HP OS prospects faulted by Analysts

HP is expected to launch its webOS Touchpad tablet computer later today. Although the company has kept details officially secret, leaks suggest it could be a 9.7-inch tablet powered by a 1.2GHz processor, which would initially be available wifi only. Analysts have however dealt a blow to Palm’s plans to revitalise its mobile operating system with Barclays Capital Equity Research’s report in European Technology, prepared ahead of next week’s Mobile World Congress, states baldly, "We do not expect PalmOS to make a recover".

Barclays report states that "The roster of next-generation smartphone operating systems includes iOS, Android, RIM’s QNX, Windows Phone 7, and MeeGo from Nokia and Intel. We do not expect PalmOS to make a recovery. The first three of these have sufficient scale at present, assuming RIM can smoothly migrate its device portfolio and subscriber base of 60 million from BlackBerry OS 5 and 6. WP7 remains sub-scale thus far. None of the major handset OEMs has embraced WP7 aggressively. Samsung, LG and HTC have launched WP7 devices, but appear more supportive of Android."

In coming hours San Francisco tonight HP are set to launch a new set of tablet computers using the WebOS operating system. Their hope is that these new devices will challenge the dominance of Apple’s iPad and the rapid growth of Google Android devices that use the search giant’s special Honeycomb tablet operating system. Caris & Company analyst research note said that, excepting Wintel PCs and printers, HP has a poor track record entering new consumer electronics markets.

He pointed to unsuccessful attempts in MP3 players, TVs and handhelds and went on, "We see even bigger stakes and challenges in tablets/smartphones where in-house software is key. Yes, Palm brought its very well-regarded webOS and engineers, but not much market momentum. We remain skeptical HP can convince consumers and developers that webOS is even relevant." An analyst at JP Morgan has also said that availability of apps will be crucial, and that WebOS will be at a disadvantage. Visit My Website : http://wanarua.com