HTC buys custom UI designer Abaxia in smartphone war
updated 12:05 pm EDT, Mon June 7, 2010
HTC deal for Abaxia leads to advanced home screens
HTC today said it had bought out Abaxia to claim an edge in smartphone interfaces. The roughly $13.1 million buyout gives access to a developer best known for customizing the home screen, such as supplying info and services directly from the top level. Abaxia also has an instant type-to-search feature much like Palm's webOS that finds contacts and other info without a specific search command.
The phone designer's CEO, Peter Chou, didn't say specifically what the acquisition would be used for but hinted that it would "deepen and broaden our software development capabilities." Paris-based Abaxia has already worked with HTC in the past.
Both companies should complete the deal by the end of the month.
HTC is the largest single supporter Android in terms of dedication and is best known for simplifying the experience through Sense UI, a combination of widgets and other interface elements that complement or replace Google's own controls. While it has never tried to develop its own OS, it has tried to provide a more integrated experience closer to devices like the iPhone and BlackBerry where others are often closer to the official Android design.
