The launch of HTC's Sense UI for Android makes any suggestion that the firm is working on a dedicated app store for its handsets appear a logical next step.

More interesting, however, is what such a move would represent for the company, with HTC having previously vocalised its intentions to connect with consumers beyond that of a standard OEM.

Eyes on Android

Hiring a dedicated workforce in Taiwan – rumoured to be 100 in number - for an app store expected to expand to locations across the globe appears to be firm's first target, with the Financial Times reporting an HTC app store would likely sell both apps and e-books.

The paper's source also cites Android as the likely focus for the marketplace, building on the precedent set by the HTC Hub - the firm's skin that groups together its apps and services in one location.

Said Hub also features somewhat more redundantly on the recently launched Windows Phone 7, though Microsoft's restrictions on third party app stores on the OS mean HTC is restricted to its current set up on the platform – a dedicated section on Windows Marketplace.

Beyond borders

All such app store talk comes on the back of comments reportedly made by HTC chief executive Peter Chou regarding efforts to expand his firm's influence over consumers.

Chou is quoted as describing Android skins currently offered by both HTC and rival OEMs and carriers as little more than skin deep penetrations.

Though Chou questionned the value of a dedicated HTC marketplace, he did suggest that the firm is looking to change approach.

"It is not enough to be skin deep," Chou said, according to the paper.

He concluded, "We need to go bone-deep."

[source: Financial Times]