Palm has let forth the next batch of applications.  This is the first update to include paid applications.  Appearing today, briefly, were approximated 29 new applications or updated applications.  This now bring the total number of applications up to about 125.  However, a problem with the App Catalog’s paid apps caused them to be pulled from the Catalog within hours of release.  Quickly following that, Palm held a conference where they announced that they were opening up the App Catalog in significant ways.

Here are the new paid applications and their costs:

• Checkers Pro:  $0.99
• Air Hockey:  $1.99
• BlockDrop:  $4.99
• Weatherbug Elite:  $1.99
• GolfPinFinder:  $9.99
• Mine Search:  $0.99
• Here I am:  $0.99
• Word Whirl:  $2.99
• FriendsFlow:  $1.99
• JogStats:  $4.99
• Lottery Generator:  $0.99
• Remote:  $4.95
• VLC Remote:  $4.95
• Work Out Tracker:  $3.99
• Go To Tool:  $7.49
• NewsRoom:  $4.99
• Mezzoman:  $0.99
• Wobble Words:  $4.99
• Dungeon Quest 50 Gems:  $4.99

New free applications are:

• Photo Dialer
• Card Ace: Hold ‘Em
• GetMeVino! Lite
• Mezzoman – Free
• Polar Bowling
• Word Whirl Lite
• WorkOut Tracker Trial
• Dungeon Quest
• Stitcher Podcast Radio

And, finally, the Classic application was updated.  This new version includes WiFi and Bluetooth synchronization.

Catalog Snafu

Shortly after the paid apps were rolled out they were pulled from the App Catalog.  An issue with paid apps arose and Palm was forced to remove them until the problem can be solved.  According to our sources the apps will reappear later tonight.

App Catalog Changes

At about the same time the apps were rolling out Palm held a conference with Ben Galbraith and Dion Almaer.  The two Developer Relations Co-Leads announced that Palm was embracing open source and opening up the App Catalog.  In a bold move they announced that apps would no longer have to go through a lengthy review process and that open-source apps could be listed in the App Catalog for free.  There is much more to be said about what happened at the conference so we’ll save that for another post.  Bottom line:  the App Catalog will be bursting with apps, both paid and free, in the coming weeks.

App Spotlight

One of today’s new apps that deserves some special attention is Self Aware Games’ Card Ace: Hold ‘Em. Card Ace: Hold ‘Em is a Texas Hold ‘Em game build upon the same technology that powers Word Ace.  In fact, your account is shared between the two games.  All your friends and money transfers between the two.  The game only major differences between the two games (aside from how you play!) is that Card Ace allows more players per table and bidding is done in fixed increments.

Final Thoughts

This is definitely exciting news.  Palm has reached a major milestone and has kicked some sand in Apple’s face.  It’s still too soon to say how the users will react to the new paid applications.  If they’re a big success expect to see even more developers getting excited about webOS.  The only real fly in the ointment at this point is the paltry app limit.  What are your favorite apps?  How do you feel about the pricing?  Sound off below!