HP launches webOS 3.0 beta as firm looks to foster app support for TouchPad

With TouchPad scheduled to launch this summer, HP is naturally keen that its flagship tablet rolls out on day one with apps aplenty on board.

However, given TouchPad is set to sport the yet-to-be-released webOS 3.0, developers looking to get a head start have been left hanging loose until now.

Apps away

The firm, which picked up webOS as a result of its $1.2 billion purchase of Palm in June 2010, has unveiled its new SDK developer beta for version 3.0 of the platform, delivering the release to studios through its developer early access program.

"This is the first webOS release specifically targeted at the HP TouchPad, and we want to make sure you have time to make great apps ready for this exciting platform," the firm says on its website.

Developers looking to get on board with the webOS 3.0 beta need to sign up for the platform's developer program on HP's website.

TouchPad itself is looking likely for a June release in the US at least, with pricing set to follow the model set by iPad 2.

[source: HP]