Talk of the EVO-like Incredible HD (AKA "Mecha") on Verizon's network has hushed quite a bit since the rumored November 23rd launch date passed without any LTE-HTC lovin'. Now that we're halfway through December, the only thing left we had to go on was an “early 2011” release, but that isn't going to happen either.

We have a good inclination that the Mecha is capable of connecting to Verizon's LTE network, thanks to a cryptic tweet and a blurry photo. But numerous rumors conflict with what Peter Chou, CEO of HTC, said in an interview with Mobile World Live. If in fact the Mecha is an LTE device, then that “early 2011” release date is null in void, and don't expect to see it on the shelves, or any other HTC-made LTE device before the middle of next year.

This will undoubtedly lead to a lot of upset buyers since they can't get their hands on a Verizon branded, HTC 4G device for at least another six and half months. This is one road block that HTC probably should have tried to avoid. All of this “4G” talk is making all of the tech fiends, and beginners alike, foam from the mouth. That, in combination with murmur of a Verizon iPhone running on their LTE network, which has a rumored post-holiday launch, is terrible news for the Taiwanese company.

Delays are always bittersweet for both the manufacturer and the customers. They usually ensure all of the kinks are ironed out and the device runs more smoothly, but they also tire and annoy buyers with all of the buildups and letdowns. I think HTC will be eating their foot on this particular delay.

It is expected that the iPhone on Big Red's network will take quite a chunk out of carrier's Android sales. On top of that, if customers are going to have to wait another six months before they can get a 4G Android device, I'm betting a lot of those post-holiday shoppers will cash in early and walk out the door sporting their shiny, new iPhone, that is, if the rumors are true. A lot of factors come into play here (people who don't want to pay extra for the 4G, people looking for 4G but wanting to stay with Android, etc.), but HTC is missing out on a huge opportunity to settle the score once and for all, an Apple vs. Android free-for-all.

Since it doesn't look like we're going to get to see this epic battle just yet, all we can do is hypothesize about what would happen. Would the LTE iPhone shut down the Mecha's sales, or would it be the contra? Would it be a neck and neck battle? Sound off in the comments below!