HP kills webOS devices, spins off PC business to focus on software

[dkb218]

Hewlett Packard, the world's largest PC maker, has announced plans to spin off its PC business and scrap its recently acquired webOS smartphone and tablet business to focus on software and services.

http://www.appleinsider.com/article...business_to_focus_on_enterprise_software.html

 

[aFo3262]

So sad. webOS is just great, but had some horrible management.

 

[MartyLK]

So sad. webOS is just great, but had some horrible management.

I agree. The Palm curse came over to HP in the deal. But there is a chance WebOS might live on through a different company, though. At least that's what I hope. It would be sweet to see HTC pick it up.

 

[MartyLK]

I just came up with a theory of why HP is stopping WebOS. I believe it in part might have something to do with Apple's patent litigation of late. I don't think HP wants to get involved with it or crossways with Apple over it since WebOS wasn't making any money. I also believe officials at Apple might have contacted HP and gave them fair warning about patent litigation.

 

[aFo3262]

Not so sure about that. Palm has a pretty valuable patent portfolio from their early days as smartphone makers. I remember when webOS was announced(early 09 before Android took off) with pinch to zoom, bounce scrolling etc and it was thought that Apple would sue. They eventually backed off though possibly due to Palm's position.
I really think it's a management problem. The CEO of HP has expressed an interest in moving the company to a services only business, and I don't think they're willing to put in the money/effort to manufacture and market webOS. Darn shame

 

[juzz86]

All in favour of Google picking it up and implementing Cards and Synergy into Android?

Yes, please!

 

[younginqd]

i like webos

 

[jono62]

Such a shame.

 

[abalsor]

I've never used webos but heard good things.. I am really suprised they are getting out of pc's though, seeing as they bought compaq a few years back,and they are one of the more popular brands...

 

[Kiboe]

well, many companies are backing out of the pc market because they are under this false notion that tablets are replacing them, and that "no one wants a pc anymore" which is total bull.

and i was looking foward to the pre3, a damn shame.
oh, the touchpad broke the record for shortest lifespan of a product previously held by the Kin.