HP Dubs Reports of WebOS Shutdown 'Unfounded Rumors'

By Jane McEntegart
published

Is webOS here to stay?

Ever since HP killed off the TouchPad and Pre line of smartphones, the company has been facing rumors that WebOS is on the chopping block. too. The latest reports say the company will decide the fate of webOS in November, however, the company has been rumored to be mulling a decision on webOS for the last few weeks.

This past weekend, HP attempted to put any rumors regarding a webOS shutdown to bed. Executive Vice President Todd Bradley spoke to Bloomberg on Saturday about the company's plans for its personal systems group. HP just last week decided that it would not be spinning off or selling its PSG unit following weeks of speculation as to what the company would do with that part of its business. During the interview, Emily Chang asked Bradley about webOS.

"I think tablets, and specifically WebOS, have very unique capabilities," Bradley responded. "You know, what we did was stop making WebOS tablets. We're continuing to invest in WebOS software -- in fact last week we refreshed with an update of that software for the over one million users that have WebOS products today. So our next focus now that we've resolved the question surrounding the PC business is to determine how we'll best utilize WebOS and the great software assets that we have."

When asked directly what we should make of reports that HP is considering shutting webOS down completely, Bradley said there was no truth to the reports:

"I think you should make of [the report of a WebOS shutdown] as an unfounded rumor. Our focus with WebOS is how we effectively utilize that phenomenal software and that phenomenal talent we have in that piece of our business."

HP CEO Meg Whitman said last week that the company will make a decision on webOS within the next couple of months. Bradley says when it comes to the future of the operating system, he's determined to gather all the appropriate information and data to ensure the company makes the right decision.

Are you a fan of webOS? Would you like to see it on devices other than the likes of printers? Let us know in the comments below!

Jane McEntegart
12 Comments Comment from the forums
  • estebanhillcoat
    Of course!!! NOKIA should have bought WebOS and stay competitive in the smartphone business. The problem with HP is that nobody believes they invest in WebOS. In fact nobody believes in HP.
    Lets hope some real big and serious company like Samsung or lenovo picks WebOS. The only mobile OS that really rivals iOS.
    Reply
  • eddieroolz
    If anything HP brought this unto themselves with the constant mismanagement of information.
    Reply
  • Thunderfox
    I don't believe it simply because if HP were going to do something that would imply that they have some kind of plan, and that's simply too hard to believe.
    Reply
  • WebOs for the touchpad is very intuitive. It is easy to setup and is very easy to use. Aps work well on it also. The WebOs tech support has been very useful. They professionally answer questions and provide understandable assistance.
    Reply
  • TheKurrgan
    webOS was a mistake of HP's in the first place. Palm was dying, and frankly it simply couldn't stand on its own next to iOS or Android. Windows Phone 7 can barely take a piece of that pie, and Microsoft has some pretty deep pockets, not to mention superior engineering (IMO) to Palm.
    Why HP invested into it in the first place is a mystery, and it doesn't take a genius to see that HP made a mistake, and whitman being the politician she is, will down play and never admit that "Yeah, it was a screw up, but we can't admit it just yet lest we look like a bunch of idiots for buying it in the first place since our first play on it died on the vine so miserably.... well you get the point.. webOS is ACTUALLY GREAT!"
    Its all posturing and hoping to dodge another stock down turn. webOS is dead as fried chicken.
    I know it, you know it. and HP knows it, they just can't admit it yet.
    Reply
  • Palm put together the best user interface, real multitasking, wireless charging, and wireless cloud services two years ago. Synergy is the quickest and easiest way to check email, calendars, and manage contacts. While that sounds like marketing, its true. Unfortunately, they delivered all this with inferior hardware and incomplete features. They were broke. HP buys them and delivers nothing to the existing user base. Nothing. I bought a touchpad as a sidekick to my nonexistent Pre3 that HP built but didn't sell. HP can burn in ****.
    Reply
  • blobos
    Having gotten my hands on a touchpad, I think the interface is great. But since it doesn't have enough apps I'm using android (cm7). If that's what android is like, I much prefer webOS. Being able to open multiple pdf documents and not having to use a task manager to make sure the apps are closed is really great. But with no apps I've got no use for it besides booting ubuntu.
    Reply
  • ethanolson
    I have a TouchPad and an iPad2. The iPad is smoother but I use the TouchPad way more because it is nicer to use overall. I hope Win8 will be everything I think it will be so I can actually get a real office tool in my hands next year.
    Reply
  • americanbrian
    I have a Pre 3 and it rocks. It can do pretty much anything an iphone 4 can do (at least that I need it to do, skype video calling, GPS, led flashlight, sweet camera.)

    I think it is a real shame because it is so easy to use and is really professionally useful.
    Reply
  • g00ey
    It would be great if they opened up the source completely and made it compete with Android.
    Reply