HTC doesn't plan to ditch Google's Android or build its own rival operating system in the wake of Google's blockbuster acquisition of Motorola, HTC's CEO said Friday.
"It's not the operating system, it's the ecosystem," Peter Chou told The Wall Street Journal, reaffirming the company's commitment to Android. "We think we can find a way to differentiate to add value, but at the same time leverage our partners, Google and Microsoft, since we have such a great relationship with them."
HTC's CEO added that Google's $12.5 billion acquisition of Motorola Mobility was good for the company because it enhances Google's patent portfolio, which Google can then use to support and protect Android and its partners.
Taiwan-based HTC is the top smartphone manufacturer in the U.S., partly due to its early bet on Android. HTC produced the first Android-based smartphone, the HTC Dream (aka the T-Mobile G1). Since then, its profits and phone line have soared with devices such as the Evo 4G, ThunderBolt and Droid Incredible. The company also develops Windows Phone 7 devices.