HTC, a device manufacturer from Taiwan and a member of the OHA (Open Handset Alliance), is scheduling to release the first Android based devices at the end of 2008.
HTC’s declaration ignores the unscheduled delay from Google, the founder of the OHA organization and Android mobile OS developer.

It seems like HTC wants to take advantage of the Android mobile OS and to refresh its line-up with devices that are based on more than one OS. Currently HTC mobile phones run Microsoft Windows Mobile OS.

HTC designs and manufactures its own branded devices for the past 2 years now while in the past they only manufactured OEM devices. The Israeli device market works with HTC devices that were using the “i-mate” brand before 2006. HTC’s main problem is the transition from an OEM manufacturer to a branded phones manufacturer. The move from OEM to branded phones requires a paradigm shift in many issues concerning the device and its stability. While in the OEM market they needed to release the newest features and very fast on the expense of the stability of the phone, branded phones manufacturers put more emphasis on the stability and testing of the device before they release it to the market.

HTC’s decision to ignore the delays of the other organizations it is dependant on, demonstrates that they still prefer to release an unstable device with many features and to be first to the market. If that will be the case, it will be very interesting to see the device technical failure rate and the return rate. It will show if the strategy of go first to the market even if the device is unstable is the right decision.

Cellular-news reports that Qualcomm is also working on an Android based device.
There are not too many details regarding the Qualcomm’s Android device, but Qualcomm’s COO mentioned that the Snapdragon chipset will feature a 1Ghz processor and will support up to 8 megapixel camera.

We should expect an internet centric / iPhone rival to come at 2009 or even at this year if it depends on HTC.

Via intomobile & Cellular-News