HTC HD2 may loose out on Android OS if this report is to be believed.. Peter Chou, the HTC CEO seems optimistic about Windows Mobile and speculates not to have any hands on HD2-Android mix. Have a look at what he said in an interview given to Forbes:

About the HD2

HTC’s solution is the HD2, a wafer-thin handset that combines a 4.3-inch touchscreen with a high-end processor for snappy downloads and fast Web browsing. The phone, which was unveiled earlier this month, runs the latest version of Windows Mobile (6.5) as well as some flashy HTC software. “We’re working hard on these kinds of products to get excitement about Windows Mobile back,” says Chou.

Gadget fans have been clamoring for an Android version of the HD2, but Chou hints that the handset will stay as is. “Technically, we could make the HD2 an Android phone, but I have to take care of Windows Mobile,” says Chou.

About competition

“You cannot expect you are the only player in town. … You need other players to come and make the ecosystem stronger.”

About the YOU campaign

In the cutthroat smart phone market, even winning favored status with operators can’t guarantee strong sales. That’s one reason why Chou recently approved HTC’s first global advertising campaign. The ads, which play on the word “you” as a sign of the company’s commitment to its customers, will roll out across 20 countries in coming weeks.

Views about Motorola dumping Windows Mobile

HTC may be updating its brand, but it’s sticking by its longtime partner, Microsoft ( MSFT – news - people ). Though other handset makers such as Motorola have dropped Microsoft’s Windows Mobile operating system in favor of Android, Chou says HTC has no plans to follow. That doesn’t mean he’s not frustrated with the software. “Windows Mobile innovation has been a little slow and interest in Windows Mobile phones has been declining,” he admits.

Read the complete article at Forbes.

Via Gizmodo

Now Microsoft has started a dedicated section for Windows mobile 6.5 users- a custom theme creator. This feature is available exclusively for touchscreen devices running Windows Mobile 6.5.

The theme creator allows you to preview your customised themes in portrait and landscape modes. There are various alternatives like color, wallpapers(a customized one will work as well) and style as well.

Get the official MS site here.

Via Mobilitydigest

Opera Mini, quite a favorite mobile browser gets an update. But its beta version for now and it has got some interesting updates in its features and its looks. And yes, it includes the feature of adding new tabs which we are quite accustomed with on our computers. Have a glance at what the new version holds for you:

1. Sleek design — Opera Mini 5 features a new, intuitive and advanced look and feel.
2. Tabbed browsing — This desktop favorite is now available for Opera Mini. Tabs allow users to browser several sites simultaneously. This helps users easily jump from one page to another with the click of a tab.
3. Touchscreen or keypad browsing — Opera Mini caters to the needs of your phone, offering optimal browsing for both touchscreen and keypad-based phones.
4. Password manager — Opera Mini is a virtual memory bank, securely saving all passwords for e-mail, social-networking sites, online banking and more.
5. Speed Dial — This is our take on a table of contents for your Web adventure. Opera’s Speed Dial will greet you with your pre-selected Internet favorites upon loading the browser.

The version is enabled to work on any mobile phone and being a freeware, a try is must. Get more info here.

The HTC Leo is here with some reliable leaks. The wild shots of the smartphone got a sneak peek at PDAClub.pl.  And it showed some tempting stuff- 4.3 inch touchscreen with 800X480 resolution and 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor.

Other specs of Leo includes micro-SD slot that is accompanied by 512MB ROM and 320MB RAM and about the camera, its 5MP with LED flash. Looks like touchscreen is capacitive, and is very apt to run the Windows Mobile 6.5. Grab the pics below showing comparison with Touch Pro 2 as well.

With many alternatives for the OSs, it becomes very inquisitive when two versions of a smartphone are enabled with different Operating Systems. The latest we get to hear is HTC TOUCH HD 2 that turns a deaf ear to the Windows Mobile and turns its head towards Android.

The Touch HD that had a launch with Windows Mobile 6.1 professional goes for a surprise with Android coming in and refuting the Windows Mobile 6.5. Here are some of the specs speculated:

• Processor: 628MHz Qualcomm chip   
• Faster than the original version
• 3.8 inch touchscreen with 480X800 resolution

The reasons for ignorance of the to-be-launched Windows Mobile 6.5 still needs to get cleared.The official word on price and other features is still awaited.

Via Phonearena