HTC has issued a press release pledging "ongoing support of Microsoft by backing the new Windows Phone 8 platform". It goes on to mention HTC's long history with Microsoft's mobile platform efforts, dating back to 2002 and the release of the HTC Canary, and says that the company will be bringing new Windows 8 smartphones to the market later this year. 

The news that HTC will be producing multiple Windows Phone 8 devices should come as no surprise. They are one of Microsoft's four hardware launch partners for Windows Phone 8, along with Nokia, Samsung and Huawei. They've also been the most prolific Windows Phone hardware partner, in terms of number of devices released: HTC 7 Mozart, HTC HD7, HTC 7 Pro, HTC 7 Trophy, HTC 7 Surround, HTC Radar, HTC Titan, and HTC Titan II  (8 in total).

Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation, said:

“HTC is committed to Windows Phone more than ever and we are excited to be bringing new Windows Phone 8-enabled smartphones to customers later this year. With the introduction of Windows Phone in 2010, Microsoft initiated a new powerful mobile ecosystem with a consumer experience that was both unique and user friendly.”

Terry Myerson, Corporate Vice President of Windows Phone at Microsoft, said:

“We have seen great momentum for Windows Phone since its launch in 2010, with 100,000 apps now in the Marketplace. HTC is one of our closest partners and we share a common goal in driving people-centric innovation, which makes it easy to work together. We can’t wait to see how HTC brings Windows Phone 8 to its product portfolio”.

HTC's line up of first generation Windows Phone devices