Palm webOS Challenges Apple’s FaceTime
It looks like Palm is going to challenge Apple’s FaceTime video conferencing feature. Based on reports, the company has released a job posting looking for a “Video Conferencing Software Engineer”. Palm apparently is looking for a skilled person who is going to focus on developing revolutionary client-server software solutions for their range of mobile devices.
The job posting requires someone who is well versed in the use of the C and C++ programming languages, JavaScript and Rapid Application Development and is going to base the person at the company’s Sunnyvale head quarters:
“Video Conferencing Software Engineer using C/C++, JavaScript, Rapid Application Development (RAD) methodologies, Java, JavaScript, mobile web services architecture and techniques, scalable and secure server applications.”
Three Mobile was responsible for the first ever video calling network back in 2003. Unfortunately, people still preferred voice calling over its more dynamic counterpart so it really did not catch on. Now, thank to Apple’s FaceTime, it seems that companies are reconsidering the inclusion of video calling for their mobile phone offerings. Well, at least Palm (and of course HP) does.
This new job ad may mean that a webOS powered video calling function is on the way. That or third party apps may soon play a bigger role in Palm’s highly coveted operating system. Can you imagine Skype on Palm? Yes, it surely looks like a great match.
Lastly, this may have something to do with new intellectual properties that Palm and HP want to delve into. After all, the merger is yet to release an industry changing innovation.
Regardless, it is a good sign that someone is willing to challenge the mighty Apple when it comes to their signature features. This will definitely take time to percolate, leaving FaceTime to dominate the industry but when it does come into fruition, it may help the Cupertino-based company get over their “Vista moment” out of sheer competitiveness.
