HP = Yawn + Fail

It's still too early to know whats going to happen with WebOS, however, what we have heard does not give us any reassurance of its survival or success. This is sad because after iOS, WebOS is probably the best crafted mobile OS.
Unfortunately, Palm and HP seem to have paired a great OS with even greater potential to be a contender with hardware that both times left a lot to be desired.

All that WebOS could be...

We wish Amazon bought it and turn it into a winner. There you have it, that's what we really wish. This might never come to pass. However, this is what we think HP, if it were to keep WebOS under its roof could do:

Be the alternative OS

Capitalize on the fear Android's licensees must be feeling. Offer all interested OEMs an irresistible deal. Make the current version free for a year.Not just undercut Windows Phone 7 pricing, but offer the best of all worlds. Allow potential licensees the ability to sell services (default search, mail, etc) to the highest bidder. Allow certified and install-at-your-own-risk apps. Invest in the continuos development of the platform.

Beyond mobile

Turn WebOS into an all-in-one OS (phone, tablet and desktop) and other dreams...but who are we kidding? HP will never do be able to pull it off because it lacks vision and the drive to be the great company it once was.