In a worldwide statement released this morning, HP says it will "discontinue operations for webOS devices, specifically the TouchPad and webOS phones". It cites that the "devices have not met internal milestones and financial targets".

HP initially acquired the webOS software platform through the purchase of struggling Palm for US$1.2 billion in July 2010. The TouchPad tablet was one of the first of a suite of webOS products promised by the company, which included the Pre 3 and Veer smartphones that launched in the US, but never made it to Australia.

The HP TouchPad was first announced back in February, but did not hit the US market until 1 July. It , and has therefore been consigned to the history books before it even got a chance to take off.

The TouchPad was originally announced with a price tag of $599 for the 16GB model, and $699 for the 32GB model, but four days before it launched, suggestion HP weren't entirely confident it would sell.