Windows Phone Thoughts: HTC's Acquisition Expands Design Team

"In a bid to create new eye-catching mobile phones, HTC Corp. has struck a deal that will expand the handset maker's creative team to include designers of furniture, housewares and athletic gear. HTC of Taouyuan, Taiwan, said it has acquired a San Francisco firm called One & Company Design Inc. that specializes in designing consumer products across a wide array of categories. Designers from HTC and One & Company previously collaborated on several phones that helped establish HTC's reputation for producing slick-looking gadgets, including the HTC Diamond, a smart phone with a large touch-screen and distinctively shaped black case."

Well, this is certainly interesting, and speaks to the desire by HTC to deliver world class designs in their products. HTC plans to allow the 18 person design team to continue to consult with outside companies on athletic equipment, furniture and other fashion conscience consumer products. I hope HTC manages the integration of this team well, mindful of how carefully you have to integrate different corporate cultures.