The Open WebOS Project won’t support existing hardware, according to a blog post published yesterday. The project blog announced it’ll be focusing its efforts on future SoC’s that support the Linux 3.3+ Kernel, or where open source replacements for proprietary components are available. Those hoping to get a little extra life out of their Palm Pres and HP Touchpads will have to settle for your current WebOS (or Android) build, as HP has decided against making the proprietary drivers available to the Open WebOS team.
“For Open WebOS we are aiming for support on future hardware platforms where SoC’s support Linux 3.3+ kernel and where open source replacements for proprietary components are integrated. Existing devices cannot be supported because of those many proprietary components, including graphics, networking and lack of drivers for a modern kernel (but of course, there is the Community Edition for those interested in improving the TouchPad).”
As WebOS Nation points out, there’s a growing number of Android devices out there that support the Linux 3.3+ Kernel, and a Samsung Galaxy S III that dual-boots Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and WebOS sounds like a dream come true personally. Perhaps we’ll see this (and other) combination soon.