PhoneNews.com has put tough questions to HTC regarding the Shift and Windows XP. The HTC Shift ships with Windows Vista Business. Many have panned the device, in part due to it running at only 800 MHz, yet having to carry the extensive overhead of Windows Vista, an operating system with a minimum system requirement of 800 MHz. The Shift literally meets only the minimum requirements for the Vista operating system.
Last year, Microsoft approved a downgrade program for Windows Vista Business and Ultimate editions. Both retail and OEM versions of Vista can be downgraded to Windows XP Professional. However, Microsoft stated that the machine’s maker must facilitate the process, mailing out XP restore discs and product keys to eligible customers.
HTC confirmed to PhoneNews.com that, while they are aware of the downgrade program, they will not be offering it to Shift customers. They have no plans to offer the downgrade.
The company also followed up in mentioning that they may offer Windows XP drivers in the future (currently the company does not, making XP run poorly on the system), but that customers would have to purchase Windows XP separately.
The Shift is the first Windows computer from the smartphone maker. The device also ships with Windows Mobile 6, but must be hacked in order to run standard Windows Mobile applications.
PhoneNews.com will have a full review of the American version of the HTC Shift soon.
hiiii