Skip to main content

HP snubs Windows, plans to integrate webOS into PCs

hp-web-os-pcs-desktops

Today, HP has shown that it plans to stand behind Palm’s WebOS in a monumental way. After announcing three new WebOS products–the HP Veer, Palm Pre 3, and HP TouchPad tablet–and reaffirming its dedication to WebOS, HP dropped a bomb; the world’s largest computer manufacturer will be putting WebOS on its printers, laptops, and desktop PCs next year.

“I’m excited to announce our plans to bring the WebOS to the device that has the biggest reach of all: the personal computer,” said Todd Bradley, head of HP’s clients group. “Do the math on two PCs per second. You easily exceed 100 million devices with WebOS deployed annually. That’s the start of something pretty big.”

HP claims it has 1 billion computer customers worldwide and sells 2 PCs every second, which means more than 170,000 HP PCs are sold per day. The company claims it is about “delivering experiences” and will modify WebOS for the personal computer and begin shipping it, presumably, on all or a majority of its laptops.

HP made no mention of Windows or if the company will still sell Microsoft’s operating system, which is a vital resource for many businesses. Though many consumers could switch operating systems on a dime, most businesses cannot. It’s likely that HP will continue selling Windows in some fashion, for the time being.

Editors' Recommendations

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…
HP replaces head of Palm webOS with its best PC guy

After disappointing initial reviews (and possibly sales) of its webOS TouchPad tablet, HP has decided to shake things up, moving the former CEO of Palm and current head of webOS, Jon Rubinstein, into its Personal Systems Group and replacing him with Stephen DeWitt, current head of the PSG. The Personal Systems Group is a fancy name for HP's PC & digital devices department in the Americas, which works on PCs, connected devices like DVRs, and PC accessories. Rubinstein will now be senior VP of product innovation and work on a variety of products, reports BizJournals.
It is unknown if Rubinstein has been pushing for less of a managerial role in webOS, but it seems unlikely that he'd choose to leave the mobile OS that he helped create while leading Palm. Given HP's public statements about integrating webOS into all of its products and possibly licensing it, Rubinstein's move to the PC and connected devices department could be a positive sign. Either that, or the unit could be struggling to implement the smartphone OS into its products.
Hopefully this will be a good move for Palm phones and tablets. Despite lukewarm reviews for the TouchPad, we've always seen promise in the software behind the Palm Pre, HP Veer, and other webOS devices. The problem seems to be coupling that unique software with hardware that is equally compelling. Perhaps Stephen DeWitt can help to streamline the design of the product lineup.
Stephen DiFranco will become the new PSG general manager. As demanded by bureaucracy, all three gentlemen will report to Todd Bradley, executive VP of PSG.

Read more
HP to open WebOS, directly compete with Android and Windows

There are currently two kinds of operating systems: those like Apple's iOS, which only runs on proprietary devices built by one company, and software platforms like Windows and Android that seek to be on as many devices by as many electronics makers as possible. Before today, we've considered HP's WebOS (originally Palm's WebOS before HP bought the company) to be more like BlackBerry OS and iOS in that HP planned to put it only on its own hardware. As it turns out, that may not be the case.

Speaking at the AllThingsD D9 conference yesterday, HP CEO Leo Apotheker revealed that Hewlett-Packard may licence its WebOS to other phone, tablet, and PC makers.

Read more
HP EliteBook laptops get sleek, Apple-like redesign

Today, Hewlett Packard revealed a redesigned line of EliteBook laptops that use the "Forge" design framework it introduced on its business notebooks in February. The new designs are meant to be simpler looking, more durable, more reliable, and are built in a more environmentally friendly way. The new EliteBooks feature a gunmetal brushed finish, backlit HP logo, and "orange-colored accents."

Replacing the EliteBook 8440w, 8540w, and 8740w, will be the EliteBook 8460w, 8560w, and 8760w, which range from 14 inches to 17.3 inches in size.

Read more