HTC: Five Android Smartphones in 2010

HTC is planning to release most of its devices in 2010 based on Android OS. This is the second manufacturer whose selection for next year has undergone significant changes, which are not in favor of Windows Mobile.

As it was previously reported, five of the eight new HTC devices that will be announced in the first half of 2010, will run the Android OS. Last year, the manufacturer had only one device running the Google OS.

The new HTC phones based on Android are grouped into three categories: performance (high performance for entertainment), design / lifestyle (fashion accessories) and social (general audience). All new HTC devices running Windows Mobile are classified under the productivity category (work, for example, with documents).

The flagship of the new products running Android OS is the model code-named “HTC Bravo.” It is included in the “performance” category and gives the opportunity to play videos with a resolution of 720p. The Bravo packs a powerful 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor.

The device is equipped with a wide AMOLED display, 5 megapixel camera, 3G, Wi-Fi and GPS — the standard features for devices of this class. The HTC Bravo will replace the Hero (as per rumors), and it will be included in the category of “design / lifestyle.”

In the “social” category will appear a model with a touchscreen and a keypad for dialing and text messaging. The Tattoo, designed for a wide audience, in the “social” category will be replaced by the new HTC Buzz, which is similar to the Touch2 with its design.

The range of smartphones based on Windows Mobile will be replenished by the HTC Photon and Tera. The HTC Photon is similar to the HTC HD2, but has a smaller screen and a weaker processor. The HTC Tera is similar to the business smartphone Touch Pro2, and also has a sliding angle of the standard QWERTY keyboard.

Earlier it was reported that in 2010, HTC will reduce the number of new products based on Windows Mobile and expand the range of devices based on Android. The company explained this by saying that this platform is rapidly growing and the Android smartphones have a steady demand. Meanwhile, the latest version of Windows Mobile is little different from version 6.1 released three years ago. According to analysts, the Microsoft platform is out of date both in terms of interface and positioning.

According to experts, this shift in platforms is a long awaited event. Many HTC fans of were unpleasantly surprised that the current flagship line of smartphones, the Touch HD2, comes with Windows Mobile.

HTC understands that the demand for devices with Android will only continue to grow. It is believed that this is the reason the company decided to switch to Android.