Bloomberg‘s Ian King this afternoon reports that HTC (2498TW) has been “shut out” of Microsoft‘s (MSFT) next version of its�”Windows 8” operating system for mobile devices, citing multiple unnamed sources.
King, referring to the version of Windows running on processors from chip makers partnering with ARM Holdings (ARMH), as opposed to Intel‘s (INTC) “x86” chips, writes that sources tell him Microsoft doubts HTC’s ability to make tablet computers in sufficient volume.
Microsoft has “locked out” HTC “on concern that HTC doesn�t sell enough devices or have enough experience making tablets.”
“Windows RT,” as the version of Win 8 for ARM chips is called, is expected to be released later this year, though Microsoft has given no firm date for the software.
Tablets and notebook computers and other devices based on the software will compete with Wind0ws-based hardware produced with Intel’s processors.
The article doesn’t discuss the possibility of HTC using versions of Windows 8 running on Intel processors, though that could be a possibility for HTC, I would imagine.
HTC this morning cut its outlook for this quarter, after taking a charge to clear channel inventory, citing continued competition in mobile devices.
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