Will HP make the TouchPad Tablet and the Windows 8 Tablet?

The HP TouchPad tablet came out, in part, because HP purchased Palm and was anxious to have hardware available to compete with the iPad; especially since Microsoft was not pushing it’s own tablet as fast as possible. However, the HP TouchPad comes with WebOS. So the question that comes up is, if Microsoft uses HP to build its tablet, will HP abandon WebOS? Or, will HP make the TouchPad Tablet and the Windows 8 Tablet?

HP TouchPad Tablet

WebOS

WebOS is a graphical user interface that for use on devices with touchscreens. It works by using multi-touch gestures to navigate on the touchscreen. WebOS does not natively include a virtual keyboard application as the devices include slide-out keyboards, however, users can obtain virtual keyboards through patching. The interface uses “cards” to manage multitasking. Therefore, WebOS is a good operating system for use at the tablet level. Then what will happen when Windows 8 makes its debut, which also has touchscreen capabilities.

Microsoft and HP

Part of the answer is that you have to look at the relationship between HP and Microsoft. HP the biggest PC maker in the world, or certainly in the top three, will continue to be the go-to company that Microsoft will use for its Windows 8 deployment. Consider that HP stood by Microsoft when the XP tablet stalled, and continues to be a reliable hardware manufacturer for Microsoft.  So then, what will HP do with its TouchPad? Can HP support two competing tablet products, its own using WebOS and Microsoft’s, which will use Windows 8?

The Current System

When HP came out with the TouchPad, it deliberately avoided using Android in the OS system. After all, it had just purchased Palm, where WebOS originated. At this time HP is content with the OS structure it currently has on its system of computer. First there is WebOS on a tablet and Windows 7 on its current PC’s and finally Windows 7 on Slate, it’s current Microsoft tablet. With Windows 8 coming on line next year, will HP repeat the scenario, with WebOS on a table, Windows 8 on PC’s, and Windows 8 on a different tablet?

Source: FastCompany

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