On Friday, we reported that HP was killing off the Windows 7 based HP Slate tablet that was announced by Microsoft’s CEO, Steve Ballmer, at CES 2010.
Now it seems that HP may actually make the tablet if the latest rumors are true. However, the HP Slate won’t come with Microsoft’s Windows 7. Instead, it looks like it may come with the Palm webOS.
Last week, HP confirmed that they are buying Palm, the makers of the Palm Pre and Palm Pixi smartphones that run their webOS software. HP also confirmed that they will be investing heavily in webOS and intend to bring the software to other devices.
The Potential of webOS on Tablets
It looks like the HP Slate could feature a modified version of the webOS. This makes perfect sense, as HP has already invested heavily in the Slate tablet. All the hardware is completed, and it was ready to launch with Windows 7 later this year. By switching to webOS, HP can leverage the unique features and user-friendly interface of the operating system, which has been praised for its multitasking capabilities and intuitive design.
webOS was initially developed by Palm as a mobile operating system for smartphones. It introduced several innovative features, such as card-based multitasking and a gesture-based interface, which were well-received by users and critics alike. Bringing webOS to a tablet could offer a seamless and efficient user experience, especially for those who are already familiar with the OS from using Palm smartphones.
Strategic Advantages for HP
Personally, I think this would be a good move for HP. There are many users of webOS out there who would love a webOS-based tablet, and it is a great OS that I am sure would fit well on tablet devices. Additionally, by using webOS, HP can differentiate its tablet from the myriad of other tablets running Android or iOS, potentially capturing a niche market of loyal webOS users.
Moreover, the acquisition of Palm and the integration of webOS into the HP Slate could provide HP with a competitive edge in the tablet market. The tablet market is highly competitive, with major players like Apple and Samsung dominating the space. By offering a unique operating system, HP can attract consumers looking for an alternative to the more common tablet OS options.
Another strategic advantage is the potential for ecosystem integration. With webOS, HP could create a cohesive ecosystem of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and possibly even laptops or smart home devices, all running on the same operating system. This could enhance user experience by allowing seamless connectivity and synchronization across multiple devices.
Furthermore, HP’s investment in webOS could lead to the development of new applications and services tailored specifically for the OS. This could attract developers to create innovative apps that take full advantage of the unique features of webOS, further enriching the user experience and expanding the functionality of the HP Slate.
The decision to potentially launch the HP Slate with webOS instead of Windows 7 could be a game-changer for HP. It allows the company to leverage its investment in Palm and webOS, differentiate its product in a crowded market, and potentially create a cohesive ecosystem of devices. Only time will tell if this move will pay off, but it certainly seems like a promising strategy.
via Electric Pig
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