On Friday, HP’s CEO Meg Whitman announced what the company would be doing with webOS. HP has decided to make webOS open source, probably the best thing the company could do with the software. This move is expected to breathe new life into the platform, allowing developers from around the world to contribute to its growth and evolution.
And it looks like HP hasn’t ruled out making their own webOS devices in the future. The company has said that they may consider making webOS tablets again in 2013, although it doesn’t look like we will see any more webOS smartphones from HP. This decision opens up a realm of possibilities for the future of webOS, especially in the tablet market where it once had a significant presence.
Implications for Current webOS Device Owners
What does this mean for current owners of webOS devices, like the Touchpad?
Users of webOS devices will continue to receive software improvements and updates in the future. This is a significant assurance for current users who may have been concerned about the longevity and support for their devices. By making webOS open source, HP is ensuring that the platform will continue to evolve and improve, driven by a community of dedicated developers.
HP expects that making webOS open source will accelerate the development of the webOS platform and application ecosystem, which will benefit current and future users. This means that users can look forward to a more robust and feature-rich experience as new applications and updates are developed. The open-source community has a history of driving innovation and rapid development, which bodes well for the future of webOS.
HP plans to remain active in the development and support of webOS. This commitment from HP indicates that the company is not abandoning the platform but rather fostering an environment where it can thrive. HP’s involvement will likely include providing resources, guidance, and possibly even hardware to support the ongoing development of webOS.
The Future of webOS
The decision to make webOS open source is a strategic move that could have far-reaching implications. By opening up the platform, HP is inviting developers to experiment, innovate, and create new applications and functionalities that could make webOS a competitive player in the market once again. This could lead to a resurgence of interest in webOS, attracting both developers and users who are looking for an alternative to the dominant operating systems like iOS and Android.
Moreover, the potential return of webOS tablets in 2013 is an exciting prospect. The HP TouchPad, despite its initial struggles, had a dedicated following and was praised for its user-friendly interface and multitasking capabilities. A new generation of webOS tablets could leverage the advancements made by the open-source community, offering a unique and compelling product in the crowded tablet market.
In addition to tablets, there is also the possibility of webOS being used in other types of devices. The flexibility and adaptability of the platform make it suitable for a wide range of applications, from smart home devices to automotive systems. This could open up new revenue streams for HP and further establish webOS as a versatile and valuable operating system.
You can find out more details about what this means for webOS over at the source Slashgear.
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