HTC refutes allegations that Microsoft snubbed them with Windows 8

Yesterday it had been reported that internal sources had informed Bloomberg that Microsoft had locked out HTC from developing Windows RT or Windows 8 tablets, as they have insufficient experience in making tablets. Now, it appears that the report did not go down well with folks at HTC and they have issued a statement denying allegations that they are out of the league for developing Windows RT tablets. According to a statement issued by HTC, the brand stated that they will continue working with software giant, Microsoft in developing new products. They go on to state, “HTC has sold more than 40 million Windows Phones over the last ten years," the company said in a statement. "We are committed to future versions of Microsoft's Windows Phone platform more than ever.”

HTC do not rule themselves out of contention in making Windows 8 tablets

These comments come in shortly after the report by Bloomberg, which stated that Microsoft’s decision will keep HTC, makers of the first Google Inc. branded smartphone from participating in the electronics industry’s latest attempt to erode Apple’s lead in the tablet market. The Taiwanese company, whose stock has dropped 68 percent in the past year, is also facing shortages from chipmaker Qualcomm, highlighting the challenge of competing with Apple and Samsung, two companies whose dominance in manufacturing and software are increasingly marginalizing smaller rivals, like HTC.

The report also went on to add that with Apple and Samsung dominating the smartphone shipments, HTC’s percent has dropped 23 percent in the first quarter of this year, while that of Samsung has more than tripled and Apple's has increased to 89 percent. However, as HTC will not be manufacturing Windows RT devices during the first wave, they are expected to be participating in the second round of Windows 8 devices that will be launched next year. The report by Bloomberg went on to state, “HTC may release a Windows device later, in a second round of products to come next year, one of the people said. Participating in the introduction of Windows RT tablets would be unlikely to solve all that ails HTC. The machines will be starting from a zero-market-share position, without the advantage of popular, older Windows applications that won’t run on ARM hardware.”

Let us know your thoughts on the above comments made by HTC and do you think they will feature in the second round of Windows 8 tablets that will be launched next year?