HTC: No Android HD2 For You!

Yours truly reported a rumor circulating a few days back that the HTC Passion, the CDMA equivalent of the Dragon, would be coming to Verizon as Android’s version of the HD2. According to a recent interview however, that rumor has been dispelled by HTC’s CEO.

Peter Chou conducted an interview with Forbes yesterday and talked about quite a few aspects of the smartphone industry. But what was most interesting to us was his declaration:

Technically, we could make the HD2 an Android phone, but I have to take care of Windows Mobile.

Blammo. Just like that, all hope has been lost. Or has it?

htc-passion

I personally got a couple things from that nugget. He mentioned the HD2 specifically won’t be an Android phone. There will only be one flavor of HD2, and that’s Windows Mobile. But the rumor I mentioned specifically about the HTC Passion, was supposed to be an “equivalent” of the HD2; not actually the HD2 itself.

So my opinion is that the HTC Passion could be very real still, and could easily be on its way to Verizon. Technically it’s not the HD2, just a heck of a lot like it.

I also found it interesting when he said “I have to take care of Windows Mobile”, as if he were in The Godfather. As if he owes Microsoft something. This statement hints at some sort of mandatory contract or agreement HTC has with Microsoft to carry a certain number or percentage of Windows phones in a given year. I wonder if there’s any validity to that.

Thoughts? Feel free to call me out if there are flaws in my logic.

via Forbes

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Posted on 30 Oct 09 - Filed in Android, Software&Services, Windows Mobile, Wireless - Comments - Written by bradmolen

  • BachinPhx
    We can only hope that this "HD2" like phone will arrive. The "rumored" specs on it make it hugely desireable. 4.3" screen, 5mp camera, 2.0 Eclair and easy on the eyes. I like the specs on the Motorola, but I am not sure of the aesthetics. Bring on the Passion/Dragon or whatever else you may want to call it.
  • Justa Notherguy
    > This statement hints at some sort of mandatory contract or agreement HTC has with Microsoft
    > to carry a certain number or percentage of Windows phones in a given year. I wonder if there’s
    > any validity to that.

    Even if so, it should not come as a great surprise.

    As the most prolific WinMo licensee - 40M+ phones, as of early 2009 - and co-marketer, HTC receives a substantial promotional subsidy from Microsoft. So, in case their various contracts and partnership agreements aren't reason enough to bend over for the fine folks in Redmond, there's the small matter of all that free cash.

    - Justa Notherguy
  • Haha. "but I have to take care of windows mobile". Like windows mobile is some dying relative. Oh wait, it is.
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