Microsoft denies HTC early access to Windows 8

OPERATING SYSTEM DEVELOPER Microsoft has denied HTC early access to its Windows 8 operating system.

Microsoft's upcoming Windows 8 operating system is set to be loaded onto a number of tablet devices, but it seems that long-time Windows Mobile partner HTC won't have a Windows 8 tablet at launch. Microsoft has reportedly denied HTC early access to its Windows 8 operating system, crushing HTC's Windows 8 tablet ambitions.

HTC's tablet presence has been all but non-existent after the firm released its Flyer tablet. Now Bloomberg is reporting that Microsoft doesn't want to work with HTC because it wants to work with vendors that have more experience in making tablets and higher sales volume.

Microsoft wants to keep a close hand on the first generation Windows 8 tablets, the same way it has done with devices running Windows Phone. Bloomberg claims that another stumbling block between HTC and Microsoft was HTC's desire to run a custom home screen, in the same way that it skins Google's Android with its Sense user interface.

If Microsoft has denied HTC early access to Windows 8 it is hardly the end of the world for the firm. After all, Google's Android has become a very credible tablet operating system, while doubts remain over whether Windows 8 tablets will be able to compete with both Android and Apple's IOS in the marketplace.

Microsoft's decision to leave HTC out in the cold could all but end its relationship regarding Windows Phone. But since Microsoft's mobile operating system barely registers in the smartphone market, HTC might not lose too much sleep over it. µ