The HTC One (M8) cannot launch fast enough for HTC. The beleaguered company recorded its second loss in three quarters today as it released unaudited financial results for the first quarter of 2014. Quarterly revenues came in at NT$33.12 billion (about CA$1.2 billion), resulting in a net loss of NT$1.88 billion (about CA$70 million).
If there is good news to be found in HTC’s latest financial results, it is that revenues rose 2.16 percent in March, breaking a pattern of 28 consecutive on-year declines. With its new flagship smartphone about to launch, a return to profitability could happen as early as Q2 2014. New mid-range smartphones such as the HTC Desire 816 and Desire 610 are also expected to contribute to better results in coming quarters.
Last year’s HTC One was a critical success but that did not translate into the strong sales that HTC was hoping for. This year, the company is focusing more on the mid-range market even as it hopes that the HTC One (M8) will build on what its predecessor was able to achieve. It is already available in a number of markets, including Canada.
HTC is also planning to launch a smartwatch later this year. It has also been rumoured to be readying a high-end Google Nexus tablet.