HTCdev now active

HTC's promises of a developer program specific to its own phones was realized on Monday with the launch of HTCdev. The portal gives access to the OpenSense SDK to write apps tailored to HTC's Sense UI on Android as well as source code and the eventual option to unlock the bootloader. It should also enable hardware-specific tricks both on Android and Windows Phone, such as using the Evo 3D's cameras or pen input on the Evo View 4G and Flyer.

The page can get programmers started on the basics of Android development as a whole. Business-class developers also have quick access to HTCpro to get advice and custom app help for the workplace.

HTC's attempt to court apps written just for its phones is a gamble. Motorola and other companies often set up developer programs, but few often tailor it as extensively to their own hardware and software. A risk exists that HTC might not get enough support as coders may prefer to target Android in an abstract form and skip any special HTC features.

Windows Phone faces different risks. Microsoft's demand for a common hardware spec reduces HTC's chances to stand out and limits most of its software to a main Hub app.

By Electronista Staff

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industry, Microsoft, developer, htc, Android, mobile phones, Windows Phone, Flyer, Evo View 4G, Evo 3D