Microsoft/HTC in talks to put WP on Androiddevices

[dougp]

Per Engadget: http://www.engadget.com/2013/10/03/bloomberg-microsoft-htc-android/?ncid=rss_truncated

After buying Nokia's devices and services business, what's Microsoft's next step to growing the Windows phone market? According to Bloomberg's unnamed sources, that includes new devices from HTC, possibly goosed by loading Windows on its Android phones. The report also claims Microsoft operating systems chief Terry Myerson discussed lowering the license fee or dropping it entirely as an incentive. The paper's sources weren't clear on whether the devices might run both operating systems at once, or let users choose just one, so we'll let you imagine either scenario for the time being.

This intrigues me as a One owner.

 

[Lil Frier]

I'm not sure if this really matters, in my opinion. HTC just doesn't sell devices well, regardless of OS. In the case of Android, they get marketed to death by Samsung, and with Windows Phone, it's similar, while also enduring the fact that Nokia made several meaningful deals for exclusive software (while also offering their own exclusive services). That HTC's supposed to be breaking away from Beats also takes away that noteworthy notch in their device belt, making me wonder what HTC could POSSIBLY offer over a Nokia/Microsoft device.

My only thought here is that Microsoft wants some kind of third-party insurance policy, for whatever reason (fear Nokia's team will jump ship and Microsoft's people won't make great devices?).

 

[Deeko]

I think this is awesome for openness. I remember dual booting android and WP 6.5 on my HTC HD2. That was great.

 

[desura]

That would be pretty awesome. IMO, HTC is the best android phone maker.

 

[Bateluer]

Interesting, but meh. Windows Phone platform doesn't sell. I sure as hell don't want WP on my One, would rather have Sense be stripped off it through an official means.

 

[openwheel]

Awesome. Step in the right direction.

 

[Red Storm]

From a technical standpoint it would be cool to dualboot, but I couldn't see myself ever using two OSes during day to day use, and let's not even pretend an average non-techy person is going to do that.

 

[WelshBloke]

From a technical standpoint it would be cool to dualboot, but I couldn't see myself ever using two OSes during day to day use, and let's not even pretend an average non-techy person is going to do that.

This.

Youre just going to stay in the OS that fits you best, may as well just buy a phone with the OS you want on it in the first place.

 

[Red Storm]

This.

Youre just going to stay in the OS that fits you best, may as well just buy a phone with the OS you want on it in the first place.

True, but it would be cool to walk into a store, see a device and choose which OS goes on it, even if I know I would always choose Android.

 

[Jodell88]

If this happens HTC is as good as dead.

 

[Megatomic]

True, but it would be cool to walk into a store, see a device and choose which OS goes on it, even if I know I would always choose Android.

This is what I was thinking also.

 

[Deeko]

If this happens HTC is as good as dead.

Errr care to elaborate?

This.

Youre just going to stay in the OS that fits you best, may as well just buy a phone with the OS you want on it in the first place.

Well, dual booting will only appeal to the tech crowd, but the real win is just the advantage of using the OS of your choice. Removes the barrier of "man, I love that hardware, but I wish it ran (x)".

 

[Eug]

How much storage space is this going to waste?

 

[WelshBloke]

Well, dual booting will only appeal to the tech crowd, but the real win is just the advantage of using the OS of your choice. Removes the barrier of "man, I love that hardware, but I wish it ran (x)".

Is the second OS going to support all the hardware features of the device if it wasnt designed for it?

Also there's enough choice that I usually pick the OS of my choice and the hardware of my choice.

 

[WelshBloke]

How much storage space is this going to waste?

Couple of gigs I'd guess.

 

[Jodell88]

Errr care to elaborate?

For this to work, HTC will have to use the Windows Phone platform and not what ever platform they decide to use for their phones. Since the Windows Phone platform is weaker than HTC's current Android platform it will be seen as a step backwards rather than a step forward. Also, HTC would not be as nimble with the Windows Phone platform as they can be with Android (in terms of processor selection, memory, etc).

 

[WelshBloke]

For this to work, HTC will have to use the Windows Phone platform and not what ever platform they decide to use for their phones. Since the Windows Phone platform is weaker than HTC's current Android platform it will be seen as a step backwards rather than a step forward. Also, HTC would not be as nimble with the Windows Phone platform as they can be with Android (in terms of processor selection, memory, etc).

The way I understood it was that they were going to load it up on existing or upcoming Android hardware. I assume that it wont be on all HTC phones and will be an opt in sort of thing.

I cant really see it driving HTC sales much but at least they wont be able to lock down those devices.

 

[lopri]

Smells so much like another Nokia in the making.

 

[WelshBloke]

This sounds like a bit of a ah heck though.

Additionally, one Bloomberg source claims HTC has no current plans to release any more standalone Windows Phone handsets, which might explain Microsoft's apparent desire to shoehorn its OS onto future HTC phones through a dual-booting option

LINK

 

[Lil Frier]

How much storage space is this going to waste?

The install of WP on my Lumia 920 is 1.71 GB.

 

[gorcorps]

If I had the option of trying WP on my current phone I would, just to try it. I actually think it would be AWESOME to be able to buy your phone based on hardware alone, and then use whatever OS you wanted. If this becomes a mainstay of HTC phones, I would definitely consider one for my next phone. I was already on the fence between HTC and Samsung the last time I got a phone, so this would definitely give an edge to HTC.

 

[Ravynmagi]

I really really really doubt this means dual operating systems on HTC phones. Sounds like HTC will just be able to load some of it's HTC One, for example, phones with Android and others with Windows Phone, without needing different pieces of hardware.

 

[dontl00katme]

It looks like a desperate move.

 

[openwheel]

I'd rather see both HTC One Android and HTC one Windows in my local Verizon store, then only HTC One Android edition.

Or a dual boot capable phone, I am stuck with Android and it sucks without other options, even if I choose not to exercise the alternative option.

 

[WelshBloke]

I really really really doubt this means dual operating systems on HTC phones. Sounds like HTC will just be able to load some of it's HTC One, for example, phones with Android and others with Windows Phone, without needing different pieces of hardware.

You're probably right there.