Most people have at least heard of Google stepping into the mobile phone market in 2010. Apparently Google and HTC were working closely together in 2009 to create a phone specifically designed for ‘Google Users’ (aka, almost everybody). Google’s superphone, now called the Nexus One, has been praised already for its performance and style. A few bloggers got a sneak peek of the Nexus One. In short, they said that “Google Phone = iPhone + a little extra screen and a scroll wheel. Great touch screen, and Android” [tc]. The Nexus One is purely a rebranded HTC phone that Google licensed. You might notice that the Nexus One looks awfully similar to the HTC Passion. No, you’re not tripping. Google probably chose the Passion to start from. Then, HTC and Google worked closely together in order to tailor the phone’s software and hardware to work seamlessly with almost any Google web application.

You might be thinking “Ok, Kyle. Now what does this have to do with Windows Mobile, let alone Windows Mobile 7?” Essentially, this proves that HTC is not siding with any particular mobile operating system. HTC manufactures Pocket PC’s and Smartphones… period. Too many people are speculating that Windows Mobile 7 is a lost cause, simply because they see HTC making phones for everyone but Microsoft these days. First off, that’s not true. HTC, if anything, is working closest to Microsoft. Hell, Windows Mobile still runs on 80% of all HTC phones. HTC and Microsoft are huge customers of each other. In fact, I wouldn’t doubt if Microsoft was HTC’s biggest client as far as sales volume goes.

Does this pose a threat to Windows Mobile 7? In reality, yes. However, it’s undeniably healthy for Microsoft AND Google to compete with each other in the mobile marketplace. I highly doubt that Microsoft’s and Google’s CEO are reclining back in their office chairs, counting their profits. No way. If anything, they’re getting a thrill out of the competition. Each company wants to be the best by having the best mobile phone. Hey, as consumers, this is the best thing possible for us. It drives prices down AND promotes better quality product. Right now the Nexus one is $530 directly from Google and $180 if you buy it from T-Mobile. You can use any unlocked GSM service carrier. Gotta love that.

HTC has been strategizing over how they should manage the market race for mobile marketshare.  As of December of 2009, the iPhone and Android have been extinguishing Windows Mobile 6 in the marketplace.  Some fellows at XDA have speculated that HTC will be releasing three new Windows Mobile 7 devices in Q2 or Q3 of 2010:  the HTC Photon, HTC Trophy and HTC Tera.

However, during an open Q&A session with Microsoft in London, the head of Microsoft’s mobile division confirmed that the new mobile phones will NOT be released until LATE 2010.  This usually means Q4.  Remember, Windows Mobile 7 has a lot of catching up to do.  

If you are hesitating on whether or not you should wait for Windows Mobile 7… don’t.  It is going to be a year until it is released.  However, if you want to remain loyal to Microsoft, get an HTC HD2 that runs Windows Mobile 6.5.  Rumor has it that the HD2 will be the first phone to get the Windows Mobile 7 upgrade.

Have you heard of HTC?  God, why do I waste my time … of course you have!  They own over 80% of the Smartphone marketshare.  Until 2009, HTC produced mobile devices for Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.  The mobile phone manufacturer recently “scaled back” their production for Windows Mobile phones and shifted this energy on Android devices.

Don’t freak out.  Windows Mobile 7 will still be running on HTC phones.  What we are seeing now is a balance of power/marketshare between one of the two largest technological powerhouse corporations in the WORLD: Google and Microsoft.

Since more than 80% of all Smartphone users have an HTC phone, the company decided to disversify by opening their doors to new mobile operating systems and creating devices for Google Android.  And because HTC doesn’t know which operating system is more successful, they are going to use both of them.

Based on a leaked concept document that consists of well over a hundred pages, comes the low down on the revolutionary Windows Mobile 7 mobile OS that will hit devices in 2010. You’ve probably already heard about WinMo 6.5 update that just came out.

In a nutshell, Windows Mobile 7 will bring revolutionary features such as full touch-based navigation and motion gestures control to Smartphones and Pocket PCs. And for that Windows Mobile devices won’t depend on accelerometers. Rather, they will use their front facing cameras to detect movement. You can shake or twist to get the phone doing things.  Kind of like the iPhone and Android, but hopefully better.

As 2009 winds down, the excitement grows for the release date of Windows Mobile 7. Still unannounced, Microsoft will most likely release their new mobile OS in October, 2010. But is it too late? The iPhone dominated the mobile market in 2007. And in 2009 Google’s new Android mobile platform swept up whatever the iPhone didn’t grab, especially now that Android 2.0 just released. Anybody in between either had a Smartphone or Pocket PC that ran Windows Mobile 6.

Now it’s Microsoft’s turn again. And remember, Microsoft is usually never 3rd in the competition. Of course, you have to give it to Apple for jumping into the Smartphone arena so aggressively, they really did do a phenomenal job marketing their iPhone. And Google… well they didn’t need to do much to grab the attention of the public.

The battle continues, and we won’t know who really deserves the Smartphone marketshare until sometime in 2010. I always gauge the success of the iPhone, Android, and Windows Mobile between each other using Google Trends. This Google tools allows you to compare multiple keyword search terms based on popularity. Notice how Microsoft has a significant lead over Google Android, even right after Android 2.0 came out. This shows you the kind of lead Microsoft has, and why they aren’t necessarily worried about Apple or Google. As long as they’re in the top 3, they won’t sweat it. But Steve Ballmer will not settle for #3, or #2. Even #1 is a little shady but I guess that will have to do

Google Android vs Windows Mobile, Google Trends