HP: webOS to continue to exist through open source, hardware lineup still dead (for now)

Dec 9th 2011
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HP: webOS to continue to exist through open source, hardware lineup still dead (for now)

When HP abruptly announced it was discontinuing the TouchPad and ceasing work on any future devices running webOS, we took that to intend the underdog operating system had died a premature death. But if the corporate ousted bumbling CEO Leo Apotheker and replaced him with Meg Whitman, we needed to ponder whether webOS may have some life in it yet. Well, the corporate just came back with a last verdict: the corporate will continue to develop webOS, as promised, but with the assistance of the open source community. In other words, webOS as a platform will continue to exist, and developers both inside HP and out will spruce up the OS for interested OEMs (whoever they’re), in conjunction with folks who already own webOS devices. Says Sam Greenblat, CTO of the outfit’s advanced technologies division: “We checked out your complete various options we’ve at the table. We predict this selection for the tech industry and HP.”

Still, in case you were hoping Whitman would resurrect the TouchPad and Pre 3 beyond just another fire sale , we hate to be the bearer of disappointing news. The base line: HP’s webOS hardware lineup continues to be dead — for now, not less than. Greenblat emphasized that HP might later opt to build devices running webOS, the identical way some other OEM would evaluate the other operating system. In an interview, company representatives were also quick to assert that with assistance from developers outside HP, webOS could become a more attractive choice for devices as opposed to phones and tablets (printers, anyone?). Still, though Greenblat says there was a “good deal” of interest from companies eyeing the software, it remains unclear which manufactures, if any, will commit to give the OS a more immediate home.

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HP to Contribute webOS to Open Source
HP to enable creativity of the community to accelerate the following-generation web-centric platform
PALO ALTO, Calif., Dec. 9, 2011 – HP today announced it can contribute the webOS software to the open source community.

HP plans to remain active within the development and support of webOS. By combining the innovative webOS platform with the construction power of the open source community, there’s the chance to noticeably improve applications and web services for the following generation of devices.

webOS offers a number of advantages to the complete ecosystem of web applications. For developers, applications could be easily built using standard web technologies. Additionally, its single integrated stack offers multiplatform portability. For device manufacturers, it provides a single
web-centric platform to run across multiple devices. Consequently, the top user benefits from a quick, immersive user experience.

“webOS is the sole platform designed from the bottom as much as be mobile, cloud-connected and scalable,” said Meg Whitman, HP president and chief executive officer. “By contributing this innovation, HP unleashes the creativity of the open source community to advance a brand new generation of applications and devices.”

HP will make the underlying code of webOS available under an open source license. Developers, partners, HP engineers and other hardware manufacturers can deliver ongoing enhancements and new versions into the marketplace.

HP will engage the open source community to assist define the charter of the open source project under a collection of operating principles:

- The goal of the project is to accelerate the open development of the
webOS platform
- HP would be an active participant and investor within the project
- Good, transparent and inclusive governance to circumvent fragmentation
- Software might be provided as a pure open source project

HP will also contribute ENYO, the appliance framework for webOS, to the community within the near future which includes a plan for the remainder components of the user space.

Beginning today, developers and customers are invited to supply input and proposals at http://developer.palm.com/blog/.