More '$99 HP TouchPad Sales' on the Way if HTC Dumps Android for WebOS
HTC Corp. has enjoyed great success in running Android on its devices, but now the developer is setting its sights on obtaining its own operating system.
HTC is looking to purchase a new OS and currently is interested in HP’s webOS, according to International Business Times.
HP launched the TouchPad, which runs Palm’s webOS, after buying its creator Palm Inc. in July 2010.
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The device sold poorly and HP decided to discontinue production of webOS devices.
The tablet computer market is dominated by Apple who sell anywhere from 7 to 8 million units of the $499-and-up iPad every quarter.
Competitors realized early in the game that consumers would not pay that high of a price for a tablet that is not created by Apple.
Other tablets such as the Motorola Xoom, RIM’s Playbook and HP’s TouchPad received a less than lukewarm reception in the Apple dominated market.
Once HP decided to discontinue webOS products, it slashed the price of its TouchPad from $499 to $99 and the device immediately began to fly off the shelves.
It quickly became one of the hardest to find items in the market.
It seems that customers are looking for a much cheaper alternate to the iPad rather than a direct rival.
By HTC purchasing webOS and no longer using Android, the company would need to implement upgrades to the system and would not be able to impress developers if the platform does not penetrate the market.
If the rumors are true, commentators are saying that HTC may need to gather a loyal customer base by following in HP’s footsteps and slashing prices on its devices.
No official plans to buy the platform have been announced by HTC, but the company would be wise to find an alternative to Android since the system has caught heat recently from companies such as Oracle Inc. and Apple.
Androids creator, Google Inc, also recently purchased Motorola Mobility which will allow the company to produce its own tablets and smartphones.
