HTC adds Exchange support to non-Google branded Magics

Android Authority has looked into the "Asian Magic Exchange support" matter and have contacted Eric Lin at HTC. According to Eric, the phones that lack the “with Google” branding are going to be offered with additional HTC developed functionality, such as the Exchange client seen by CNET Asia.

To quote Eric Lin:

The Vodafone version of Magic has “with Google” on the back, like the G1. This simple phrase indicates that the phone has a pure Google experience – no customizations have been made to the software. The Magic being sold in most of Asia is not a Google experience phone so we have started to put some of the HTC special sauce into Android. That Magic has Exchange support, a much more responsive and full featured camera application, a custom dialer application with smart dial and additional widgets as well.

He pointed out that the HTC Magic main page (found here) has all the features of the non-Google branded Magics, such as the Exchange support, and predictive text. I think HTC has something going here but it still looks to be an Android device, I guess HTC has a deal to use the OS but add their own features with phones not solicited by Google.

HTC Magic in Asia has Exchange support?

What in the holy hell is this? CNET Asia was reviewing their version of the HTC Magic with Google Android and found this small little tidbit. . . IT HAS EXCHANGE SUPPORT! The one thing keeping the Android from being an enterprise ready device in the US is available on the Magic in Asia. From what we have read, the division here in the US has contacted Google to see "whats up?" and has gotten the ol' "Android does not currently include support for Microsoft Exchange". If so then why do we see this on Asian devices and not ones here... the Magic hasn't been released in the states yet so how are we to know what is right and what is wrong? For all we know HTC has build in Exchange Support, or this particular model may have some hacking on it. . . Either way the US Android owners will not like this much, some live and die by their MS Outlook. If that is the case I will tell you the same thing I tell everyone else that say,"Android doesn't have Exchange support". I DON'T NEED IT, Google does everything that Outlook can do, but those of you who want to use the G1 or any other Android device for business you will just have to wait for it OR a third party app to help you out.

Googles full statement;
"Android does not currently include support for Microsoft Exchange. This remains a ripe opportunity for 3rd parties, as the Android Open Source project, supported by Android Market, provides developers complete freedom to extend Android and enable a wide range of connected mobile services. We are beginning to see initiatives and products from the community designed to target the mobile enterprise market. We believe our approach of openness, both at the platform level and for application distribution, will drive rapid innovation and availability of consumer and enterprise solutions on Android."