HTC mulls more handsets on Windows 8

HTC at present has a share of between 4% and 6% of the Indian smartphone market

Smartphone maker HTC is currently contemplating bringing out new models of smartphones using Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system “as the existing models launched a year ago had reached the end of their life,” according to India country head Faisal Siddiqui.

HTC,  the first mobile manufacturer that has built a smartphone based on Window 8, has thus far introduced two models —Windows 8X and Windows 8S -- using the Microsoft platform.

“HTC’s relationship with Microsoft will stand. We are evaluating various options and we will launch new products based on its platform,” Siddiqui told Business Standard.

He, however, declined to draw any time line.

Stating that the company currently has three models under its ‘HTC 1’ portfolio and eight under its affordable ‘Desire’ range, he said HTC was lining up two to four Desire models by the end of this December.

“Besides, we will be launching HTC 1 Max priced at Rs 56,000 and two accessories — HTC 1 MiniPlus (Rs 5,000) and Phone Finder (Rs 2,500) — in the Indian market next week,” Siddiqui said.

According to various reports, including that of IDC, HTC at present has a share of between four per cent and six per cent of the Indian smartphone market.

About 18 million smart phones were sold in India in 2012, which is expected to touch 26 million this year and reach 40 million in the 2014 calendar.

“India is the fastest growing smartphone market, which is growing 80-90 per cent year-on-year. And, the growth is happening at different price points. We are looking at achieving a 15 per cent market share in India,” Siddiqui said, while refusing to comment further.