Full HotSync compatibility is the highlight, and it works over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. As for the pre-installed apps and games — some are freebies, while others are limited trials; see the link below for the full list.

Other useful tweaks include quick keyboard mode switch, improved reset functionality and reduced power consumption. As was the case before, Classic runs side by side with other WebOS applications. It’s not a replacement OS and doesn’t limit its features, it just runs the Palm OS apps inside the WebOS environment.

The Classic emulator is available in the App Catalog for $US30 bucks, and there’s a demo you can try out first. [Motionapps]

We liked the Treo Pro, on Sprint’s network, just fine; Adrian called it “the best hardware Palm has ever made” and noted that it even ran very snappy with Windows Mobile 6.1. But let’s face it, the Treo Pro doesn’t come close to the Pre in terms of innovation or attention. So we’re not too bummed to hear the Treo Pro’s release date was pushed back a few weeks. Is anybody still waiting on the handset, or has the siren call of WebOS cancelled out any interest in the Treo line? [Mobility Today via Crunchgear]

To be honest, none of these numbers are particularly good, and I have a feeling that there may be a confounding iPhone White Glove Effect—I keep that phone’s glass screen in mind every time I put it in the pocket opposite my keys. (Ironically, iPhone users were found 3% more likely to accidentally damage their phones than their Blackberry/Palm counterparts.)

When projected to two years, the iPhone’s failure rate jumps to 11% while Blackberries level to 14% and Treos reach a scary 21%. I guess it’s a good thing we have those ridiculously binding contracts to bail us out after all. [SquareTrade via CNET]

Though details on pricing and availability were scant, WM Experts thinks it won’t hit until December at the earliest (due to AT&T’s leaked roadmap today), and Wired believes the subsidised price that comes along with being locked on the AT&T network will bring it down into the 200-300 US dollar range. So far, however, this is all speculation. [WM Experts via BGR via Gadget Lab]

The blue tick is the stamp Telstra pops on phones that recommend the handset for rural coverage on the NextG network. The Treo Pro is the ninth handset in Telstra’s stable to be awarded the classification, and the first smartphone with the label.

So now our farmers, bush-bashers and outback neighbours can enjoy the wonders of Windows Mobile 6.1 where they live. Welcome to the club, boys and girls. Hope you enjoy your stay.

[Telstra]

Anyway, in case you were wondering what kind of Palm Treo Pro love you could expect in Australia (and I know that’s exactly what you were thinking), know that the new smartphone is available exclusively through Telstra, complete with customised BigPond icons and everything.

It will hit shelves late September (which means you’ll probably forget all about it by the time it’s released) for an RRP of $929. “Whoa!” I hear you exclaim. “That’s a bit pricey!”. Well, it will also be available on a range of plans, including $0 up front on an $80 monthly contract for 2 years. As you’d expect, Telstra’s data charges will still apply.

[Palm]