HTC is taking the market by storm with their Windows Phone 7 and Android devices, but their true OS focus is still in question. If you remember a few months back, Nokia’s outspoken CEO Steven Elop accused other makers of WP7 devices for putting Microsoft’s OS behind Android. This seems like a fair accusation when you compare the hardware and build quality on devices like the Desire HD to the Windows Phone 7 counterpart that was released in the same time period: the HD7.
After such strong accusations, Dow Jones NewsWire interviewed HTC’s North Asia president, Jack Tong, regarding their position on Windows Phone 7. Jack responded by saying they support Windows Phone 7 to the fullest and their partnership with Microsoft is still strong. He went on to say that Android-powered devices will now take up more than 70% of their total device production. He didn’t stop there though, saying “Microsoft is still committed to us, and we will continue to develop tech devices.”
I don’t know if Microsoft feels the same way after the first round of HTC devices were plagued with bugs, crappy hardware, and build quality. They were even bold enough to build their first devices with previous-generation hardware, demonstrating a serious lack of R&D when it comes to non-Android phones. On the other hand, Microsoft makes $5 with every Android device HTC sells. This might be one reason why Microsoft isn’t too hurt by HTC’s strong push with Android phones and tablets. HTC might also see Nokia’s Windows Phone 7 push as threat and wants to make sure they can stand their ground with Android on their side.
HTC makes great phones in my opinion, and I am curious to see what their next generation of Windows Phone 7 devices will look like. What about you guys?
[via Dow Jones NewsWire]