While HTC is seemingly straying away from Microsoft (the firm had its roots as being the largest Windows Mobile maker), it is forging tighter relationships with Qualcomm, implementing the Brew platform on its rumored dumbphone that is scheduled to hit with a proprietary OS in September. While the news itself is uninteresting, a stronger HTC-Qualcomm relationship and the addition of Brew as the platform could lead to a launch on US carrier Verizon Wireless, which is using the Brew platform with a customized Verizon UI and branding on the carrier’s non-smartphone lineup.

Additionall, with the launch of the MyTouch 3G and parallel launch of the HTC Hero abroad with the Sense UI on top of Google’s Android OS, HTC wants to ride on Google’s emerging coattails. The Taiwanese manufacturer of smartphone is ramping its Google production, aiming to have an even split in production 50/50 between Android and Windows Mobile.

The smartphone market has plenty of room to grow. HTC’s increase in production doesn’t necessarily mean that Microsoft’s mobile OS will be hindered; rather the firm could possibly be anticipating growth and ramping up production on both ends. With Google, however, HTC could see more flexibility in OS customizations. Furthermore, since Android is open-source, HTC could develop slightly cheaper, more competitive phones for the marketplace as it doesn’t have to pay a licensing fee for use of the OS.

(via: BGR)