HTC is headed to Mobile World Congress but it is not expected to make any announcements at the event. Its next flagship smartphone will only be unveiled a month later at an event on March 25, possibly alongside the mid-range HTC Desire 8. But Bloomberg reports that HTC may use MWC 2014 to give carriers and other partners private previews of at least one upcoming wearable device.
In fact, HTC may be developing up to three wearable devices according to the report. The first could be based on the Qualcomm Toq smartwatch (seen below), itself a limited edition device that uses a color capacitive Mirasol touchscreen display. The second, also a smartwatch, could use the virtual personal assistant Google Now and use an AMOLED display. The third could be an electronic bracelet that plays music and tracks various activities. It could also sport a slim touchscreen display.
The first smartwatch, based on the Toq, appears to be furthest along in its development. HTC could use it to give a taste of what is to come from the beleaguered manufacturer even as it works to resolve issues with the battery and display if past comments by company Chairwoman Cher Wang are any indication.
Wearables are part of HTC’s strategy to turn its fortunes around. Expected to be a US$30 billion industry by 2018, the new category could help offset HTC’s disappointing smartphone sales.
While HTC has yet to commit to releasing any of these devices, it is aiming to have the first HTC wearable out in time for Christmas 2014.
Source : Bloomberg