When Microsoft first displayed its Windows Phone 7 laden prototype, most people, like me were a bit surprised because the prototype, demo handset was NOT made by HTC, arguably Microsoft's most trusted hardware partner when it comes to Windows Mobile hardware.
The handset that was showcased at the Mobile World Congress 2010 (and in the promotional photographs and videos) was made by Asus. Many wondered if this was due to some strain in the relations between HTC and Microsoft. That doesn't seem to be the case as HTC's CEO Peter Chou has confirmed in a recent interview with Forbes that there are no issues and that HTC would be bringing out its first WP7S handset before year end. However, has not divulged as to what the handset would be like.
HTC has been concentrating a lot on Android of late - for which it has designed many capable handsets like the Nexus One, The Hero and the Legend. As for the first Windows Phone 7 Series device from HTC, we wonder if it would be as capable as HTC's current Windows Mobile flagship, the HD2 or the recently announced Android flagship - the EVO 4G. Let us wait and watch.