HTC to Stick with Android, CEO Says

In a move with more than a little importance to Google and the Android ecosystem, Taiwanese smart phone maker HTC Corp. says it is sticking with Google's Android operating system, despite Google's planned acquisition of Motorola Mobility, a rival manufacturer also basing its devices on Android.

Google has made "very, very clear" its commitment to HTC remains unchanged," said Peter Chou, chief executive officer of HTC Corp. he also downplayed the possibility that HTC would develop its own operating system, saying the company's goal is to "leverage partnerships" with Google and Microsoft Corp.

Google's immediate issue with the Motorola Mobility acquisition is channel conflict. Up to this point, Google has been nearly-complete supplier of the Android open source operating system, with the exception of its Nexus S device. Now it both sponsors Android and owns an Android smart phone manufacturing company. That raises the traditional "competing with your customers" problem. At least for the moment, HTC, which some would argue has been producing some of the better Android devices, seems to believe that the patent protection Motorola will provide will extend an umbrella over all Android licensees as well.

HTC CEO Embraces Google Despite Motorola Deal - WSJ.com