Tech Shout!

Smartphone maker Palm has revealed that they intend axing their retail outlets as they now plan to focus on fewer programs and their main ability.

In an e-mailed statement, Palm announced that its 8 branded retail stores along with the 26 stores within Airport Wireless shops will shut down. However, the store at Palm’s office in Sunnyvale, Calif., will remain open.

Palm has gone through rough waters lately in the smartphone market and in fact recently decided to cancel the release of its Foleo smartphone companion product

This fall can be attributed to a large extent to the increasing popularity of Apple’s iPhone and RIM’s BlackBerry devices.

In addition, Palm announced that to meet the terms of a class-action lawsuit, it will give rebates to Treo 600 and 650 owners whose handsets have been replaced or repaired at least twice. Rebates include $75 for a Treo 600 and $50 for a Treo 650. Further more, all Treo 600 or 650 that haven’t failed twice, but are outside of the original warranty, will be repaired by the company.

For those could perhaps be eligible, click here to have a look at the detailed notice and claim form.