The company said it will discontinue operations for webOS devices, specifically the TouchPad and webOS handsets

HP announced today that it will be putting an end to its efforts to enter the mobile space with webOS. In a statement released, the company said it will discontinue all operations for webOS devices, specifically the TouchPad tablet and webOS phones.

The shocking move came as a completely suprise to both investors, as well members of the media. Up until now, everyone knew HP was having issues, but hardly expected this.

HP acquired the webOS platform in 2010 as part of its $1.2 billion Palm buy. Since then, the company has launched a single tablet, the TouchPad, and two smartphones, the HP Pre2 and the HP Veer. None have been very successful.

HP has said it will continue to explore options to optimize the value of webOS software going forward. A sale of the software isn’t out of the question, and likely expected (are you listening HTC?).

As ZDNet points out, HP did not address how owners of existing webOS devices, including the only recently released TouchPad tablet will be affected. Will these customers get refunds? Will the market shut down?  No one really seems to know.

While things are sort of up in the air at this point, expect a big play from the likes of Google, Microsoft, or possibly Apple in the coming weeks.

Source: Know Your Cell – Cell Phone News, Reviews, Features and More