HP to develop WebOS for IT services and tablet PCs, say Acer chairman and Digitimes analysts Tweet

Acer chairman JT Wang said in a recent interview that he believes Hewlett Packard's acquisition of Palm is not purely for smartphone development, but to also strengthen its push into back-end IT services for MIDs (mobile Internet device). The US$1.2 billion acquisition is a huge investment and the actual effects remain to be seen, Wang added.

Digitimes Research senior analyst Mingchi Kuo pointed out that WebOS is one of the very few platforms that enable smooth multi-tasking, and it is suitable for both smartphones and MIDs. With the deal, HP is likely to make a strong move into the 10-inch and under MID market, he said.

HP is currently using Windows 7, Android and Meego in the development of its line of Slate tablet PCs, but all three operating systems have their weaknesses – Windows 7's fast battery consumption, Android's low resolution, and Meego is not market ready, Kuo said, and hence it's logical for HP to want to build a platform of its own.

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