PalmSource Releases Installer 1.5 That Works Over The Air (OTA)
PalmSource this month released Installer 1.5 that allows programs not only to be installed by a conventional hotsync, but also off an SD card and downloaded wirelessly (Over The Air). This version automates the selection of platform and OS version OTA to ensure that the correct file is downloaded and installed by the client.
This package is especially useful for developers as it also contains a Windows based PalmOS Package Builder that packages applications into PalmSource Install (PSI) files for delivery OTA etc. It is also interesting to note that PalmSource Installer supports Cobalt.
[From PalmSource] - “PalmSource Installer is a Palm OS® software solution that simplifies the downloading and installing of application over the air (OTA), via Palm OS Desktop HotSync® technology, and from expansion cards. This end-to-end solution ensures a consistent user experience across diverse distribution channels and accelerates the adoption of your application. PalmSource Installer supports Palm OS Cobalt (6.x), Palm OS Garnet (5.x), and Palm OS 4.x devices, and is destined to become a platform-wide standard.
PalmSource Installer consists of three components:
- PalmSource Package Installer Client. This small hidden utility on the Palm Powered device receives downloaded packages, then uncompresses the included files and installs them appropriately. This utility also acts as an intelligent agent during over-the-air (OTA) downloads to assure the proper files are downloaded depending on the device’s capabilities (screen size, language, OS version, etc.) The user experience will be the same across diverse distribution channels.
- PalmSource Package Installer Desktop. The Palm OS Desktop application and conduit uses HotSync Manager to decompress and install complete software packages including software for the device and desktop from a single file. The Package Installer Desktop also communicates with the Package Installer Client during a HotSync operation, captures the capabilities of the device and insures only the necessary files are installed to the Palm Powered device. Users no longer need to know their screen resolution, OS version, or how to uncompress a file.
- Palm OS Package Builder. This is the utility that packages application files into compressed PalmSource Install (PSI) files. This facilitates the downloading and installation of the application and support files (such desktop executables). Using the provided XML schema and starter file, you create a definition file that specifies which files go into the package (including desktop components). OTA PSI files may be created for specific device capabilities, such as language and screen combination.
Palm OS Package Builder is easy to use. It is a Windows console tool that can be run from a MAKE file or batch file. For files that are too large to be downloaded to the device over the air (OTA), you can direct those files (such as large dictionaries or voluminous content) to be downloaded to the device via the desktop at the next HotSync operation.
PalmSource Installer 1.5 (Released April 15th, 2005)
Significant update that addresses key developer issues.
Key New Features:
- Self-extracting EXE creation for simplified Windows install
- Self-extracting PRC support for Macintosh/Linux installation fallback
- “Universal” URL supports OTA and desktop from one link
- “Universal” browser support: IE, Firefox, Mozilla, Netscape, Opera
- Installation support for OS selection and Device ID selection (in addition to language and screen resolution)
- Auto-Run of app after install
- Simple documentation install (“Installed Packages
Filed under: Treo and Palm news
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