Announcement highlights SDK Early Access Program, new features.

Palm released new information on webOS 2.0, the Linux-based mobile OS that powers the Palm Pre and Pixi.

The announcement highlighted 7 core features new to webOS 2.0. It's confirmed that webOS 2.0 will feature multi-tasking in the form of Stacks. Stacks groups related applications into fanned stacks similar to a deck of cards, reducing clutter. webOS 2.0 automatically groups similar applications together, but it's possible to manually group applications as well.

Just Type replaces Universal Search found in previous iterations of webOS. Just Type allows instant Web searching, texts, email, and messaging without launching an app through a feature called Quick Actions. Just Type also allows searching within apps and Quick Action definitions.

Exhibition retools apps to run differently when placed on the Palm Touchstone Charging Dock. Palm offers a few examples for how Exhibition works, but hopes that developers will build Touchstone support into existing apps or build something from the ground up.

Synergy incorporates contact information from a variety of sources such as Google, Microsoft Exchange, Facebook, and LinkedIn to populate universal contact list and calendar.

WebOS 2.0 also supports JavaScript node.js, C/C++ components, and HTML5, allowing for robust Web and standalone applications.

Members of Palm's Early Access Program can visit the private forum and download webOS 2.0 SDK Beta. No word yet on a public SDK beta. [source]

Announcement highlights SDK Early Access Program, new features.