

The Olive green and Vibrant rose Centro smartphones will be available as early as Oct. 19 at select retail locations, and beginning Nov. 2 in Sprint Stores. The new colors will be available for a special promotional price — as low as $79.99 with a two-year subscriber agreement and $100 mail-in rebate.

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.