In a somewhat surprising move, HP yesterday killed off the HP TouchPad and is shutting down the WebOS operations at HP. 

As part of the transformation, HP announced that its board of directors has authorized the exploration of strategic alternatives for the company's Personal Systems Group. HP will consider a broad range of options that may include, among others, a full or partial separation of PSG from HP through a spin-off or other transaction. (See accompanying press release.)

HP will discontinue operations for webOS devices, specifically the TouchPad and webOS phones. The devices have not met internal milestones and financial targets. HP will continue to explore options to optimize the value of webOS software going forward.

Link - http://h30261.www3.hp.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=71087&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1598003&highlight=

Many have speculated WebOS could have been a formidable competitor to Apple’s iOS, but it’s not a big surprise considering sales for the TouchPad were very weak.  HP also seems to be ditching the PC business which will also make for a very interesting dent in the PC landscape.


Comments
on Aug 19, 2011

Sounds like a good time to pick up HP stock actually. 

on Aug 19, 2011

It's a huge disappointment.

WebOS offered true multitasking, and only one year ago HP bought PalmOS for $1.2 billion... from which WebOS came.

Great. For $100 less pick up an unsupported device. Very sad.

on Aug 19, 2011

The problem with WebOS and any other "competitor" to the iPad is the lack of apps.

on Aug 19, 2011

Bye, sorry you couldn't stick around, but that's how it is in the big world of business.

on Aug 19, 2011

HP killed the touchpad yesterday?  But I saw an ad for it on TV today!  Cable is sure behind the times.

It seems that Apple is still on the hunt for consumer electronic dominance. Now all they have to do is overtake Google (maker of Android).

I guess that an Apple a day will keep the TouchPad away, permanently. 

on Aug 19, 2011

C-ya later. Stay in touch.

on Aug 21, 2011

TouchPads were being sold off yesterday for as little as $99........Virtually everywhere is the US has now sold out

on Aug 21, 2011

The updates to this story make it clear that they are NOT killing WebOS, just the hardware they were having trouble getting marlet traction with.

on Aug 21, 2011

Funny - just saw a TV ad for the NEW TouchPad on CBS.

on Aug 21, 2011

We may have just witnessed a lesson in economics.....sell a couple for $400 or sell every friggin one made for $99......I'd look for the Touchpad to be back and you might see the other brands dropping their prices as well.

on Aug 22, 2011

I can just say So long...

on Aug 22, 2011

Wow, BestBuy, Sears and several other major retail stores sold out of HP TouchPad's in the last few days.  They were selling off the 16GB version for $99.99 and the 32GB version at $149.99.