Taiwanese handset manufacturer HTC, makers of the first Android-based phone the G1, announced two new handsets at Mobile World Congress today: the HTC Touch Diamond2 and HTC Touch Pro2. But while the phones were slick with upgraded user interfaces that made navigating them easier, what the press really wanted to know was where were all the new Android phones?
HTC President Peter Chou gave a pat answer that left it vague what the plan might be, telling reporters, “Google (NSDQ: GOOG) Android is part of our product portfolio,” and that more versions “were coming out in the future.” For now, however, they “remain focused” on Windows, and especially Windows Mobile 6.5, which Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) is unveiling at the conference.

Two separate sources told mocoNews, however, that HTC may have one more announcement to make. One source said the announcement would be made with global operator Vodafone (NYSE: VOD), while the other said that it would involve an Android phone. The Guardian.co.ukmeanwhile, reports that HTC and Vodafone are expected to announce an Android phone tomorrow. Such a deal would be a huge boost to Android, which needs a much wider customer base than it currently has with just the G1 on T-Mobile. With makers announcing application stores left and right, and with the very interesting addition today of the Ovi Store from Nokia (NYSE: NOK), Android needs to get out on more phones and operators in order for the Android Market to get better traction.

More Highlights From the Press Conference:

—HTC Touch Diamond 2: HTC updated the design of the original Touch Diamond, and enlarged its screen, which now measures 3.2 inches. It also upgraded to a five mega-pixel camera. Its most interesting new features, however, are the updates to the UI, or what it calls a more “people centric communication approach.” The Touch Diamond 2 includes Push Internet technology, which automatically updates web pages and stores the content on your phone. The handset is slated to launch to major European and Asian markets in in early Q2 2009, with more markets later in the year.

—HTC Touch Pro2: Again, an update of the original Touch Pro. Aside from new technical upgrades like improved battery life and expandable memory, it also includes a new feature called Straight Talk, which lets transition from email to single or multi-party conference calls. The device actually turns into a conference call module when placed on its face. The Touch Pro2 comes out in early summer.