We heard a while back from HP’s CEO Leo Apotheker that the company would look into licensing webOS to other smartphone and tablet manufacturers, and now according to a recent report, HP has entered into discussions with a number of hardware makers.
Apotheker announced that talks were going on between HP and certain manufacturers, and some of the companies rumored to be in discussion with HP include Samsung.
Licensing webOS to other manufacturers would be a smart move for HP, as it would give manufacturers another mobile OS to choose from apart from Google’s Android OS and Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 OS. This diversification could potentially reduce the dominance of Android and iOS in the market, providing consumers with more choices and fostering innovation in mobile technology.
Advantages of Licensing webOS
The company would still be able to produce its own HP branded webOS smartphones and tablets, and also allow its partners to do the same. This would mean that the adoption of webOS as a mobile platform would grow much quicker if multiple manufacturers are driving the platform. For instance, if Samsung, a major player in the smartphone market, adopts webOS, it could significantly boost the platform’s visibility and user base.
HP would also be able to generate additional revenue for its webOS app store. With more devices running webOS, the demand for apps would increase, attracting more developers to the platform. This could create a virtuous cycle where more apps lead to more users, which in turn attracts even more developers. The increased variety of apps would enhance the user experience, making webOS devices more appealing.
Moreover, having multiple manufacturers producing products for HP’s webOS would attract more developers to the platform than if HP was the only company producing webOS smartphones. Developers are more likely to invest their time and resources into a platform that has a broad user base and multiple hardware options. This could lead to a richer ecosystem of applications and services, further enhancing the appeal of webOS devices.
Challenges and Considerations
However, there are challenges to this strategy. One potential issue is the fragmentation of the user experience. Different manufacturers might implement webOS in slightly different ways, leading to inconsistencies in how the OS functions across devices. HP would need to establish strict guidelines and standards to ensure a cohesive user experience.
Another consideration is the competition with established platforms like Android and iOS. These platforms have a significant head start in terms of user base, app availability, and brand recognition. HP and its partners would need to invest heavily in marketing and development to make webOS a viable competitor.
Additionally, HP would need to ensure that its own webOS devices stand out in a market where other manufacturers are also producing webOS devices. This could involve focusing on unique features, superior hardware, or exclusive partnerships to differentiate its products.
Take a look at our article on Android vs iPhone to see which smartphone and mobile platform is best for you.
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