Hewlett-Packard Co.’s (HPQ) decision to stop making hardware for its webOS platform on the heels of Google Inc.’s (GOOG) proposed acquisition of Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc. (MMI) gives Google yet another advantage in the operating system wars. While HTC Corp. (HTCXF) and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (SSNLF) might have wanted to adopt another OS to counter any fears that Motorola will gain an advantage with the Android OS, the device manufacturers now likely have one less option.
HP has said it is looking at licensing deals, but since the company itself won’t be making hardware, it is effectively killing the OS. HTC, Samsung, LG Electronics Co. Ltd. and other Android manufacturers could license webOS to counter their Android dependence, but probably won’t bother because developer support for the webOS platform is low.
That said, Microsoft Corp.’s (MSFT) Windows Phone 7 OS could see a boost if any of the manufacturers thinks it is in their interest to support another platform. Earlier this year, Nokia Corp. (NOK) said it would partner with Microsoft rather than adopt the Android platform. At Qualcomm Inc.’s Uplinq Conference earlier this year, Stephen Elop, Nokia president and CEO said this: “Jumping into the Android pool felt a little bit like giving in,” he said. “There’s a strong attitude in the company that you don’t give in. You fight harder.”
Windows Phone 7 still faces an uphill battle, however, in a game where Android and Apple Inc.’s proprietary system dominate.
