HP’s takeover of Palm made the requisite number of headlines yesterday, but now that the news has sunk in, it is time to ponder what exactly the PC and printer giant will do with what was one of the most innovative smartphone manufacturers or all time. We take a look at five possible scenarios.
HP uses Palm’s Web OS platform for its range of tablets and netbooks, while keeping Palm’s range of smartphones intact: a dream scenario, but unlikely considering that HP has already promoted a number of its tablets as running on Windows 7. And HP has always had a cozy relationship with the big M.
HP continues Palm’s range of smartphones under the Palm brandname, building on the Pre and its successors: Cellphone lovers and Palm loyalists will love this one, and honestly, it seems very likely given the fact that it is the safest option for HP. The Pre was not a bad device, and HP’s marketing muscle could perhaps make it the commercial success that the cash-strapped Palm could not.
HP uses Web OS to revive its own smartphone range: We did not mind the iPaq range but honestly are not too sure whether the Web OS would look good on enterprise phones. We are just hoping this does not happen. The iPaq did just dandy with Win Mo.
HP continues the Palm Pre and other Palm devices, but under its own name: Yes, it would be the same devices, but HP would either put them under one of its existing brands or come out with a new one for them. This would be the most radical strategy out there and we would actually like to see how HP uses it, especially for forthcoming devices.
HP retires Palm gracefully and uses its team to work on its products: It may have been brought to its knees, but Palm did some excellent people on its team and HP could use them for its own products and make Palm history. No, we do not really see this happening, but there is always a chance.
So that is just five of the many scenarios that could emerge from the takeover. We are rooting for number one but actually fear that four could happen. Whatever does transpire, the future is bound to be interesting. And just about everyone in the tech world – from the PC and tablet manufacturers to those in the smartphones business will be watching. Of course, so will we. Watch this space for news- and rumours – of developments.
