HP has confirmed that they are currently working on a tablet that runs their recently acquired WebOS.
According to a memo circulated by a senior executive, the company is currently developing applications as well as assessing applications that were developed for the Palm range of mobile phones that ran on WebOS.
The device could be a major competitor to the Apple iPad as the operating systems are very similar say analysts.
HP’s Peter Helm has likened its upcoming webOS tablet to Apple’s. In addition to saying the former Palm team was going “full speed ahead” with an apps initiative after being acquired, he explained to developers that HP was working on both webOS for more phones as well as “tablet-style devices similar to the iPad.”
According to Eleconista, Helm’s comments are likely to give developers a frame of reference for the experience of the tablets, but they show the company at least conscious of Apple’s effect on developers.
They claim that HP has been conscious of Apple’s tablet plans since even before the iPad was unveiled as it had a prototype of the Windows 7 Slate.
Yesterday HP launched a printer with an Android tablet as a hybrid control interface and media device.
Insiders are tipping a 2011 launch for the device.
