Exclusive Interview With HP & WebOS Category Leader Sherief Ibrahim

07/05/2011 Comments Off on Exclusive Interview With HP & WebOS Category Leader Sherief Ibrahim HP Like

Our staff at LetsTalkTablets.com are pleased to announce the release of our exclusive interview with Sherief Ibrahim, webOS Category Leader for HP Canada. We feel very fortunate to have been granted this wonderful opportunity to discuss the new webOS 3.0 and the HP TouchPad with Sherief, one of the industries top experts. We know that HP is very busy at the moment preparing for the launch of their new tablet and operating system so we did our best to keep our questions short and sweet.

Before we get started we’d like to sincerely thank Sherief Ibrahim and HP Canada for taking time from their busy schedules to assist us in answering questions regarding their much anticipated new webOS 3.0 and TouchPad tablet. So, without any further adieu we hope you enjoy the following interview.

01) With all of the other tablet computers out on the market what sets your HP TouchPad apart from the rest?

There are a few things that set the HP TouchPad experience apart. For instance, webOS. It’s the power of next-level multitasking, Just Type and HP Synergy, which brings all your information together in an integrated, easy-to-access and easy-to-use way that no other mobile OS can match.

02) Do you have a primary target audience or is the HP TouchPad geared towards all types of individuals?

The HP TouchPad is designed to work the way you do. It’s for everyone, from CEOs to fashion designers and everyone in between. It’s for anyone who values technology as an important part of their lives both personally and professionally.

03) Where will the average consumer be able to purchase the HP TouchPad?

The HP TouchPad will be available in Canada at select retailers, hpshopping.ca and the HP Store Vancouver starting July 15. It is available for pre order now at hp.ca/touchpad.

04) What are the advantages of webOS 3.0?

The webOS 3.0 user experience delivers the best mobile user experience with:

True Multitasking – The TouchPad launches apps like playing cards. The TouchPad’s large screen and expansive memory really allows cards and card stacking to be taken to a whole new level. webOS can manage activities just like it’s done on your desktop. It’s a very natural way for users to work.
Grouped notifications – We have enhanced the notifications on the phone to take advantage of the screen, showing multiple notification types and now letting users triage them in place just by swiping. Expanded functionality allows the user to dismiss notifications one at a time, or the entire stack to triage communication and quickly indentify the most important messages.
Gestures – Since we have a larger screen, we no longer rely on a universal back gesture to get things done. We’re making more use of the Centre Button in this new UI that is already familiar to webOS users.
Versatile Keyboard – webOS’s first on-screen keyboard is unlike anything out there. Not only does it include letters and numbers in a familiar layout but it also offer adjustable sizes so that you can type fast and comfortably.

05) Why should people purchase the HP TouchPad over a laptop or other tablet?

Customers want choices that suit their needs and the HP TouchPad offers users the option. If a tablet is a better fit for an individual we’ve got a great one in TouchPad. If a netbook or notebook makes more sense we’ve got a several models as well. It all boils down to offering customers a wide range of products that can meet their needs.

06) In your opinion, do you think tablet computers are just a short-term fad or are they here to stay?

The overall market for connected devices and associated apps and services is still in its very early days. Analysts expect the world wide tablet market to grow by at least 3.5 times between 2010 and 2012. At this early stage, we feel there is opportunity for growth in the tablet market.

07) What percentage of the tablet market do you hope to capture?

Our goal isn’t about selling a particular number of devices. For HP, it’s about creating a holistic, cloud-based, connected experience delivered for the first time across devices. For example, with businesses, we provide a cloud-based mobility solution that can be integrated into HP enterprise solutions. We have a strong and differentiated value proposition — unique web-based technology that provides for the best mobile experience out there and the scale and reach of HP.

08) Similar to the PlayBook and BlackBerry smartphones, will people be able to sync their HP TouchPad with other Palm OS powered smartphones?

Our devices are built to offer a more connected experience. Users who have both an enabled webOS phone and a TouchPad can take advantage of three features:

The ability to send and receive SMS from the TouchPad
The ability to place and receive calls from the TouchPad
A “Touch to Share” feature that lets you easily move URLs between your TouchPad and an enabled webOS phone

09) Will you consider offering licenses to other tablet computer manufacturers to use webOS 3.0

We don’t comment on future roadmaps

10) Can you provide any details regarding when the HP TouchPad will be available to consumers?

Please refer to the answer to question 3.