Hewlett-Packard has stepped into the tablet market with the launch of its WebOS powered tablet computer, the TouchPad, on the 1st of July. However, it is interesting to note is that HP has not used Android for the project. It left no stones unturned in order to avoid the Google made mobile platform, spending $1.2 billion last year to take over Palm, and spending more in developing the company’s very popular platform, the WebOS.
HP has tried an approach which is different from most of the other computer makers and big technology firms by designing and controlling its own operating system. In the light of the success of Apple’s iOS based products and now HP’s TouchPad, it is being said that Google and Microsoft have lost an opportunity wherein they could have manufactured devices on their own and run them with their operating systems, Android and Windows respectively, rather than building it solely for other device makers.
Hewlett-Packard is currently the world’s largest personal computer maker, commanding a global market share more than other major players in the market such as Dell, Lenovo, Toshiba, and even Apple. Google and Microsoft will lose a considerable amount of revenue if HP is able to extend even the slightest of such influence over the tablet market as well. The ever expanding market for mobiles and tablets is expected to reach $75 billion, according to predictions of experts. Microsoft supplies Windows software to HP computers and the financial implications from this is not likely to extend to the growing market. Google also stands to lose a huge part in the consumer electronics market after putting Android in Samsung, Motorola and Toshiba tablets.
However, it isn’t known for certain if HP will produce and sell tablets that run only WebOS, or some other software as well. HP’s Personal Systems president Phil McKinney expressed the company’s view on Android, remarking that the company has no interest in the platform. Its drawbacks were heavily criticized by company’s executives.
However, experts say Windows 8 might change HP’s stance. The latest operating system from Microsoft was displayed with pomp and show at AllThingsD 2011, with its sleek look being the talk of the town. Essentially built for mobiles, Windows 8 has a uniform user interface in tablets, smart phones, and computers. Since HP sells laptops and computers using Windows OS, there are chances that the new operating system will come up on the tablets as well, along with WebOS. McKinney refused to divulge details over Windows 8, and just said that they were in discussions with Microsoft over it.
His interview strongly suggested there might be a Windows 8 HP tablet further down the road. Richard Kerris, VP of developers, also said that given the company’s close relation with Microsoft, one should not rule out anything for certain. However, he added that there are currently no efforts over Windows 8. HP currently manufactures the Slate 500, which operates on Windows 7.
