Companies Allowed To Use WebOS - HP

Mobile phone manufacturers are allowed to develop devices that support webOS, according to the chief executive of Hewlett-Packard.

The mobile operating system was initially created by Palm, but it was later acquired by HP.

Speaking at this year's D9 conference in California, HP boss Leo Apotheker said: "I happen to believe that WebOS is a uniquely outstanding operating system. It's not correct to believe that it should only be on HP devices."

Responding to questions whether the technology giant would licence the OS to other firms, particularly HTC, he answered: "It is certainly something we would entertain."

During Qualcomm's Uplinq conference, HP's Jon Rubinstein said that the firm is planning to collaborate with "one or two special companies" to develop handsets running webOS.

However, he insisted that manufacturers already providing other mobile operating systems will not be included in the deal.

Mr Rubinstein is the senior vice president and general manager at HP. He was serving as the chief executive of Palm before HP bought the company last year.

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