HP unveils webOS 2.0

Palm, the fabled mobile devices company, released the original webOS to counter the threat coming from Apple’s iOS, RIM’s Blackberry and Google’s Android mobile platforms to name but a few. The tide had clearly shifted from hardware to software and although webOS 1.0 was roundly praised by critics for great functionality and interface design it failed to sell as anticipated, resulting in Palm almost going under. Until HP stepped in to acquire it for a tidy sum that is, largely on the strength of webOS.

The user interface design of webOS 2.0 is now cleaner due to some graphic elements being changed resulting in a more refined interface design that is also more legible. A good example of this is with the launcher and search apps (now dubbed Just Type). According to tech analyst Joshua Topolsky the launcher now has clearer navigational elements in its UI, and the search function now provides a “clearer delineation of sections” as well as more options that improve on the OS’ usability.

The overall navigation of the user interface design is improved with the introduction of Stacks as well as the aforementioned search app. The new Quick Actions API allows users to, for example, just type an intended status update in the search field and then through Quick Actions launch the Facebook app with all text transferred directly into the app’s UI. Stacks allows users to better organize their multitasking and overall navigation by grouping apps within the user interface. Users can create, for example, a social stack for social networking apps etc. Whatever you do in a stack that launches a new card, such as a new link or page, they remain grouped within that stack allowing users to easily navigate.

Options like these strengthen the notion that webOS is not merely trying to be a copycat of Apple’s iOS interface design features and functionality in a bid to play catch-up but instead focusing on innovating. As far as the software is concerned webOS is the underdog that matches and in some cases outdoes the competition. The goal for the company now would be to get as many developers on board as possible to take advantage of the OS and create apps with great UI designs and usability.