Samsung webOS Could Take On iOS And Android
August 29, 2011
Samsung is rumored to be interested in purchasing webOS from HP, according to news first reported by Apple Insider. The move, if correct, could worsen the already strained relationship between Apple and the South Korean tech giant.
Just days after HP announced plans to sell off its PC business and scrap webOS software, comes word Samsung is considering purchasing the software originally developed by Palm.
Accordingly, such a move would strengthen Samsung against not only Apple, but also Google, who owns Android OS.
Earlier this month, Google announced it will acquire Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion. The deal gives Google access to Motorola's extensive patent portfolio, but also puts the search giant into the hardware business, as Motorola is a significant manufacturer of Android-powered devices.By purchasing webOS, Samsung could power its line of smartphones and tablets, and also “differentiate its Windows-based PC business.” Since earlier this year, Apple and Samsung has been embroiled in a number of legal disputes, with the Cupertino, California-based company accusing the other of copying the iPhone and iPhone when designing its line of mobile devices. While both companies remain business partners (Samsung supplies parts for iDevices), rumors suggest that could change with the release of the iPad 3 in 2012, when Apple could drop Samsung as a supplier.
