We all heard lately many rumors about the G2, the second HTC Android phone. We tried to confirm or decline some of the rumors, but “we are unable to comment on Internet rumors regarding images that are purported to reflect HTC designs” a HTC spokesperson told OHM; he added “we saw the same link, and are certainly glad to see that people are interested in HTC”. We got instead an exclusive interview with Ed Kuhner, Sr. Product Manager for GSM Devices, HTC.

Ed was one of the panelist in the latest CES 09 edition, and even if I knew that I won’t get any scoop, I wanted to thank Ed for taking the time to answer our questions.

Q1 – Almost four months since the HTC G1 was officially launched, Are your sales expectation the same (US and worldwide) ? Is there some numbers already available for 2008 ?

While we have not announced the official number of G1 units shipped to date, we are certainly pleased not only with the sales numbers, but with the positive reaction we have gotten from consumers that are currently using the G1 in their daily lives.

Q2 – We heard many positive and negative feedback about G1, what’s your next biggest challenge for the G2 ?  Design Improvements, performance, new features (I don’t think G1 missed any), battery life, storage … ?

We unfortunately cannot comment on any future products, but it is important to know that continuous improvement is a large part of the HTC culture, and we always find ways to build on even successful products like the G1.

Q3 – Until “G1″, HTC was manufacturing mostly windows-mobile based smartphones (PDA,Touch, …) How did you find the Android experience so far ?

Overall, we have found that developing products based on the Android platform to be a positive experience, and I can say that the reaction from our customers has been equally positive.

Q4 – How do you compare Open Handset Alliance (OHA) work, to other linux mobile alliances such LIMO, LIPS … ? Why you are part of OHA and not of others ?

As you note, we are not members of other mobile alliances, so we are not in a position to compare OHA against other groups. HTC strives to be a leader in the technologies in which it develops and markets products. To do this, HTC focuses its efforts on two platforms – Windows Mobile and Android. In this way, HTC is able to bring world class products to market with unique and differentiated value propositions.

Q5 – If windows still dominating the desktop market, do you think that linux and open source could conquer the mobile market ?

HTC believes that the dynamic wireless market is large enough to support many competing platforms, and that the innovation bred by this competition ultimately benefits the end consumer. At HTC, we are focused on Windows Mobile and Android, both of which offer unique benefits to consumers, and are well poised for success in the growing smartphone market.

Q6 – What will the next HTC smartphone be using : windows-mobile, Android, or other mobile platform ?

HTC is committed to bringing new Windows Mobile and Android products to market, and you can expect to see a combination of devices based on both of these platforms in 2009.