HP looks to license webOS platform

HP is in discussions with a "number of companies" about the potential use of its webOS platform on tablets and devices.

The Linux-based mobile operating system developed by the now HP-owned Palm currently runs mostly on the company's own portable devices.

According to reports, chief executive Leo Apotheker has revealed that HP is now hoping to license the platform to other manufacturers to gain a bigger share of the lucrative market.

Google's Android is currently the leading operating system for smartphones, and vendors looking for a second platform to support have only the Windows Phone as a real option.

The webOS can easily step in to fill this gap, says IDC's Francisco Jeronimo who believes the platform is user friendly and "HP is strong when it comes to branding, marketing and distribution".

Among the manufacturers rumoured to be interested in webOS for their smartphones and tablet devices is Samsung.

"I can share with you that a number of companies have expressed interest," Mr Apotheker was quoted by Bloomberg as saying in Beijing. "We are continuing our conversations."

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