HP has released details on when they will make their webOS platform open source. By September of this year, HP will release Open webOS 1.0 under the Apache License.
HP has also released the first part of its open source version of webOS, in the form of Enyo, which is the company’s developer tool for writing applications that will run across multiple mobile devices.
“HP is bringing the innovation of the webOS platform to the open source community,” said Bill Veghte, executive vice president and chief strategy officer, HP. “This is a decisive step toward meeting our goal of accelerating the platform’s development and ensuring that its benefits will be delivered to the entire ecosystem of web applications.”
The Significance of Open Sourcing webOS
The decision to open source webOS is a significant move for HP and the broader tech community. By making webOS open source, HP is inviting developers from around the world to contribute to and enhance the platform. This collaborative approach can lead to faster innovation and a more robust ecosystem of applications. Open sourcing also ensures that the platform can be adapted and improved upon by anyone, potentially leading to new and unexpected uses for webOS.
The Apache License under which Open webOS 1.0 will be released is a permissive free software license written by the Apache Software Foundation. It allows users to freely use, modify, and distribute the software, which can encourage widespread adoption and experimentation. This could be particularly beneficial for smaller developers and startups who may not have the resources to develop a platform from scratch.
Enyo: The Developer Tool for Cross-Platform Applications
Enyo, the first part of the open source version of webOS released by HP, is a powerful developer tool. It allows developers to write applications that can run seamlessly across multiple mobile devices. This cross-platform capability is increasingly important in today’s fragmented mobile market, where users may have a variety of devices with different operating systems.
Enyo’s framework is designed to be flexible and easy to use, making it accessible to both novice and experienced developers. It supports a wide range of features, including user interface components, data binding, and event handling, which can help developers create rich, interactive applications. By releasing Enyo as open source, HP is providing developers with a valuable tool that can help them reach a broader audience.
HP will also release a number of other parts of webOS between now and September. These releases will include various components and tools that are essential for the development and operation of webOS applications. This phased approach allows developers to gradually familiarize themselves with the platform and start building applications even before the full release of Open webOS 1.0.
The open sourcing of webOS is not just about technology; it’s also about community. By engaging with the open source community, HP is fostering a collaborative environment where developers can share ideas, provide feedback, and work together to improve the platform. This community-driven approach can lead to more innovative solutions and a more vibrant ecosystem of applications.
In conclusion, HP’s decision to open source webOS and release tools like Enyo is a bold and forward-thinking move. It has the potential to accelerate the development of the platform, foster innovation, and create a more diverse and dynamic ecosystem of applications. As we approach the release of Open webOS 1.0 in September, it will be exciting to see how the community embraces and builds upon this platform. For more details on the release schedule and upcoming components, you can find out full details over at .
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