HTC dismisses talk of Android-based HD2
updated 02:40 pm EDT, Thu October 29, 2009
HTC chief says HD2 Win Mobile only for now
HTC chief Peter Chou in an interview late yesterday dashed hopes of an HD2 with Android by positioning it as a Windows Mobile phone. Following rumors that have included photos, Chou tells Forbes that the very aim of the HD2 is to "take care" of Windows Mobile and restore the tarnished Microsoft brand. He admits to Forbes that the platform, which still makes up the bulk of HTC's phones, has proven a problem in recent months.
"Windows Mobile innovation has been a little slow and interest in Windows Mobile phones has been declining," Chou explains.
The executive is alluding to some of the limitations that persist in Windows Mobile even after its recent 6.5 update, such as the lack of native support for capacitive touchscreens, multi-touch or advanced media playback. The HD2 uses a new version of HTC's Sense UI that almost entirely replaces Microsoft's top-level interface and even has its own custom drivers to support the more advanced touchscreen display.
While it precludes a direct adaptation, the statements don't entirely explain the photographed Android model, which stylistically resembles a larger, restyled version of the Droid Eris.
