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Hewlett-Packard Enters Tablet Market with TouchPad and WebOS

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Hewlett-Packard's entry into the tablet market comes as the company bets on its new operating system, webOS, to compete with market leaders Apple and devices running Google's Android. The TouchPad, the company's first tablet, is priced competitively against the iPad, with a WiFi-only model launching first, followed by a 3G-compatible version later in the year. The tablet runs on Palm's well-regarded webOS and features a fast dual-core Qualcomm chip, video calling capabilities, and Adobe System's Flash software.

Key Takeaways:

  • HP's TouchPad tablet runs on Palm's webOS operating system and features a 9.7-inch display, a fast dual-core Qualcomm chip, video calling capabilities, and Adobe System's Flash software.
  • The tablet will be priced competitively against the iPad, with a WiFi-only model launching first, followed by a 3G-compatible version later in the year.
  • HP has forged partnerships with content providers, including Amazon.com and Time Warner Inc, to bring exclusive content to webOS devices.
  • HP plans to leverage its massive global footprint, with over 1 billion customers in 174 countries, to sell webOS devices.
  • Analysts say a robust ecosystem of apps is key to success on mobile devices, and HP will need to spend time and energy enticing software makers to build for webOS.
  • HP has made a commitment to extend the webOS footprint to multiple devices, including personal computers, later this year.
  • HP plans to "complement" Microsoft's Windows software on PCs, rather than displace it.

Statistics:

  • The smartphone market is expected to rise 25% this year, according to Research group IDC.
  • The tablet market is expected to more than triple this year, according to industry tracker iSuppli.
  • Less than 10% growth is expected in the PC market this year, according to IDC.
  • HP has over 1 billion customers in 174 countries, with 88,000 retail locations.
  • The market for connected devices is roughly $160 billion and growing fast.

Sources:

  • I Media LLC 2011
  • Research in Motion Ltd
  • Forrester Research
  • Amazon.com
  • Time Warner Inc
  • IDC
  • iSuppli
  • HP news release

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