HTC plans to launch Android phone for Indian consumers

BANGALORE: HTC Corporation, global designer of mobile phones, on Wednesday indicated that it is planning to launch shortly the Android mobile handset, based on the open source platform for mobile devices, in the Indian market.

"We are part of the Open Handset Alliance (a consortium of software, hardware and telecom players devoted to developing the platform)", Country Head, HTC India, Ajay Sharma told reporters here launching smartphone, HTC Touch Diamond 2.

"We will be launching the Android. When is the question but sooner the better," he said when asked about the company's plans to launch the Android phone in the Indian market. He indicated it could be this year.

Owners of Android handset can download and install applications without being tied to single vendor conduit.

Ajay refused to divulge whether it would be the second version G-2 or the G-1 version that would be launched here.
HTC is the founding member of the Open Handset Alliance, announced in November 2007. In partnership with Google and T-Mobile, HTC launched the T-Mobile G1 in September 2008. It is the first device to be based on Android.

Speaking about India, Ajay said it was a key emerging market. HTC India was estabished in June 2007 to serve customers that demanded a local presence. "We have had an overwhelming response with a 300 per cent growth in 2008 over 2007 with a 20 percent market share in smart phones", he said.