Given the stiff competition webOS faced in the marketplace, it’s tempting to just say that webOS has failed. The truth is that we don’t really know if webOS could have succeeded given HP’s utter inability to execute on the basics of making smartphones and tablets.
I think it’s better to say this: HP failed webOS.
I agree. HP didn’t push the webOS team to build anything besides a mediocre tablet, really. By pushing to get it out the door in a year, HP showed as little concern about the product as I think some Android tablet builders show.
HP could have thrown its weight behind a slab-like device, like the iPhone or any other handset out there that sells well. The Veer and Pre 3 are just variations on the same design and the same phone Palm tried selling for years. It could have gotten developers on board with incentives. It could have gotten its phones on more carriers.
But it didn’t. It let the Palm group do what it always did — which hasn’t ever worked. Bohn is right, webOS didn’t fail — HP failed it by letting it languish, after such great promises.
I really hope HTC picks it up. With the Google/Motorola Mobility thing hanging over its head, I’d imagine HTC is looking for other options besides Android. Maybe the third time is the charm?