HP’s decision to discontinue webOS devices and look for strategic alternatives, including the outright sale of webOS, marks a significant inflection point for the mobile industry. The barriers of entry are now too high for a new mobile OS.  For the next 5-10 years, iOS, Android, (and Windows) will shape the future of mobile.

While there are still questions as to what value is left in webOS and rather patents/IP may still be of interest to potential bidders, the era of being able to grow an integrated ecosystem from scratch is over.