The VAR Guy

My favorite dubious rumors site DigiTimes.com has suggested Samsung is looking into buying HP’s webOS division in an effort to combat Apple and gain a few useful Palm patents. My opinion? Sounds like a good idea for Samsung. Here’s why …

Currently, Samsung is embroiled in a battle with Apple over a multitude of patent and look and feel issues regarding Samsung’s hardware and software that look a little bit too much like the iPhone, iPad and iOS for Apple’s taste. I personally don’t understand Apple’s reasons — Samsung devices wouldn’t be easily confused for Apple devices — but I can see where Samsung’s offerings have some similarities where other Android devices don’t. I believe Apple is attacking Samsung to put the fear in other device manufacturers to make sure their wares are distinctly different from Apple’s.

So what’s more different from iOS than webOS? It’s essentially the only mobile operating system out there offering a new paradigm to mobile computing with its special style of multitasking. Even though my sentiments about the TouchPad were less than enthusiastic (yes, even at $99) I still have a soft spot for webOS. Samsung buying webOS would mean the company could drop Android, resurrect webOS, pick up some Palm patents, and steer clear of Apple. Samsung also could be the perfect candidate to truly integrate and innovate with webOS and pick up where HP failed, since Samsung manufactures RAM, CPUs and displays.

Although it has been suggested that Google’s purchase of Motorola Mobility was for the patents, I still believe Google will eventually release a 100 percent Google phone, putting Android partners at considerable risk. The acquisition of webOS could be Samsung’s strategy to counter Google and Apple at the same time. DigiTimes shares my feelings on this, but I’ve got a bigger idea.

What if Samsung completely built its business around webOS, pushing out a plethora of optimized and sexy webOS devices including where HP left off, say, with webOS notebooks? It’s clear people love webOS, so would a greater selection of webOS entice the consumer? Whatever the case, if Samsung does pick up webOS, I hope it doesn’t rush a single thing out the door. I’d love to see webOS succeed and innovate, creating some real competition for Apple and Google alike.

Read More About This Topic

• HP Outlines Plan to Shift webOS to Open Source Community
• Article Suggests Mismanagement Doomed WebOS from the Start
• HP Still Undecided on Fate of webOS, But Does it Matter?
• HP Offering TouchPads as Part of Retail Computer Bundle
• HP Backpedals, Decides Not to Sell Personal Systems Group