HTC One faces more supply woes as Nokia wins band on mic tech
Can’t someone cut HTC some slack? First it was struggling sales, then it was supply shortages. Now the ailing smartphone manufacturer has to contend with a set-back for its critically-acclaimed HTC One handset, as Nokia has won a ruling that will prevent HTC from using the microphone currently used in the construction of the phone.
Winning an injunction in the Netherlands that puts a ban on HTC’s continued use of the microphone until March 2014, supplier STMicro will no longer be able to sell the mics to HTC. Nokia’s engineers discovered that the microphones use patented Nokia tech intended exclusively for the Finnish manufacturer’s handsets, and can be found in the Lumia 720.
While the current HTC One handsets in circulation will not be affected, the company will have to quickly source another supplier and mic module should they wish to continue production of the handset or face further legal difficulties.
“HTC is disappointed in the decision. We are consulting with STM and will decide whether it is necessary to explore alternative solutions in due course,” said HTC in a statement.
It’s possible that the planned launch of a black HTC One model will now be pushed back.
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