Another batch of open source webOS components released – but there’s some bad news. “For Open webOS we are aiming for support on future hardware platforms where SoC’s support Linux 3.3+ kernel and where open source replacements for proprietary components are integrated. Existing devices cannot be supported because of those many proprietary components, including graphics, networking and lack of drivers for a modern kernel (but of course, there is the Community Edition for those interested in improving the TouchPad).” So, which future hardware platforms? They must have something in mind, right?
In short they’re ditching all the potential developers who would come on board with their existing devices.
I see it as more of a Mozilla move, i.e., rather than looking back to Navigator, look forward to Firefox. Rather than looking back to last year’s tablets, look forward to next-gen systems.
I like it.
While my first preference would be for a Jolla MeeGo device (which I consider a real computer), this would probably be my second choice when my beloved N900 finally dies. I’ll settle for Android, though, if neither comes through with an attractive product.
Amen to that. My N900 is still kicking, though for how much longer I don’t know, and while I’ll take Android over iOS or WP7 any day, I’m really hoping for something more interesting from Jolla or whatever these guys have up their sleeve.
In reality, its more of RMS move. They aren’t living in the real world. They are explicitly stating that it will only support hardware that has open drivers. There has never been an arm based device with open drivers. I’m not sure why they think they will magically come into existence, unless HP is going to force an existing ARM maker to do it. Until the impossible happens, open webos will be confined to an emulator.
Additionally HP is only committed to making tablets, explicitly saying they won’t make phones.
Funny you mention Mozilla which has Firefox OS; a web based OS…
Shame really. Enyo is a pretty nice framework.
Enyo doesn’t require WebOS anymore. It’s already moved on to being cross-platform.
Yeah, I know. But if the project as a whole doesn’t get traction, it’s just another Javascript UI library.
I’m hoping the determined webOS developers will take the Community Edition as a base for drivers and port those to open webOS 1.0 (or backport open webOS 1.0’s new features).