Not too long ago mobile behemoth, HTC, stated that they were focusing equally on Windows Phone 7 and Android and letting the market decide their fate. Their competing Taiwanese company, ASUSTeK, has taken a completely different approach. Currently partnered with Garmin, Asus has been noted for their lackluster devices (i.e.: Garminfone). The word is, the two companies are parting ways next year, and Asus may get the chance to prove themselves through a new passage. Steven Tu, marketing manager at ASUSTeK South Africa stated:
"As always, Garmin-Asus seeks the best for our consumers either on Android platform or on Windows platform. However, we see the potential of Android platform devices, so we are focusing on Android platform currently."
It's no secret that Asus has been working on a WP7 device, but whether it will ever see the light of day remains unknown. After Tu's statement, the fate of that device seems grim. As seen in the video from Gnomedex, you can tell the design of the Asus WP7 device is inspired by their laptops with its brushed metal look, and I'd personally like to see it.
Hardware has never been and issue with Asus, but marketing and their recent partner has. They partnered with Garmin way late in the game and released the Garminfone after Google released Android 2.1 with Google Maps turn-by-turn navigation support, which made that partnership nearly useless for a company pursuing the use of Android.
It makes perfect sense for a company in a rough spot to make such a rash decision. They're not in a situation (on the mobile front) where they can gamble, and right now, nobody knows what to make of Windows Phone 7, especially manufacturers. In all of its beauty, the OS could still flop, while Android already has enormous support when it comes to consumers, developers, and providers. It still isn't a sure shot, as Asus has to prove themselves with some breathtaking hardware we know they're capable of. They're just not willing to risk an entire sector of business on an operating system that has yet to gain a whole lot of traction. Windows Phone 7 has every opportunity to win the hearts of us nerds and noobs alike, but the spotlight has yet to stray from Android.
Via IntoMobile
Source MyBroadband
