HP Personal Systems Group VP Todd Bradley confirmed to CNBC on Friday that webOS wins out over Windows 7 for the tech giant’s upcoming line of smartphones.
Bradley’s revelation has caused some alarm among the press since the partnership between Microsoft and HP has always been a strong one. However, in the interview Bradley stated that the shift to webOS was because the company is going to be “very focused on the customer, and giving the customer the experience that’s important to them.”
The VP also assuaged fears that such a move may rupture HP’s relationship with its largest partner by saying, “We continue to be Microsoft’s biggest customer, and we continue to believe we will drive innovation with Microsoft.”
HP’s Strategic Shift to webOS
Some pundits have noted that the shift to webOS driven smartphones should have been expected considering HP’s recent $1.2 billion acquisition of Palm, the company that created the operating system and best known for its line of PDA devices. This acquisition was a clear indicator of HP’s intentions to leverage Palm’s technology and expertise to enhance their own product offerings. By integrating webOS, HP aims to create a more cohesive and user-friendly ecosystem that can compete with other major players in the smartphone market.
Additionally, such a move does feed some speculation about the future of the Windows 7 driven Slate tablet. To bolster confidence surrounding the webOS decision, Bradley declared that, “Our intent is to focus those resources and really make webOS the best OS it can be.” This statement underscores HP’s commitment to investing in webOS development, ensuring that it meets the high standards expected by modern consumers.
Implications for the Smartphone Market
The decision to prioritize webOS over Windows 7 for smartphones has significant implications for the broader smartphone market. For one, it highlights the increasing importance of having a unique and proprietary operating system that can differentiate a company’s products from those of its competitors. In a market dominated by iOS and Android, webOS offers HP a chance to carve out a niche by providing a distinct user experience.
Moreover, this move could potentially influence other tech companies to reconsider their reliance on established operating systems like Windows. If HP’s webOS smartphones prove successful, it could pave the way for more innovation and diversity in the types of operating systems available to consumers. This could lead to a more competitive market, ultimately benefiting consumers through better products and more choices.
Another aspect to consider is the potential for webOS to be integrated into other HP devices beyond smartphones. Given HP’s extensive product lineup, including laptops, tablets, and printers, the company could create a seamless experience across multiple devices, further enhancing the appeal of webOS.
In conclusion, HP’s decision to focus on webOS for its upcoming line of smartphones marks a significant shift in the company’s strategy. While it may raise concerns about the future of its partnership with Microsoft, HP’s commitment to innovation and customer experience suggests that this move could lead to exciting developments in the tech industry. As HP continues to invest in webOS, it will be interesting to see how this decision impacts the competitive landscape and shapes the future of mobile technology.
via Engadget
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