Microsoft Blocks HTC From Using Windows 8

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by Brandon Dimmel on 20120608 @ 09:43AM EST |

According to a new report, Microsoft will not allow HTC, a major hardware company, to use the upcoming Windows 8 operating system (OS) on its newest tablet devices. Apparently, Microsoft has some concerns about the quality of HTC hardware.
Back in April, reports suggested that Microsoft was working closely with several manufacturing firms to ensure that their new hardware met certain quality and usability standards set by the Redmond-based software giant.
The idea was that Microsoft wanted to make sure its new operating system would make a positive impression on consumers from the very start, and so didn't want any poor-quality hardware out there to anger or disappoint.
At the time, the focus was on ultrabooks, the ultra-portable style of laptop computers. This made sense, because many experts believe ultrabooks represent a lucrative new market, and expect large quantities of them to ship with Windows 8 on board.

HTC's Lack of Tablet Expertise Forces Microsoft To Say 'No'
Now it appears Microsoft has decided not to allow HTC to use Windows 8 on its new tablet computers. The problem, according to Bloomberg News: HTC just hasn't got enough experience building tablet PCs. (Source: pcmag.com)
That lack of experience appears to have caused Microsoft concern the hardware firm might produce a shoddy device.
It's a surprising decision, because HTC is a major producer of smartphones that currently run Microsoft's Windows Phone mobile operating system.
In fact, in a recent statement an HTC spokesperson boasted that "HTC has sold more than 40 million Windows Phones over the last ten years and we are committed to future versions of Microsoft's Windows Phone platform more than ever." (Source: wired.com)

Stonewall On Windows 8 for HTC Probably Temporary
It's unlikely Microsoft will permanently injure its positive relationship with HTC. In all probability, Microsoft will work closely with HTC to ensure that its future tablet computers meet standards.
In other words, consumers are unlikely to see an HTC-built Windows 8 tablet any day soon. But it's very likely they will see one hit the market within the next year or two.

 
Windows 8 is going to infuriate most PC enthusiasts anyways. TO those that will be using Windows 8, they will never even realize MS did something like this. In a way, I don't blame MS. They must ensure that Windows 8 launches extremely well. They are putting all their eggs in the tablet/touchscreen basket with 8. Time will tell, but I think they are premature with this thinking, the world is not ready to give up their keyboards and mice.
 
True, the tablet is certainly not the evolutionary replacement to the laptop or even NetBook. I think it is still mainly a entertainment/media consumption device. Almost the first thing people do when they seriously decide to use one as a laptop replacement is add a keyboard, so rather than switching hardware platforms they are really switching operating systems. I think a device like the Transformer with keyboard dock could well be the answer though for a touch centric windows OS. A convertible tablet is ok but they trend to be bulky and too heavy to really function as a tablet in the same sense as an Android or iPad.
 
I agree with you. When using my Acer A500 for writing longer notes I connect a keyboard, either USB or Bluetooth. At the same time I find myself using a mouse less. The combination of the touchscreen for most functions with the keyboard for extended text writing seems to work. I suspect this is where Win8 will probably be going.
 
Yeah, heard of it. But I guess it is blocked by stating that it is not a proper tablet it used only for entertainment and browsing social networks, I guess HTC has also confirmed with this statement and some how I do feel that there should be also version of the windows 8 for tablet like HTC.
 
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