After announcing that they will no longer be locking the bootloaders on their devices, HTC is continuing its path towards openness. Today, HTC CEO, Peter Chou has announced that they are opening the HTC Sense interface to developers and embracing the developer community with an SDK–named OpenSense–as well as a developer’s portal–HTCdev.com.
Developers will be provided with tools to better integrate their applications with HTC’s Sense 3.0 UI. The framework is also set to provide APIs, sample code for 3D displays and HTC’s tablet stylus.
Embracing developers is a smart move from HTC, something that others would be good to follow. Smartphone hardware is becoming more standardized and commoditized, so the only way for companies to differentiate is through software. HTC Sense is at the forefront of handset customization and despite its blessings it brings a lot of frustrations, particular with regards to tying up with other applications.
Better quality plugins and add-ons would definitely give HTC an edge against competitors.
[HTCdev.com]Press release:
SAN DIEGO, June 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — HTC Corporation, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, today launched HTCdev, a program designed to support mobile developers through tools, resources and community. HTC also announced the HTC OpenSense SDK, which will allow developers to harness software and hardware innovations on HTC phones to develop more richly integrated mobile applications and experiences. In launching HTCdev, together with the HTCpro program launched last year, HTC is creating a network of resources to help developers and businesses meet challenges and opportunities across the mobile space.
“HTC is a company of engineers excited about the possibilities of the mobile space with the goal of fostering choice through innovation,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC. “We believe in openness and the power of imagination to create that innovation and are excited that HTCdev will extend new tools to mobile developers, helping them create the next wave of mobile experiences.”
The HTCdev program will support developers across the industry and around the world, from individuals to large enterprises. The new program website, www.HTCdev.com, is scheduled to launch in summer 2011 and will feature an extensive resource library of tutorials, best practices, documentation and support. The site will also offer a user feedback channel to HTC for ongoing investments and improvement to the developer toolset and program resources.
The core offering of the program will be the HTC OpenSense SDK, which will enable Android developers to more deeply integrate into the HTC Sense 3.0 experience. The framework will also provide APIs and sample code for 3-D display and the Tablet pen. The HTC OpenSense SDK will be released in parallel with the launch of the new HTCdev.com site, and will have regular updates and expansions based on inputs from the developer community. Users can visit www.HTCdev.com today to sign up for a release alert for availability of the HTC OpenSense SDK.
