Handheld computer maker Palm, Inc. announced that the company will change its name to palmOne following the spin-off of its PalmSource operating system division in the fall.
palmOne, Inc. will house the companys hardware business, including the brands Zire—focused on consumers, Tungsten—focused on corporate users, and Treo—the smartphone business that the company will own upon completing its acquisition of Handspring, Inc. Palm announced the acquition of Handspring in June, and the deal is expected to be final in the fall, in conjunction with the PalmSource spin-off.
“Palm created an entirely new category when it delivered the first successful handheld computers in history,” said Todd Bradley, chief executive officer of Palms Solutions Group in Milpitas, Calif. “palmOne builds on the brand promise and popularity of the Palm name, while indicating our intention to continue to be the driving force of innovation.”
The new name, which does not rhyme with “bologna,” comes with a new logo—deep red for the word “palm” and bright orange for the word “One.”
“The red/orange combination is a bold departure from the blue that Palm has used for many years and builds on our new subbrands,” said Ken Wirt, senior vice president and head of sales and marketing of Palms Solutions Group. “Energy, enthusiasm, power and innovation come across much stronger in our new combination.”
Products bearing the new logo will appear in 2004, officials said. The new company web site, www.palmOne.com, is available immediately.