HTC is quite the growing mobile company. It teamed up with Google Android to grand success, and is now becoming more central to the discussions around the expanding mobile industry.
The latest HTC debut was the Aria, an exclusive handset offered only through AT&T.
From the release:
“Its unique combination of compact size and beautiful design instantly separates HTC Aria from the pack of ‘me-too’ smartphones,” said Jason Mackenzie, vice president of HTC America. “But what really differentiates HTC Aria from other smartphones is the acclaimed HTC Sense experience, which we are pleased to be bringing to AT&T customers. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC Aria organizes all of your communications in the most human way possible – by person.”
The move is big for both HTC and AT&T; HTC’s Aria moves the manufacturer one step closer to iPhone’s territory, and AT&T is delving deeper into the Android trend with this release. Known for its limiting relationship with Apple for servicing the iPhone, AT&T has been able to maintain a tight hold on the smart phone market. This can be lucrative, given the requirement of a data plan and an ever-increasing commitment of use.
For HTC, its position as a leading Android device manufacturer has taken it from T-Mobile to AT&T, and everywhere in between. Its EVO is a heavily promoted smart phone that Sprint hopes can battle the regular consumer return to AT&T for the iPhone. Now, AT&T will only have its burdened networks to worry about, instead of a subsequent loss of customers once the iPhone makes its way to competing carriers as well.
Popularity also makes HTC more vulnerable, as its products and practices become subject to scrutiny. Emerging reports of issues with the EVO device threaten to take a bit of shine off HTC, even as it aims to curb the growing number of manufacturers producing Android-supported devices.
As far as HTC’s future is concerned, the company is looking to launch its own platform. This would give HTC more control over the distribution and monetization of both the device and its activity. As more companies create devices and platforms for Apple or Google’s mobile platforms, it’s odd that HTC to go the opposite direction, though it would be interesting to see how such a platform is implemented.
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