HTC to Focus More on North American Market with New U.S. Research Office

HTC has just announced that it would lease office space in Durham, North Carolina, which will house 45 people initially in the research and development facility. The company is expanding its presence in North America, suggesting that it will have an increased focus on the North American smartphone, tablet, and consumer electronics market.

The company’s main headquarters is in Seattle, Washington; its location, within proximity to Microsoft, is perhaps due to its role as the premier Windows Mobile manufacturer back in the company’s early days. The other HTC office, which is more focused on design, is in San Francisco, California; this office was gained due to the company’s acquisition of One & Co.

The company has had strong relationships with carriers in the U.S. In the past, HTC Windows Mobile products were commissioned by carriers and often carried the carrier brand over the HTC brand. However, HTC in recent years has changed its branding strategy to market its products under its own brands, and we’re starting to see HTC as recognizable consumer household name outside of the tech community with flagship products like the HTC EVO 4G on Sprint and the HTC Droid Incredible on Verizon Wireless.

Though the specific role of the Durham, NC HTC facility is still not clear, perhaps its R&D efforts will materialize in an HTC tablet, perhaps with 4G wireless mobile broadband.

Via: Electronist