By: Cindy Kobus
The latest Smartphone to hit the market, Sprint’s Palm Pre, launched in June of this year ready for a fight. The Pre’s primary target? Apple’s iPhone of course.
Before its release, the Palm Pre engaged in a huge marketing campaign primarily trying to convince iPhone users into switching brands. The various advertisements would attack the iPhone directly stating:
• Your iPhone contract is up. Perfect timing.
• Why don’t you just get a Pre?
• The Palm Pre does things the iPhone can’t. Run multiple applications at the same time with real-time updates and even save $1,200 over two years. It’s the perfect time to join the Now Network.
The Pre comes equipped with a sliding keyboard, touch-screen and WebOS operating system. Another interesting feature that has put the Palm Pre in the spotlight is its capability to sync with Apple’s iTunes software. As of July 15, Apple released an updated version of iTunes to disable the Pre’s syncing capabilities. However, Pre then retaliated with an update of their own to re-allow their users to access iTunes from their phones.
Apple is not too happy with Palm’s efforts to steal away their customers. Interestingly, it seems most people who are likely to buy a Pre have no interest in the iPhone. Did Pre go for the wrong marketing strategy? Should they focus on a different target audience? More importantly, will the feud between the iPhone and Pre ever end? Stay tuned for the next episode to see how it all pans out.
