It's all about software this week as Google acquires a hardware business and Hewlett-Packard Co. gets rid of one.
Who wants webOS?: HP doesn't want to build the hardware for webOS, but it may have to convince someone else to, since it can't license a platform it's giving up on. The companies that are emerging as potential suitors for the operating system have included the obvious handset makers without an OS to call their own, High Tech Computer Corp. (HTC) , LG-Ericsson Co. Ltd. or Samsung Corp. , and then some non-hardware players like Facebook or Amazon.com Inc.
What's next for HTC: Speaking of HTC, the company sent out press invites teasing a pre-IFA press event to "see what's next." Samsung has a competing event set for the same date, Sept. 1. Both will likely show off their forthcoming Android-based handset lineups, but -- given the news storm of late -- there could be a surprise or two in the mix.
Samsung seeks software: HTC and Samsung are smart to be thinking about what's next now that Google is set to own Motorola Mobility Inc. Most seem torn over whether the deal is good for Android's handset partners because of the patent protection or bad because it potentially makes Google their hardware competitor. Either way, Samsung isn't sitting idly by. The South Korean company is reportedly stepping up its software game, looking to acquire companies and talent to make sure it stays competitive at both the hardware and the OS level.
Apple weasels in: Apple Inc. never likes to sit out a busy news week, letting others hog the limelight. This week was no different as rumors popped up that the iPhone maker is testing Long Term Evolution (LTE) devices with its carrier partners. The latest in the iPhone 5 saga also has an AT&T Inc. VP telling employees to gear up for a "really, really busy next 35-50 days." With August slipping away, most now believe the iPhone 5 will be announced at the end of September and shipped in early October.
Happy new iPad 3!: Luckily Apple never has to be the one making the news splash, because rumor-mongers always do it for the Cupertino giant. According to The Wall Street Journal's sources, Apple is working with components suppliers for the next version of its iPad, set to launch early next year. iPad 3 is expected to have a larger, high-res touchscreen, and the company has reportedly placed parts orders for about 1.5 million iPad 3s in the fourth quarter.
