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Usually it’s not all that noteworthy when a popular product drops one of its features, but when that device is the Treo 680, and that feature is the VGA camera, then it’s certainly notable to your security-conscious businessfolk. Even though this is the Treo that’s supposed to draw in the non-techie consumer — and even though this SKU is barely advertised — Brighthand is reporting that a camera-less 680 is indeed available, although you’ll have to make a few phone calls if you want to to secure one. As usual, you’re gonna pay the same amount whether you want the cam or not, so don’t think you’re gonna save any loot by forgoing the crappy shooter. Hit the Read link for more details, or more specifically, for actual proof that this mythical creature exists (hint: peep the small footnotes at the bottom of the page).

[Via Brighthand]

The hot word on the street is that Palm has all but confirmed the existence of two new phone models by ramping up a “launch developer” program for new applications. The devices, dubbed Zeppelin (a name we’ve heard quite a bit of) and Skywriter (which is new to us) could be slated for a Q3 release, as Palm is asking devs to turn in their applications by May 30th. Rumor has it that at least one of the units is a “Centro-like” Windows Mobile phone — if that date is close to correct, it could very well be the “Wanda” that we saw back in January. The Zeppelin, on the other hand, is likely the WiFi equipped Treo 800w we’ve been hearing about for what seems like a million years. A mockup of a device (above) was included in the email, though we’re pretty sure not even Palm could create a phone that ugly.

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It’s a little late for AT&T to be quoting “roses are red” in their press release, but they’ve got the red — not (red), as in the money-losing charity — tip covered for the Treo 680 and, of course, BlackBerry Pearl. Both will set you back $200 with a two year commitment. Is red plastic really worth all that to you?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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Word on the street (or via super-secret emails) is that Palm is about to begin beta testing on a fancy new device. Apparently, an email went out to select individuals calling for Sprint customers who will use Bluetooth devices and have access to WiFi. The email further requests that potential testers be “seasoned business professionals” who “commute and spend a ton of time working on email and on the phone.” From the sounds of things, the company is gearing up to road test its heavily rumored, WiFi-equipped Treo 800w, a Windows Mobile device likely sporting 6.1. If you don’t know what we’re talking about, it’s that mildly dated looking device from Gates’ CES keynote that we’ve also seen in leaks recently. Nice going on the new spec and inclusion of WiFi (at long last) — now how about some new form factors?
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Smartphones are the new rage in India, as far as the cell phone market is concerned. With the intention of catching in on the latest trend, Palm has launched its smartphone ‘Centro’ in India. The press conference, in which the announcement of ‘Centro’ launch was made, was held in Mumbai. The company has launched the smartphone, keeping in view the youngsters in the India market as its target audience.
 
Centro will be launched at a price of Rs. 13,990 and will be available at IT retail stores in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Pune, and Chandigarh. With a weight of hardly 124 grams, Centro will be one of the lightest smartphones in the Indian cell phone market today. The mobile phone has been given a completely new, sleek and fresh look and has been equipped with a number of excellent features.
 
As per Olivier Rozay - Regional Director (Asia pacific) of Palm, its first model that was launched in September 2007 was mainly targeted at the business class. However, Centro has been launched by the company to generate interest amongst the younger generation. The cell phone comprises of features like voice, text, email, Web, contact and calendar options. With this, it enables the business users to easily remain in touch via email.
 
The voguish look of the phone has been complimented with a QWERTY keyboard. Centro also has a touch screen as an alternate input option. The smartphone even comes with options like viewing, altering and even making Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files. From entertainment point of view, Centro has been embedded with a 1.3 Megapixel camera, which enables the users to catch all the special moments in their life.
 
Apart from the instant messaging facility, Palm Centro also lets the users save their conversations in a chat-style view. The phone comes with a music player and provides the option of downloading music as well as video files. Other major features of Palm ‘Centro’ smartphone include Bluetooth connectivity, multimedia access, conference call facility, one-touch speaker phone, a stylus, etc. You can also download a host of other applications from the official website of Palm.