We all know that Palm Pre is revolutionary device and it will take mobile world to next level. But it faces a fierce battle from everywhere, as mentioned in the few points :
1) We all know that Palm is in financial troubles so it will effect their marketing budget as well for Palm Pre. Apple and RIM are cash rich and had an exceptional profits last years riding on the success of their individual businesses, unlike Palm who’s mobile devices are not so hot at the moment and are probably not selling much. The ad campaign from Apple and RIM is pretty strong as there is no day passes when you won’t see a ad about iPhone, iPod touch or Blackberry’s on TV as their respective companies are spending significant amount of money on advertising, so Palm has to deal with this issue also. They have to come up with a big advertising budget and plan to generate as much buzz as they can about Pre.
2) Second is their Tie Up with Sprint which is loosing business in every quarter and is not so “viable” or “Attractive” option for many customers. Same situation was faced by Apple when they launched iPhone with At&t, there was lots and lots of hue and cry but Apple was able to manage the situation as iPhone was just a phenomenal device at that point of time. People were ready to do anything for getting their hands on that new shiny iPhone. I am not sure whether Palm Pre is able to create such a devotion for itself. But Palm seems to be correcting itself with a future tie up in line with At&t and Verizon which will solve this issue atleast.
3) Third Major roadblock for Palm is the competition from Apple App store and upcoming app stores. By seeing the enormous success of Apple App store every company is launching one for their mobile devices. There is one from Nokia, from Microsoft, from RIM and for Google’s Android bases devices as well. Although Palm Pre must be getting launched with its app store, everyone can anticipate that the no. of apps will be less which seem logical but IT SHOULD GROW at a rapid speed and developers should be excited about the new WebOS Platform. As Palm Pre is a amazing device and addition of some great apps can really make the device a sure shot success. The Palm Pre app store can really make or break the future of the Palm and Pre as well.
4) Palm Pre is coming at times when there is lots and lots of mobile based revolution is happening. Apple is coming up with new versions of iPhone and iPod Touch. Android devices are getting more and more support from mobile manufacturing companies like samsung,htc, lg etc. They all are churning up some good amount of android based devices this year, plus there is lots of development on the apps front as well. Similarly with RIM, they have a pretty stronghold in business world with their Blackberry’s based devices, and now they are also spicing up their phone line with all touch devices like Blackberry Storm and upcoming Storm 2. Even Nokia is ready with its N97 which seems to be pretty impressive device as well.
So, in all Palm Pre faces a great battle ahead. But I am pretty confident and hopeful that it will come over these and become a winner for its company as well as for its fans 
.
PS : I really wanted someone from Palm to comment on the above points but no idea how to that, so if you know how to do that do let me know. Thanks in advance .
Leave a Reply: