HTC Not Moving Away From Android

Android allows smartphone manufacturer to deliver several Image Sense features.

Following the patent deal with Apple, HTC has assured that its focus on Google's Android platform won't deteriorate.

The two technology firms recently signed a 10-year licensing deal that covers all current and future patents. Wall Street analyst Shaw Wu said the deal may result in Apple netting $280 million a year by pocketing $6-8 per HTC handset shipped. Some speculated that due to this, HTC may shift its focus from Android to Microsoft's Windows Phone operating system.

"It's clearly a positive event," Woodward said when discussing the Apple deal. "Anything that eliminates distractions would be positive ... but our strategy is to lead in Android [and] to lead in Windows Phone."

At least for now, Android allows HTC to deliver its own services on smartphones more effectively than Windows Phone. HTC's "Image Sense" camera features such as continuous shooting are only available on Android devices and not through the Windows Phone-based HTC 8X.

However, Woodward said HTC is working on bringing the feature and others to Windows Phone devices in the future. "I think you're seeing a manifestation of that strategy happening right now. There are really two big series of launches going on at the moment. One is Windows Phone 8, and Windows 8 in general. We think we have the leading Windows Phone 8 device ... and in the Android market, between the Droid DNA and the One X+, we think we have the leading edge there as well."

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