An interesting rumour has popped up that HTC may have acquired beleaguered i-mate. A case of fraud appeared to have sealed the company’s fate late last year. While there is no official word on an acquisition, PhoneNews.com has found that some i-mate support phone numbers are now going to HTC Support instead. The latter now also appears to be honouring some i-mate warranties.
One conjecture is that HTC may be looking to acquire the technology and patents behind the ruggedized i-mate 810-F smartphone.
HTC used to be i-mate’s ODM until it decided to offer devices under its own brand in 2006. The move marked the beginning of i-mate’s troubled times.