The good news, HTC is still committed to Windows Phone and plans on releasing a new handset later this year. The bad news, whatever is released won't likely be a large screened device or share design elements with HTC's latest Android offering, the One.
Tai Ito, HTC's Vice President for Global Product Planning, commented while in attendance at Mobile World Congress 2013,
"We are actually fully committed to our Windows Phone business. We do have good collaboration with Microsoft for a future release this year. I understand that Windows Phone 8 is not as good as the market expected, we think that it could take time and we will continue working with them."
Ito added that any new HTC Windows Phones will likely not have larger screens and the company is taking a family approach to separation.
Ito didn't close the door on large screened devices saying that HTC wants larger displays but needs to find the right way for consumers based on "real human" data. With this separation, we likely won't see the ultrapixel camera land on HTC's next Windows Phone. Which is a little disappointing. HTC should be innovative with it's Windows Phone design but if the ultrapixel technology (or any other design technology) pans out on the One, why not incorporate it into a Windows Phone design?
HTC has been luke warm when it comes to Windows Phone 8 and really hasn't stepped up in promoting the devices. The HTC 8X is a quality Windows Phone but, as with previous devices, hasn't seen much support from the home office. The "build it and they will come" approach rarely works and it would be nice to see HTC put the same level of effort in Windows Phone development and support as they do with their Android devices.
Nokia has set the bar high with regards to Windows Phone development and support. HTC doesn't necessarily have to match Nokia's effort to see signs of success with Windows Phone but some effort is needed. Hopefully, we'll see a renewed effort from HTC with this latest commitment to Windows Phone.
Source: CNET
