HP to Contribute webOS to Open Source

It really is going to be interesting to see how far webOS goes with this approach. I'm glad they did this, webOS is a great OS and is really nice to use on tablets.

Re: HP to Contribute webOS to Open Source

#5

Post by sjs » Fri, Dec 09, 2011, 6:48 PM UTC

"under an open source license" is vague. I hope more details emerge soon. If it's a liberal license this could be very interesting.

Without a group leading development the project may languish so ideally a competent group, with a vision, decides to run with webOS.

Re: HP to Contribute webOS to Open Source

#6

Post by yoda_sl » Fri, Dec 09, 2011, 6:49 PM UTC

Interesting solution to their problem with webOS. I am not convinced that open sourcing it without any HP hardware to officially run it or any announcement of partners that will produce compatible hardware will allow webOS to take off. At least this is a potential credible alternative to Android open source model... if some HW folks decide to go with it.

[copied from my previous comment on the 'precentral' news]

Re: HP to Contribute webOS to Open Source

#7

Post by mchanson » Fri, Dec 09, 2011, 6:50 PM UTC

I'm really interested to see if this means WebOS would compete with Android in a meaningful way. Google puts a lot of work into outreach/support/evangelism to handset makers and I think also carriers. Android's big because of being open, but also because of all of the efforts Google is making. HP is not really known for being reliable lately in their strategic direction... My prediction (for all that is worth) is that this doesn't change the landscape very much.

Totally interesting. Can't wait to see what happens.

Re: HP to Contribute webOS to Open Source

#8

Post by thehodge » Fri, Dec 09, 2011, 6:51 PM UTC

Was half expecting them to donate it to the apache foundation.. seems to be the in thing to do right now

Re: HP to Contribute webOS to Open Source

#9

Post by dlikhten » Fri, Dec 09, 2011, 6:52 PM UTC

yoda_sl wrote: post #6

Interesting solution to their problem with webOS. I am not convinced that open sourcing it without any HP hardware to officially run it or any announcement of partners that will produce compatible hardware will allow webOS to take off. At least this is a potential credible alternative to Android open source model... if some HW folks decide to go with it. [copied from my previous comment on the 'precentral' news]

Meh... No reason android devices can't be ported to webos.

Re: HP to Contribute webOS to Open Source

#10

Post by laconian » Fri, Dec 09, 2011, 6:54 PM UTC

How cool is this? I bet Touchpad buyers feel even better about that firesale buy. If XBMC is any indication, nothing can reanimate old hardware like dedicated OSS nerds.