HTC Corporation, formerly known as High Tech Computer Corporation, is a Taiwanese consumer electronics company specializing in smartphones, virtual reality devices, and related technologies. Founded in 1997, HTC has played a pivotal role in the evolution of mobile computing, transitioning from laptop manufacturing to becoming a pioneer in the smartphone industry.
HTC was established on May 15, 1997, in Taoyuan, Taiwan, initially as an original design manufacturer (ODM) and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) focused on designing and producing laptop computers. The company's early success was built on partnerships with major brands, providing hardware components and full systems for the PC market. By the early 2000s, HTC shifted its focus toward mobile devices, recognizing the growing demand for portable computing.
In 2000, HTC entered the wireless sector by partnering with Microsoft to develop devices based on the Windows CE operating system. This led to the release of its first pocket PC in 2000, marking HTC's entry into personal digital assistants (PDAs). By 2001, HTC unveiled the world's first prototype of a touchscreen smartphone running Windows CE 3.0, demonstrated by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. This device, often credited as the first true smartphone, laid the groundwork for HTC's dominance in the mobile phone market.
Throughout the mid-2000s, HTC produced a series of Windows Mobile-based devices, including the HTC Wizard (TyTN) in 2006, which introduced innovative features like a tilting screen and TV output capabilities. In 2007, HTC became one of the 34 founding members of the Open Handset Alliance, a consortium dedicated to advancing the Android operating system. This collaboration culminated in the launch of the HTC Dream in October 2008, marketed as the T-Mobile G1 in many regions. The HTC Dream was the first commercially available Android smartphone, featuring a physical keyboard, trackball, and 3.2-inch touchscreen.
The late 2000s and early 2010s marked HTC's peak in the smartphone market. Devices like the HTC Dream, HTC Magic (2009), HTC Nexus One (2010, in partnership with Google), and the HTC Sensation (2011) helped HTC capture significant market share. The HTC One series, starting with the HTC One in 2013, introduced premium aluminum unibody designs and features like BoomSound audio and UltraPixel cameras, earning critical acclaim. However, intense competition from Apple and Samsung led to declining sales by the mid-2010s.
In response to market challenges, HTC diversified into virtual reality. In 2016, it launched the HTC Vive in collaboration with Valve Corporation, establishing itself as a leader in VR hardware. The company also partnered with Google for the Pixel smartphone lineup, manufacturing the first-generation Pixel devices in 2016. By 2017, HTC sold part of its mobile division intellectual property to Google for $1.1 billion, retaining its branding and focusing on VR and niche smartphones like the U series.
As of 2025, HTC continues to innovate in VR with products like the Vive Focus series and explores augmented reality and metaverse technologies. The company has shifted from mass-market smartphones to specialized hardware, maintaining a workforce of around 2,000 employees and emphasizing R&D in immersive experiences.
HTC's journey reflects the rapid evolution of mobile technology, from PDAs to AI-integrated VR systems, influencing industry standards in design, software integration, and user experience.
Sources consulted: Wikipedia - HTC, Encyclopedia.com - High Tech Computer Corporation, Simple English Wikipedia - HTC, Testbook - HTC Full Form, PhoneArena - History of HTC.