HP announced a while back that they would make their webOS software open source, although the goal was for future versions of the webOS to be open source.
Now HP has announced that they will make the current version of webOS open source, which is currently available on the HP TouchPad tablet as webOS 3.0.5.
HP had previously announced that they intend to make webOS open source by September of 2012, but it looks like the first open source version will come a little earlier than expected.
HP has said that they expect to have the source code for webOS available by June and they will be re-branding webOS 3.0.5 as webOS Community Edition.
The Significance of Open Sourcing webOS
The decision to open source webOS is a significant move by HP, reflecting a broader trend in the tech industry towards open-source software. Open sourcing webOS allows developers from around the world to contribute to its development, potentially accelerating innovation and improving the software’s functionality. This move can also foster a community of developers who are passionate about webOS, leading to a more robust and versatile operating system.
Open source software has numerous advantages, including increased security, as the code is available for anyone to inspect and improve. This transparency can lead to quicker identification and resolution of vulnerabilities. Additionally, open source projects often benefit from the collective expertise of a global community, which can lead to more creative and effective solutions than those developed in-house by a single company.
Potential Impact on the Market
The release of webOS as an open source platform could have several implications for the market. For one, it could rejuvenate interest in the HP TouchPad and other devices that run on webOS. Developers might create new applications and functionalities, making these devices more appealing to consumers. This could lead to a resurgence in the popularity of webOS devices, which had previously struggled to compete with more dominant operating systems like iOS and Android.
Moreover, other manufacturers might consider adopting webOS for their devices, given its open-source nature. This could lead to a more diverse ecosystem of devices running on webOS, providing consumers with more choices and potentially driving innovation in the market.
HP’s decision to release webOS as open source also aligns with the company’s broader strategy of focusing on software and services. By fostering a community around webOS, HP can leverage the collective creativity and expertise of developers worldwide, potentially leading to new business opportunities and revenue streams.
In conclusion, HP’s announcement to make webOS open source is a strategic move that could have far-reaching implications for the tech industry. By opening up the platform to the global developer community, HP is not only fostering innovation but also potentially revitalizing interest in webOS devices. As the source code becomes available by June and webOS 3.0.5 is rebranded as webOS Community Edition, it will be interesting to see how the developer community responds and what new developments emerge from this initiative.
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