Peephole Closes on Upcoming Palm, Handspring PDAs

Palm, Handspring yank FCC applications for new wireless products.

Ashlee Vance, IDG News Service

Just days after receiving approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission for an upcoming wireless handheld device, Palm has pulled its product proposal to correct a documentation error and must reapply.

Both Palm and Handspring, a licensee of the Palm operating system, have retracted their applications for new handheld devices after noticing an error in their filings with the FCC, says Richard Fabina, chief of the equipment authorization branch at the FCC's laboratories.

"This happens a lot if the applicant notices an error or the commission notices an error," Fabina says. "Both of the applications are pending right now."

When the Palm device received approval on Monday, prospective customers could get a preview glimpse at the upcoming device by reading the documents filed with the FCC.

The Palm i705 will let users tap into their corporate e-mail accounts and browse the Internet via the MyPalm portal, according to the documents. Other plans for the device included a blinking red/green indicator light, alerting users to new e-mail; and a Secure Digital (SD) expansion slot for hardware and software add-ons.

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Handspring's FCC documents provide details on two upcoming and unannounced Palm OS-based personal digital assistants as well. Handspring has previously said it is developing a device that melds handheld and cell phone functions. The hybrid product is scheduled for release later this year, according to a company spokesperson.

The FCC removed the papers showing the new product features from its Web site after Palm and Handspring asked to resubmit their applications. FCC officials declined to specify the exact nature of the problems. But Fabina points to common errors such as putting in the wrong frequency range or posting incorrect power output figures.

Fabina also declines to speculate on when either company intends to refile its application.

Palm did not return calls seeking comment, and the Handspring spokesperson refuses to comment on either the changes to the company's handheld applications or the nature of the upcoming devices.