HP Play goes beta, is iTunes for the TouchPad

A successful tablet device isn’t just about delivering powerful, flexible hardware in a sexy package. It’s also got plenty to do with the ecosystem manufacturers build around their tablets — the way that the iOS App Store and iTunes complete the iPad experience. While OEMs like Motorola and Samsung have left the ecosystem part up to Google when it comes to their Android offerings, HP is keeping things in-house with the TouchPad.
Not all of the pieces to the puzzle were available when the TouchPad launched on July 1st in the U.S., but things are rapidly taking shape. For example, HP’s “iTunes” for the TouchPad — HP Play — is now available for download.
You may just be able to make out the tone-on-tone text in the lower-right corner of the main program window, which reveals that HP Play is powered by Songbird. At this stage in the game, there was really no need for HP to reinvent the wheel and launch a built-from-scratch app to accompany the TouchPad. Songbird is a very capable and full-featured program, and it’s mature enough to provide the powerplant for HP Play.

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