Mobile phone-maker HTC has strongly denied that its much-anticipated new Android handsets, the Desire HD and the Desire Z, have been delayed. Online rumours had recently suggested that the handsets had failed tests imposed by Google to ensure user-experience quality. HTC said that it had only ever said that the phone would be delivered “in October” and that it is still on schedule.
Google confirmed the existence of its Android tests, but said only that: “'We cannot comment on individual devices but we do provide what is known as a 'compatibility test' to ensure that our partners are building handsets which are compatible with the Android software. This test is meant to help our partners check that everything on the device is working as it should be.”
Vodafone had initially announced that the Desire HD would be available on Oct 14, although it has now pushed that back to Oct 22. HTC maintains that it never specified when the phone would be available. “It’s never wise to offer a hostage to fortune when it comes to precise shipping dates”, said one HTC source.
The two new handsets offer an enhanced version of the critically acclaimed Desire handset, which along with the Samsung Galaxy S has been among the best Android phones on the market since its launch. The HD now features an eight megapixel camera which can shoot HD in 720p, faster booting times, more tightly integrated social networking features and improved power efficiency.
