HTC reportedly launching Windows Phone devices: Handy diversification
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: