HTC Plotting Android, Chrome OS Netbook?

• Rob Jackson
• 15 years ago

To say that HTC helped pioneer the adoption of Android hardware isn’t an opinion – its fact. Up to this point, HTC has introduced the HTC Dream, HTC Magic and several variations of the HTC Hero with many more phones in the works. But could an HTC Android Netbook soon be in the fold?

This past Thursday, HTC launched the HTC HD2 – which they said would NEVER run Android. That doesn’t mean a device with similar specs, Android and a different name isn’t in the works. And it also doesn’t mean HTC isn’t thinking about diversifying their Android portfolio to different product types altogether. Listen to what HTC CEO Peter Chou said about the prospect of an HTC Netbook:

He said HTC was “carefully looking into that category and how it can be part of that”. Chou further explained that it has not happened yet because he wants such a product from HTC to have “unique value”, and not another “me-too” Netbook that would be similar to the many models out there.

I don’t know about you… but I think Android would definitely provide a “unique value” and at this point would be anything BUT a “me-too” device. How about a Windows 7 and Android mashup netbook? No… no… wait I have it: A Chrome OS Netbook with Android mashed in. Yeah. Yeah, that’s it!

Google picked HTC as a launch partner for their first Android Phone and worked on it diligently for YEARS before it was introduced to the market. The value of working with a single party for a first launch was important – if Google wants to do the same thing with Chrome OS, wouldn’t HTC be a logical choice?

HTC may or may not make a netbook in the near future. If they do, that netbook may or may not include Android and/or Chrome OS. I’m simply speculating that its possible… but based on their reputation as an Android torch holder, it seems like an HTC Android Netbook is – at least – a decent possibility.