PalmOne updates software for Treo 600 smart phone

Handheld maker PalmOne released a software update for its Treo 600 smart phone on Thursday that's designed to make the device more reliable.

The update is initially only for those who own a Sprint version of the phone, with other carriers still in the process of testing the update on their networks.

"PalmOne is delivering a software update for Treo 600 smart phones as part of our continuous effort to give customers the best possible experience," the company said on its Web site.

There have been some complaints of reliability issues with the Treo 600, but the device has been quite popular and in short supply since its launch last fall.

Among the issues addressed with the Sprint release are enhancements to the browser and e-mail program as well as enhancements designed to improve the device's "audio-quality reliability."

A PalmOne representative said the company is aware of a potential issue in which the speaker could be damaged, if a Treo was used at its highest volume setting for a long period of time. The update offers some protection against encountering the problem, the representative said.

The Sprint update is downloadable now, while updates for other carriers, such as Cingular, AT&T Wireless and T-Mobile, are listed as "coming soon."