HTC and Microsoft co-hosted a media event in New York this morning to introduce two new handsets running Windows Phone 8. Brian X. Chen of The New York Times’ Bits calls HTC’s big bet on Windows Phone a risky one, citing the disappointing sales of Windows Phone 7 devices that were launched earlier this year. That’s true to an extent, I suppose, but it’s also true that HTC has lost the edge it once enjoyed with Android: Samsung has emerged as the top manufacturer of high-end Android handsets, and Motorola may thrive as Google’s manufacturing business. Regardless, HTC’s backing provides yet more momentum for Windows Phone, which is well positioned to compete with Android and iOS as the all-important holiday season looms. And that’s good news for consumers.