HP promises webOS still coming to non-mobile, Pre3 is alive
updated 02:05 pm EDT, Mon August 22, 2011
HP says webOS still seeing PC plans
HP's recently installed webOS leader Stephen DeWitt on Monday said that the decision to drop webOS mobile devices hadn't affected plans to bring webOS to PCs. In an interview, he insisted that plans were still underway to dual-boot webOS and Windows. He added in the AllThingsD conversation that he saw webOS as a "popular platform" on multiple "connected devices," including printers.
Smartphones on the platform weren't going away quickly, DeWitt went on. Although its future was now shortened, the Pre3 would have a "very selective" release in key areas. It and the Veer would still be on sale and get both support and updates for the future. TouchPads were included in that mix.
On talk of licensing out webOS or selling it off, he wouldn't confirm any plans but did acknowledge that there had been a "number of discussions" with others.
HP has been in a flurry of activity to keep webOS active on at least the surface, including promised developer support. The company may have also inadvertently triggered a last-minute surge in adoption after its $100 TouchPad sale sparked lineups and shortages, both rare for any HP product.
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This week's Linux Action Show destroyed HP's argument that they would continue to support and license WebOS even though they've pulled their tablet from the market with haste: www.jupiterbroadcasting.com.
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