HP Confirms webOS Will Still Thrive, Thanks To The Open Source Community
When HP shockingly pulled the plug on their TouchPad and any other devices running the webOS platform, we assumed that we had seen the last of the ill-fated operating system. However, when HP replaced CEO Leo Apotheker with Meg Whitman, rumors began to run rampant that webOS may not be dead after all.
We weren’t left waiting long for our answer, as HP has confirmed that they plan to support webOS through the open source community. Essentially, HP hopes to breathe new life into the platform by allowing both inside and outside developers the opprotunity to reinvigorate the software.
Sadly, HP stands firm that they will not be resurrecting their webOS hardware lineup any time soon. While we won’t see any new TouchPads or Pre 3 devices hit retail stores this lifetime (outside of a fire sale), we can still keep the hope alive that HP might choose to manufacture webOS running devices in the future. Continue reading for CEO Meg Whitman’s internal memo on the subject.
From: CEO – Meg Whitman
Sent: Friday, December 09, 2011 2:03 PM
Subject: webOS to be contributed to the open source communityMeg Whitman
CEOTO/ All Employees
SUBJECT/ webOS to be contributed to the open source community
Today, we announced that HP will contribute our webOS software to the open source community and support its development going forward. We believe that this is the best way to ensure the benefits of webOS are accessible to the largest possible ecosystem.
Since we announced the discontinuation of our webOS devices last August, the executive team has been working to determine the best path forward for this highly respected software. We looked at all the options in the market today and we see a clear need for a platform that is both open and has a single integrated stack.
webOS is the only platform designed from the ground up to be mobile, cloud-connected, and scalable. By providing webOS to the open source community and other hardware vendors we have the potential to fundamentally change the landscape.
HP engineers, partners, other developers and hardware manufacturers will be able to contribute to the development of webOS. Together, we have an opportunity to make it the foundation of a new generation of devices, applications and services to address the rapidly evolving demands of both consumers and enterprises.
I would like to thank the webOS team for continuing your efforts under very difficult circumstances during these last couple of months. Your dedication is very much appreciated.
This is a very positive move for the development of our people, our software and HP overall.
We strongly believe that the best days for webOS are still ahead.
Best,
Meg
