Rubinstein gets top Palm post

LOS ANGELES: Jon Rubinstein, a former executive behind Apple Inc's iPod, on Wednesday (local time) was named chief executive of smartphone maker Palm Inc, replacing Ed Colligan who is stepping down after 16 years with the company.

The appointment, effective today, comes just days after Sunnyvale, California-based Palm launched the $199 Pre, a well-regarded rival to Apple's blockbuster iPhone device. One of Pre's signature features is that it syncs with the iTunes music store just like an iPod or iPhone.

Rubinstein, 52, will remain chairman, dropping "executive" from that title, a post he assumed in October 2007 to help bring innovation back to the company. He said in a statement he is excited about his expanded role.