It looks like we could find out what HP plans to do with webOS some time later today, as according to a recent report by The Next Web, HP’s CEO Meg Whitman has reportedly called a meeting for today, which is scheduled for 10.30AM PDT to decide once and for all what the company will do with webOS.
It was announced a few weeks back that HP would make a decision on webOS, and now it looks like we may find out what HP will do with webOS and the 600 employees who are part of the webOS team.
There have been rumors that HP could sell off webOS to another company, although it isn’t clear as yet whether anyone is still interested in acquiring webOS from HP.
The History and Potential of webOS
webOS was initially developed by Palm, Inc. and was later acquired by HP in 2010. The operating system was designed to be a competitor to other mobile operating systems like iOS and Android. Despite its innovative features, such as true multitasking and an intuitive user interface, webOS struggled to gain significant market share. HP’s acquisition was seen as a move to bolster its presence in the mobile market, but the company faced numerous challenges, including stiff competition and internal restructuring.
HP’s decision on the future of webOS is crucial not only for the company but also for the tech industry. If HP decides to sell webOS, it could potentially find a new home where it might be better utilized. Companies like LG and Samsung have been speculated as potential buyers in the past, given their interest in diversifying their software portfolios. On the other hand, if HP decides to keep webOS, it could mean a renewed focus on developing the platform, possibly integrating it into other HP products like printers and PCs.
Implications for Employees and the Tech Industry
The fate of the 600 employees working on webOS is also hanging in the balance. These employees have specialized skills and experience that are valuable in the tech industry. If HP decides to sell or discontinue webOS, these employees could face layoffs or be reassigned to other projects within HP. However, if the platform is sold, the acquiring company might retain these employees to continue development.
The decision will also have broader implications for the tech industry. webOS has been praised for its design and functionality, and its open-source nature means that it has the potential to influence other operating systems. If HP decides to open-source webOS, it could lead to a surge in innovation as developers and companies build on its foundation.
There have also been discussions about the potential for webOS to be used in smart home devices and other Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Given its efficient multitasking capabilities and user-friendly interface, webOS could be a strong contender in these emerging markets.
In conclusion, today’s meeting could mark a significant turning point for webOS. Whether HP decides to sell, keep, or open-source the platform, the decision will have lasting effects on the company, its employees, and the broader tech industry. The anticipation surrounding this decision highlights the enduring interest in webOS and its potential to shape the future of technology.
Source The Next Web
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