HP has officially unveiled webOS 2.0, a new release of the device operating system it gained through its acquisition of Palm, describing it as “the most significant update to the platform since its launch in 2009.” At the same time, it announced the first device to use the OS, the Palm Pre 2, which will be available imminently in France, with US and Canadian availability also promised; the platform will also be delivered to existing Pre owners, with timings to be confirmed “at a later date.” However, HP’s official statement made no reference to the anticipated tablet device powered by webOS, or any enhancements made to the platform to support this form factor.

Many of the features debuted by webOS 2.0 have already been revealed in a developer preview, announced in September 2010. It includes “true multitasking,” with a new Stacks interface that “logically groups together your open apps so they work the way you do;” Just Type, which enables customers to start emails, text messages or content searches by typing, without the need to first launch a specific app; an updated Synergy feature, enabling developers to plug messaging, contacts and calendar application sources directly into apps; an Exhibition app, enabling the device to show content when the smartphone is being charged using a dock; and a beta release of Adobe Flash Player 10.1.

Also on the feature list is the ability to tag contacts as “favourites;” Skype support (for Verizon Wireless customers only); an “all new” document viewer from QuickOffice; an updated Facebook app with support for IM integration with Synergy; improved HTML5 support in the device browser; VPN capabilities; and a redesigned App Catalog. It also adds Node.JS, enabling developers to create services in JavaScript.

The announced smartphone, Pre 2, is the first Palm device to use a 1GHz processor, and features “a 5MP camera, a glass screen and a sleeker, streamlined design that still gives users the ideal combination of a vivid touchscreen and a slide-out keyboard.”