Does HTC Have Its Sights Set on Acquiring webOS from HP?

HTC announced it is considering buying a mobile OS to use in its mobile devices rather than working with the mobile OSes of other companies. One such OS is HP’s webOS, but is it the right choice for HTC? Here’s the scoop …

Thanks to the English edition of Focus Taiwan, we know HTC chairwoman Cher Wang noted her company is on the prowl for a mobile operating system that can help HTC compete in more markets. As far as purchasing webOS from HP, Wang’s official statement is as follows:

“We have given it thought and we have discussed it internally, but we will not do it on impulse …”

HTC’s strengths in understanding mobile OS technology is what sets the company apart from its competitors, Wang said. HTC is often known for adding usability layers such as its HTC Sense UI to Android to better differentiate itself in the marketplace. HTC is also well-known for its interesting and often attractive hardware. According to Focus Taiwan, Wang believes Google’s purchase of Motorola Mobility was the “correct” move, but HTC’s own actions in discussing the purchase or development of its own mobile OS leads me to believe the company is hedging its bets with Google (and Microsoft) on the outcome of the mobile OS war.

I’ve stated a few times that I believe webOS would be a real differentiator in the marketplace if the right company was behind it, and I felt the same way when this rumor passed around that Samsung was going to buy webOS. But Wang’s statements beg a bigger question for the industry: Why is everyone so cautious about touching webOS? I think it has something to do with webOS not quite being “dead” yet, especially amid HP’s decision to green light one last Touch Pad run soon. Manufacturers may be unsure how HP will approach selling or licensing webOS; they could be letting HP’s own dust settle before making investments or partnerships with HP or any spinoffs.

But one thing is clear: HTC, Samsung and plenty other handset makers may be wary of Google Android and the future it has in the mobile marketplace. Like the old adage says, don’t put all your eggs in one basket.