HP’s core webOS Enyo team defects, heads for Android

By Jeffrey Van Camp May 25, 2012

HP isn’t discontinuing webOS, but it appears that the heart of the Enyo team, which developed webOS’s HTML5 app framework, have been hired by Google. Yes, core developers behind webOS are now working for Android, reports The Verge. The head of the team and most of its vital team members are now Googlers.

WebOS isn’t dying though. It appears that these departures are not due to HP canceling the open sourcing of Enyo.

“We’re pleased with the traction Enyo has gained to date and plan to continue its development along with the open source community. The Open webOS project is on schedule and we remain committed to the roadmap announced in January,” said HP, affirming that webOS is still on track to be open source, but refusing to actually acknowledge the departures.

Can we blame them for jumping ship? Their most creative work on webOS is probably already finished. The Enyo HTML5 app framework debuted with the HP TouchPad. As much as HP claims it is not ending webOS, it is clearly not a priority for the company anymore. Android, on the other hand, continues to skyrocket. We found out today that Android now has a market share approaching 60 percent. If Google has a need for the Enyo team, at least they might have some fun developing something that will get used.

It’s unknown exactly what Google has up its sleeve or why the team has departed.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Jeffrey Van Camp

Former Digital Trends Contributor

As DT's Deputy Editor, Jeff helps oversee editorial operations at Digital Trends. Previously, he ran the site's…

Mobile

How to use WhatsApp Web

WhatsApp messaging app

As one of the most popular messaging services on the planet, there's a good chance you've already heard of WhatsApp. From its humble beginnings in 2009 — two years before Apple introduced iMessage — to its acquisition by Facebook (now Meta) in 2014, WhatsApp has become the dominant messaging platform around the globe. In recent years, it's grown even strong with the addition of new features like video messages, self-destructing voice messages, the ability to edit sent messages, and more.

As popular as the WhatsApp mobile apps are for iPhone and Android, it's easy to forget that you can also use WhatsApp on a desktop or laptop computer. The comapny provides native apps for Macs and Windows PCs, plus a web-based version that works in any modern web browser on nearly any platform.

Mobile

Your Android phone is getting lots of fun new features this month

It’s a big day for Android updates, as Google has announced more than a dozen new features spread across multiple devices and apps — including a host of fun new ways to make Google Messages more visually exciting and to mark a significant milestone in its use.

Ready to see everything that's new? Let's dig in.
Google Messages

Mobile

The 16 best messaging apps for Android and iOS in 2023

The WhatsApp app icon on a phone with other messaging apps.

Most of us use our phones on a daily -- often near-constant -- basis to keep in touch with family, friends, and co-workers. Because the default messaging service on your phone isn't always the best option, how do you know which messaging apps are the most reliable and feature-packed? With so many apps out there offering everything from free video and voice calls to file sharing and photo sharing, finding the best one to suit your needs can be a challenge. We've taken time out to test some of the most popular options. Make sure to check our a more comprehensive list of the best iPhone apps and the best Android apps overall. Here are some of the best messaging apps for Android and iOS.

Concerned about privacy? Check out the best encrypted messaging apps around. Prefer chatting from your desktop at work rather than your smartphone? Our pick of the best chat clients for PC and Mac has you sorted.
WhatsApp