HTC will have LTE-ready handsets and tablets in 2011, with NFC chips to boot

HTC's CEO Peter Chou gave an interview yesterday, in the five minutes of which he shortly described the 2011 plans for one of the most renowned smartphone manufacturers. First off, HTC handsets that support US carriers' "4G" LTE networks are coming down the pipe, but he mentioned the second half of 2011 as the more likely timeframe for their introduction. The future HTC handsets will also have embedded NFC chips for contactless payments and identifications, similar to the Google Nexus S.

As far as the software, Peter Chou reiterated the company's focus on two mobile operating systems - Android and Windows Phone 7. He said they will keep trying to create the most compelling device out there for both platforms, and will let the customer decide which form factor they want, because HTC will have them all - smartphones with or without physical keyboards, as well as tablets.

Asked about HTCSense.com, the company's cloud-based phone management and backup service, he implied they view it as a natural extension of the smartphone experience that will only be getting more attention with time. Looks like in 2011 HTC will keep being the innovative company we all know and love.

source: MobileWorldLive (requires subscription) via WMPoweruser