Windows Phone Thoughts: ASUSTeK Aims for 10 New Models In 2009

"Asustek Computer's handset business has fallen short of expectations in 2008, but the company is strengthening its R&D to offer up to 10 new models, almost all supporting 3G and a touch user interface, in 2009, in a bid to compete with its main rival High Tech Computer (HTC), according to industry sources in Taiwan. Asustek shifted its handset development focus entirely to smartphones in 2007 and set some goals for 2008, the sources indicated. But mainly due to transitioning 3G chip platforms as well as the appropriation of R&D efforts to develop handsets based on Google's Android platform and Nuvifone handsets on an ODM basis for Garmin, Asustek has only launched seven new smartphones so far in 2008, much fewer than its initial target of 13-15, the sources pointed out."

According to industry sources, ASUSTeK's total shipments in 2008 amounted to a mere 3% of HTC's. They have a steep hill to climb if they're to improve on that in 2009, and the improvement would have to be pretty significant to grab HTC's attention. Whatever happens, competition is healthy; one can only hope it will prompt both companies to introduce new and exciting technologies into their handsets.