WebOS 3.0 SDK is out now, software developers get going

If you’ve been wanting to develop some hot apps for the new HP TouchPad with webOS 3.0, now is your chance to get started. The webOS 3.0 SDK is available now for you devs who are in HP’s Early Access Program and want to get cracking on applications early.

If you’re currently a webOS developer and aren’t in the Early Access Program, you can still sign up for it. It’s pretty much the only way you can get your hands on the SDK right now in order to start developing or refining apps for the coming OS. Not a webOS developer yet? You can get in touch with HP/Palm by emailing them here.

With the webOS 3.0 SDK, here’s what you’ll be able to do:

• Use Enyo, the new framework that supports new and future webOS form factors
• Leverage core webOS features like Just Type, Synergy, Exhibition and more
• Reference new UI components, layouts and application examples
• Get helpful guidance on app structuring, design and navigation for TouchPad

HP and Palm also say:

In addition to developing apps for the TouchPad, developers are well-positioned for a larger opportunity. HP is using webOS to create a seamless, secure and connected experience across a multitude of products from smartphones, tablets, PCs, printers and other products, both for consumers and the enterprise. As HP expands the footprint of webOS, developers that invest in webOS today can leverage their work and deliver apps to potentially millions of devices every year.

Jumping on the webOS bandwagon this year may be a smart choice given the new tablets and smartphones that HP will be releasing. Aside from the iPad 2, the only other tablet that really had me excited this year was the HP TouchPad. It looks like a solid piece of hardware, and webOS just seems so much more polished and elegant than Android 3.0 Honeycomb. The only problem is the lack of apps and a relatively weak developer ecosystem. Hopefully that will change soon, which means you devs should really get on it!

[Via: HP]