SlashGear Japan
It looks as though Peek are developing Google Maps functionality, either for the existing Peek email device or for their upcoming Peek Pronto. A SlashGear reader spotted a Peek user browsing Google Maps on the NYC subway, something the current emailer is unable to do.
Peek have also confirmed that a new device, the Peek Pronto, is in development and will soon be announced, after the teaser image in the gallery below was leaked to Engadget. According to Peek, the device will be “much, much faster in every way possible”:
“I don’t have much to say, but I will give a leak away.. it is much, much faster in every way possible.
The time to open a menu on 1.08 is .09 seconds. The time to open a menu on Pronto, .04 seconds!!!!” Peek official blog
Our contacts at the company had nothing official they could tell us, but this looks like not only a new device but a new feature-set, and possibly even 3G connectivity to help achieve those all-round speed increases. It’s also unknown whether the Pronto will have GPS, or merely online map access. What also remains to be seen is whether existing Peek owners will be able to upgrade to the Google Maps app; given that it’s been spotted on what looks to be an original device, we’re hoping the answer is yes.
[Thanks Rad!]
4 Responses to “Peek Pronto & Google Maps for Peek in development?”
mas90guru March 19, 2009
At what point do they re-invent the… BlackBerry?
Which by the way is available for free (they pay you $99 after rebate) for similarly capable models (83xx Curve) which also include wi-fi.
Rumors is if you beg T-Mo they even put you on the old $19 email only plan.
I admire this device for delivering a contract-less affordable solution – however in my opinion this solution fits a very very narrow subsection of subscribers which is why you have seen the device prices take a virtual free fall from over $100 to under $50.
I mean who fits? Soccer moms? Do those busy moms really want to juggle a phone and a peek in their hands as they escort junior to practice?
Busy executives? I guess so long as they’re happy never running third party applications and are ok carrying another device like soccer mom.
You see Peek’s problem is that it’s a solution in search of a problem. It’s a technology that would have been hot —- 10 years ago. Today it’s just … too late to market.
-1Chris Davies March 19, 2009
It’s a good question. Peek’s challenge is to preserve the simplicity that current users – and there seem to be plenty – are drawn to, while still remaining relevent in terms of functionality. So far it’s been a singularity of purpose that has achieved that – email, and SMS through an email gateway – but that begs the question “where next?”
+1mas90guru March 19, 2009
I think think the Peek in the photo is likely opening a weather radar JPG which they requested by email — http://boards.getpeek.com/comm.....e=1#Item_0
IR.JPG seems to match the image and the upper right corner of the shot shows “View Image” which I think is Peek opening an attachment as opposed to browsing.
NeutralThat’s not Google Maps.
NeutralIt’s a weather report.
As seen in the video at http://www.getpeek.com where they show this feature using the Peek Pronto.