Not very long ago when we were planning the launch of our humble magazine BuildMobile, which you are reading right now, the content strategy included coverage of the nebulous WebOS mobile operating system. Come launch time, there wasn’t enough traction to include it in our platform categories, but we were hopeful for the future.
WebOS in 60 Seconds
- WebOS is a mobile operating system based on the Linux Kernal
- Initially developed by Palm and first released in January 2009
- Acquired by Hewlett-Packard in April 2010 for US$1.2b
- WebOS uses a “card” UI with a left-to-right flick for app swithcing, flick up for “off”
- The WebOS broswer, called simply “Web” is based on the WebKit layout engine
- WebOS “Synergy” feature integrates information from many cloud services into a single list
- Devices include the Pre, the Pixi and the Veer phones, then the HP TouchPad
- HP announced in March 2011 that WebOS would run within Windows by the end of 2011
- On 18th August 2011 HP announced it would discontinue operations for WebOS devices
- Potentially even more HP TouchPads will be made and sold at a loss
Web Standards based Native Apps
A feature that was full of promise, and partly responsible for the underdog adoration WebOS attracted from developers worldwide, is that web technologies like HTML, CSS and Javascript are first class tools for developing native apps for the platform, with full access to hardware APIs like the camera. If you can develop for the web, you can develop native WebOS apps.
Shooting for the Stars
Some bold moves during the relatively short history of WebOS caused excitement and consternation at the same time in various quarters. In May and June of 2009 during Palm’s leadership, WebOS integration with iTunes was promised. In July 2011 WordPress for WebOS planted the worlds most popular blogging software in the TouchPad.
Rainbows and Unicorns
In recent weeks the activity around WebOS in general and the HP TouchPad in particular has never been more feverish. Millions of TouchPads have been sold in a firesale. The promise of more TouchPads is tangible. Microsoft is offering WebOS developers enticements to lure them to their Windows Phone platform. Bountys are being offered for a successful port of Android to a TouchPad.
What Future for WebOS
Shortly before the announcement that HP would discontinue operations for WebOS devices, John Allsopp contacted me regarding the worldwide WebOS Developer events and WebOS Connect. Whilst the Developer events have been cancelled, the Connect events are still on in coming weeks. I will be in attendence with a big heart and an open mind. More news on my return.
