Back in December Hewlett Packard announced they would be open-sourcing their mobile internet software platform, and now it has been officially announced that the refurbished webOS will be ready come September.
After acquiring Palm for nearly $1.2 billion, HP also got webOS. Initially the software was installed on the TouchPad and other mobile devices, but did not sell very well due to its lack of an app market and sluggish performance—eventually resulting in the abandonment of webOS software in mobile devices back in August. But after many ups and downs with the software, leaving the rest of us somewhat confused as to what exactly they were going to do with webOS.
Open-sourcing webOS will make the platform more practical. Developers will be given access to the code so they can easily make applications for the software, and there will even be an HP webOS Developer Program so app creators can qualify for benefits designed to develop and market apps for webOS devices. Some of these benefits include developer marketing asset kits, HP co-marketing opportunities, loaner devices, enhanced support, and access to market development funds.
And with their coming brand overhaul and other exciting partnerships, things are looking good for the longstanding IT corporation.
(via Market Watch & Engadget; photo via ZDNet)
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