Hewitt-Packard (HP) will offer app developers early access to the WebOS 3.0 software development kit (SDK) via download for free.

The SDK for the Linux based mobile operating system is available on company’s "early access programme". After a limited time, the access to the SDK will carry an annual fee.

HP said that the WebOS 3.0 SDK gives developers the means to start developing mobile applications for the HP TouchPad, which is likely to be launched this summer, as well as future WebOS devices.

HP told developers on its official blog, "Developing for WebOS now puts you in a position to deliver innovative apps to potentially millions of devices every year."

HP says that the kit has almost everything that the developers will need while developing apps, including tips on app structuring, design and navigation.

The kit uses the new development framework for WebOS, Enyo.