HTC reportedly launching Windows Phone devices: Handy diversification
Summary: HTC has Windows Phone 7 devices on the runway. These devices could be a good diversification tool as HTC largely rides with Android.
HTC is reportedly going to launch devices with the latest Windows Phone operating system Mango Sept. 1. The move will be a nice hedge against becoming too dependent on Android.
BGR is reporting that these Windows Phone devices will be headed to AT&T and T-Mobile. The news by itself isn't all that surprising---HTC and Microsoft have been strong partners for years---but the launch is notable given the Google purchase of Motorola.
Publicly, HTC has said it will support Android even though Google now owns Motorola, an obvious rival. Both Samsung and HTC have supported Google's acquisition of Motorola. And why not? Google will own patents that can give HTC and Motorola some lawsuit protection. Meanwhile, it's also possible that Google will exit manufacturing anyway.
However, the long term picture for Googorola is uncertain. Will Google really keep Motorola sandboxed? Can Google really not offer better hardware and software innovation? Will a channel conflict ultimately become a problem?
None of those questions will be answered any time soon. The solution for now: Diversify. Windows Phone will start getting a lot more looks from not only HTC but other smartphone makers too.
Related:
Mango:
- Microsoft delivers Windows Phone Mango toolkit for Silverlight developers
- Why Motorola is open to Windows Phone 7: Cutthroat Android competition
- Windows Phone 'Tango' to be Microsoft's lower price-point operating system?
- Microsoft gives Windows Phone developers a refreshed (non-RTM) Mango build
- Nokia: Q2 dreadful, but at least it's closer to Windows Phone 7
Google-Motorola:
- By the numbers: Google, Motorola Mobility deal values hardware at 'next to nothing'
- Will Microsoft pursue HTC or Nokia in reaction to Google-Motorola?
- At Motorola, a history of embracing, then rejecting, consumer spotlight
- Is Microsoft’s next move buying Nokia or RIM? Nah…
- Google’s Motorola acquisition: Is there a role for third party mobile operating systems?
- Google’s $12.5 billion Motorola Mobility bet: 6 reasons why it makes sense
- Google-Motorola Mobility would create interesting enterprise portfolio
CNET:
- Google to acquire Motorola for $12.5B
- Larry Page explains Motorola acquisition
- Google may alienate allies with Motorola deal
- Motorola buy equals patent protection
- Photos: Moto Android phones
- Motorola could help cure ailing Google TV
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Talkback
Not a surprise
With a proposed launch date of Sept 01, this was in the works long before the Google / MMI buyout.
:|
RE: HTC reportedly launching Windows Phone devices: Handy diversification
RE: HTC reportedly launching Windows Phone devices: Handy diversification
RE: HTC reportedly launching Windows Phone devices: Handy diversification
But HTC already *has* Windows Phones....
Am I missing something here?
RE: HTC reportedly launching Windows Phone devices: Handy diversification
the HTC HD 7/S, The HTC Arrive, HTC Trophy, HTC Surround, not to mention all of the WM6.1 and 6.5 phones that HTC has released over the years. HTC is a traditional OEM, if the OS sells, they will design phones that run it.
But, where would the fun be if ZDnet authors couldn't drum up conflict?
RE: HTC reportedly launching Windows Phone devices: Handy diversification
Why wouldn't they move closer to MSFT?
I would think it would be in their best interest for both risk management and to better serve the enterprise.
RE: HTC reportedly launching Windows Phone devices: Handy diversification
HTC and every other oem will be coming out with new WP phones