Amazon May Buy WebOS, Bolster Tablet Foray

Amazon would likely use WebOS to build tablets similar to its recently-unveiled Kindle Fire, which marked the company's first foray into the tablet market, alongside Apple, Samsung and others. Analysts predict the $200 tablet will be a big hit with consumers searching for an affordable alternative to the dominant iPad.

Amazon will be able to add even more custom features to future tablets if it snaps up its own OS. The Fire boasts many capabilities Amazon says will challenge the iPad when it debuts on November 15, like a dual-core processor and eight hours of battery life. It also supports Amazon's millions of streamed films and shows along with books and apps, demonstrating a seamless integration between Amazon's store and hardware.

The Fire already runs a heavily modified version of Google's Android OS. Amazon seeks to differentiate itself in the tablet market, which the company may do more easily by owning a unique OS that it can adjust to its own specifications, giving Kindle tablets their own identity.

Amazon's WebOS purchase, besides boosting future tablet design and features, could be a logical step it continues Amazon's steady expansion into hardware.

The Internet retail giant began by selling books, moved into such diverse offerings as groceries and clothing, then took first steps into devices with its Kindle e-reader. The Kindle, Amazon's first hardware offering, was a huge success, and in 2010 Kindle books even eclipsed softcover sales as customers eagerly downloaded e-books for their readers.

Amazon has since unveiled a cloud-based music, movie and storage system, touted online games and finally entered the tablet fray with its Kindle Fire.

If Amazon continues to build on the success of the Kindle, and the Fire ramps up momentum for the company in tablets, a proprietary OS may help it grow further. Amazon may stand to redeem its purchase several times over by grooming WebOS to help the company crack the mobile market if speculation hold true.