HP “Studying” Android As An OS for PCs

When I read that HP was “studying” Android as a possible OS for PCs, I felt skeptical: I have, after all, received way too many April Fool’s Day press releases today– and have even fallen for a few. But as it turns out, it’s true. HP spokesperson Marlene Somsak confirmed that the company is evaluating Android as a possible Linux offering, but emphasized that the company isn’t “making any statement of intent.” In other words, don’t hold your breath– yet– for an Android-powered HP Mini. Not to jump the gun– or gloat– but we called it. Not six weeks ago, Mark predicted that Android would take off on netbooks because it’s a household name, has plenty of apps in development, and will be a cheaper alternative to Windows 7, among other reasons. Like other companies, HP has sold plenty of units running Windows XP, and has also spent time and money developing its own flavor of Linux, the Ubuntu-based Mi. Nevertheless, said Somsak in a statement, HP “wants to understand all the OS choices in the marketplace that may be used by its competitors, and remains open to considering various approaches to meet its own customer needs.”