Report: Microsoft Shut HTC Out of Windows 8 Development
HTC supposedly shut out because of its inexperience in the tablet market.
With Computex Taipei in full swing this week, there is a lot of Windows 8 stuff on the show floor. Between tablets, ultrabooks, and hybrid tablet/ultrabooks, manufacturers are trying to cover all of their bases when it comes to the next iteration of Windows. However, one brand we haven't seen stamped across the front of a device running Windows 8 is HTC. Apparently, there could be a reason for that. According to the latest rumors, Microsoft is actively shutting HTC out.
Bloomberg cites people with knowledge of the matter that say Microsoft has locked HTC out of the development of products using the newest version its Windows OS because it's concerned HTC doesn't sell enough devices or have enough experience making tablets. Windows 8, with its touch-centric Metro UI, is definitely a tablet-friendly OS and many companies are developing ARM-powered slates running Windows RT. However, if these rumors are true, it seems Microsoft doesn't want HTC among them.
The story goes that HTC wanted to build a Windows device with a customized home screen that would distinguish HTC Windows devices from Windows devices manufactured by other companies. However, Microsoft apparently refused and HTC was subsequently left off the list of companies provided with early versions of Windows 8. Ouch.
As far as official statements are concerned, Microsoft referred to HTC as a 'strong partner now and for the future' while speaking to Bloomberg. HTC said it intends to support future versions of Windows but didn't specify whether or not that included Windows 8. More recent reports are saying HTC has denied the talk of a Windows 8 snub, with the company releasing the following statement:
"HTC has sold more than 40 million Windows Phones over the last 10 years and we are committed to future versions of Microsoft's Windows Phone platform more than ever."
However, this statement mentions only Windows Phone and nothing about Windows RT or Windows 8. So, not an out and out denial from HTC, really.

"Report: Microsoft Shut HTC Out of Windows 8 Development"
Body of text:
"According to the latest rumors, Microsoft is actively shutting HTC out."
Terrible reporting Jane but then again you have to go with the 'sensational' article heading to spread the miss-information. People will read the headline and not bother to read the article. Damage done.
Remember: MS is greedy, and more than willing to give betas away to the public for free, so there must be more to the story.
maybe they want to be like apple is, and have total control over Win 8 tablets and prevent bloatware
if smartglass for xbox turns out to be super cool, i will get a win 8 tab
"Report: Microsoft Shut HTC Out of Windows 8 Development"
Body of text:
"According to the latest rumors, Microsoft is actively shutting HTC out."
Terrible reporting Jane but then again you have to go with the 'sensational' article heading to spread the miss-information. People will read the headline and not bother to read the article. Damage done.
...and your comment is on a rumour. Well done.
I think that right there is the answer ladies and gentlemen. HTC wanted to replace Metro. Microsoft spent alot of time working on Metro for tablets and the last thing they want to do is let someone come and rip it out. Do we really need a repeat of android where motorola phones have a different interface than samsung which is different from LG? I can see why they said no.
Basically HTC wanted to add a launcher over the top of metro. With all it's current effort around metro (whether you love it or not) i don't see ms letting that happen
Personnally, with the state of Android right now with all the custom bloatware, I'd rather have windows untouched, but still, shutting off HTC is quite extreme...
+1 to this. This is how reporters and journalists create fake crap. Sensationalist titles...I can't actively blame Jane, though...anything to get the money in one's pocket...I wouldn't care either in her shoes, though.
wasnt htc with touchFlo who made windows to gain some smartphone market? No they belive that with that stolen ui home screen thei can make it??
It was very nice that Google required an untouch Holo theme starting at 4.0, but we're stuck making 2.1/2.2 apps for a while, which doesn't have such a requirement.
HTC will use any and everything to make their products sell.
Between 2 companies there will always be disagreements on implementation. Microsoft has been pretty adamant about meeting requirements since its debacle with Windows Vista. So it does not come as a surprise to me that Microsoft will not budge on making an OS work differently solely on 1 manufacturers devices.
I hope manufacturers finally take respect for themselves and realize MS is in no position to bargain.
MS going with Windows RT is akin to Adobe continuing to develop flash in light of HTML5, an open standard. Android is the clear open standard, and it has the volume, the manufacturers and the developers.
MS and Apple should start to develop on top of Android before they go the way of Blackberry, Palm.