HP recently announced its new range of webOS devices which include the new HP TouchPad Tablet, HP Pre3 smartphone and HP Veer smartphone, and now they have hired a former Apple and Lucasfilm executive, Richard Kerris.
Richard Kerris will join HP as VP of Worldwide Developer Relations for webOS, and obviously his job will be to get developers who are working on other platforms like Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android platform to start developing webOS applications.
His previous job at Apple was to get developers who were developing applications for other platforms to develop applications for Mac OS X, so we guess he is well suited for the role at HP.
HP’s Strategic Move in the Competitive Market
HP’s decision to hire Richard Kerris is a strategic move aimed at bolstering its position in the highly competitive mobile and tablet market. With the webOS platform, HP is looking to carve out a niche for itself amidst giants like Apple and Google. The webOS platform, originally developed by Palm, has been praised for its intuitive user interface and multitasking capabilities. However, it has struggled to gain significant market share due to the dominance of iOS and Android.
By bringing in Kerris, HP is leveraging his extensive experience and network within the developer community. His role will be crucial in convincing developers to invest their time and resources into creating applications for webOS. This is a critical step for HP, as the success of any mobile platform is heavily dependent on the availability and quality of its apps.
The Importance of Developer Relations
Developer relations are a cornerstone of any successful technology platform. Developers are the lifeblood of an ecosystem, creating the applications that attract and retain users. Kerris’s experience at Apple, where he successfully encouraged developers to create apps for Mac OS X, will be invaluable in his new role at HP. His ability to build relationships and provide the necessary support to developers will be key to expanding the webOS app catalog.
Moreover, Kerris’s tenure at Lucasfilm, where he was involved in cutting-edge technology and innovation, adds another layer of expertise to his role at HP. His diverse background equips him with a unique perspective on how to drive technological adoption and foster a vibrant developer community.
HP’s new webOS devices, including the TouchPad Tablet, Pre3, and Veer smartphones, offer a range of features designed to appeal to both consumers and developers. The TouchPad, for instance, boasts a 9.7-inch display, a dual-core processor, and seamless integration with other webOS devices. The Pre3 and Veer smartphones offer compact designs and powerful performance, making them attractive options for users looking for alternatives to the more established iOS and Android devices.
In conclusion, HP’s hiring of Richard Kerris is a significant step in its efforts to establish webOS as a viable competitor in the mobile and tablet market. By focusing on developer relations and leveraging Kerris’s expertise, HP aims to create a robust ecosystem of applications that will attract users to its new range of devices. As the mobile landscape continues to evolve, HP’s strategic moves will be closely watched by industry observers and consumers alike.
Mobile Crunch via Gizmodo
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