Decoder with Nilay Patel The secrets of the first real smartphone, with Dieter Bohn
Nov 4, 2021
Dieter Bohn, Verge executive editor and creator of the documentary "Springboard," dives into the fascinating story of Handspring, a pioneering smartphone startup. He shares insights about the challenges it faced and the ambition of early innovators. Discover how Handspring's influence shaped modern mobile software and the Android ecosystem. Bohn also discusses the complexities of tech innovation and offers a sneak peek of an exclusive documentary clip that didn't make the final cut. Tune in for a riveting exploration of smartphone history!
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Handspring's Rise and Fall
- Handspring, founded by Palm Pilot creators, aimed to build an early smartphone.
- They licensed Palm OS and launched the Visor PDA, achieving initial success.
Challenges to Handspring's Vision
- Handspring's vision was a smartphone, but technical and market challenges hindered them.
- Carriers controlled phones pre-iPhone, limiting Handspring's success despite its innovative product.
Media Attention and External Factors
- Despite challenges, Handspring garnered media attention, with John Fort covering their progress.
- External factors like the market crash and Palm's inventory issues further complicated their journey.
