After acquiring Palm for $1.2-billion with the intent to go big with webOS, HP is calling it quits. The operating system behind the Pre line of mobile phones and the TouchPad tablet, tech enthusiasts loved webOS for its innovative features. Unfortunately, the hardware was never the best (at least on the phone side) and a teeny development scene made for a small app library. Considering those factors and the fact that HP has traditionally been more of a corporate brand than a consumer one, it’s not surprising that HP has given up on webOS, though it is surprising that it happened so suddenly. Here’s a clip from the press release:
HP will discontinue operations for webOS devices, specifically the TouchPad and webOS phones. The devices have not met internal milestones and financial targets. HP will continue to explore options to optimize the value of webOS software going forward.
Keep in mind that HP still has a chance to make the $1.2-billion purchase worthwhile. It can license webOS to phone and tablet manufacturers. With Google’s recent purchase of Motorola, there are probably some Android phone and tablet manufacturers looking to diversify.
RPadholic smartguy and I were chatting about HP getting into the patent wars. That seems like the “cool” thing to do these days. HP can either sue other companies that infringe on its Palm patents or it can license the patents for a hefty sum. Other possibilities include leveraging the patents for favorable cross-licensing deals or selling them outright.
It’s a shame that webOS ended up with a company that was ill-equipped to serve the consumer market. It is an impressive piece of software and the TouchPad (with its recent software update) was the best iPad alternative I’ve tried. Despite the enormous potential of webOS, the operating system was unable to thrive due to poor corporate strategy (both Palm and HP). Will it live again through other companies? Probably. Will it be a significant player in the mobile market? Probably not.
[I wanted to post this story yesterday, but my crap web host decided to take the day off. Never use AnHosting.]
Heard there are some tablets with this that are $99 some places now. If that's the case I would be interested to know how well they sell against everything else out right now. Wonder if they will sell out and create some demand, or just die off completely. The former would be funny to me, although unlikely.
I plan on snatching one up at $99.
Out of stock at my local Office Depot and Staples. I don't feel like trying other stores. It would have been nice to have for $99.
I heard Target was another store with those on sale. It's tempting to check out for me, but I don't get paid until next week and I have to pay the cell phone bill instead. I don't imagine these things will last long, but I didn't expect stores to be sold out already.
I just got one for $99!!!! WooHooo Bestbuy.com had some. will be here tuesday or wednesday
I know I'm jobless, but it was a great deal
Hell of a deal!
Dang, I missed out on this one too. If anyone catches it for $99, please let me know. I'd be happy to take it off of your hands.
I have been trying to respond all day via my phone, but it wouldn't let me submit a comment on the mobile or desktop versions.
HP.com WAS taking orders. says sold out now.
Your website works well on my new Touchpad!