webOS 2.0 phones inbound early in new year

A Senior HP company exec has stated that its first webOS 2.0 phones will ship in early 2011. The result of HP’s acquisition of Palm, one of the first handsets likely to launch could be the rumored Roadrunner HD said to feature an iPhone 4 Retina display equaling 960x640 resolution.

Details of web0S 2.0 to emerge thus far indicate that it will include user interface enhancements such as ‘cards’ where the OS automatically groups apps according to task, simplifying multi-tasking. It will also open more API’s to developers, giving them the opportunity to develop high-quality desktop-class apps.

HP faces a stiff challenge in rebuilding the user base of webOS after Palm failed to deliver on its early promise. Google's Android is continuing to increase its market share against Apple's iOS and the Blackberry OS. With Windows Phone 7 launching shortly, as well as Nokia's recent launch of its Symbian^3 powered N8, HP will be starting from well behind the field.

In addition to the Roadrunner HD phone, webOS 2.0 is also expected be the centre-piece of HPs anticipated PalmPad.

By Electronista Staff