HTC’s Double Exposure press event took place today. The company unveiled not only a new smartphone, the HTC Desire EYE but also the new RE camera, billed as “a remarkable little camera” and the HTC EYE Experience enhanced imaging software.
The new top-of-the-range HTC Desire model incorporates a number of features first seen on the HTC One (M8) but retains the polycarbonate shell of the Desire line. It breaks out of the usual mid-range pack with its dual 13MP cameras, both with dual flashes. It also comes with HTC’s new imaging software, HTC EYE Experience, which adds a variety of new features such as Split Capture which lets you simultaneously capture photos and videos taken on the two cameras inot one split-screen image or video, Crop-Me-In which crops your selfie into a picture taken with the back camera and Voice Selfie which lets you trigger the shutter release with a voice command like “say cheese” or “action.”
HTC Desire EYE specifications:
- Processor: 2.3GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801
- Operating system: Google Android
- Cellular connectivity: 4G
- Display: 5.2-inch Full HD (1080×1920)
- RAM: 2GB
- Internal storage: 16GB
- External storage: MicroSD cards
- Rear-facing camera: 13MP with dual-LED flash
- Front-facing camera: 13MP with dual-LED flash
- Battery: 2,400mAh
- Other: HTC BoomSound, waterproof (IPx7 rated)
While HTC may not be ready to jump into the wearables market, it did unveil a new device pushes the company into a completely new product category. The RE is a camera designed to make it easy to take pictures and video and lets you be “at the heart of the action, not peering through a lens.” Its cylindrical design makes it easy to use. It automatically turns on when picked up thanks to its built-in grip sensor and a single button can trigger both photos with a short press or videos with a long press.
“HTC has been setting the standard for smartphones for years – today we’re focused on redefining the concept of imaging forever,” said Peter Chou, CEO, HTC. “As a company we don’t stand still and our devotion to innovation has seen us take smart photography in a
completely new direction for our business and our customers. Once people get a RE in their hands, they won’t want to put it down. This is everybody’s opportunity to get out from behind the lens and start living in the moment again.”
RE interacts with smartphones through the RE application to sync content over Wi-Fi. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices.
HTC RE specifications:
- Front-facing camera: 16MP with 1080p video capture and 146 degree f2.8 lens
- Colours: White, Teal, Orange, Navy Blue
- Other: Waterproof (IPx7 rated and iPx8 rated with waterproof cap)
HTC will also release an open SDK to allow developers to expand the functionality of the RE. HTC is also working on a feature that will make it possible to offer real-time video streaming to YouTube, allowing you to share live content.
The HTC Desire EYE will launch later this month across Asia, EMEA and the U.S. HTC RE will launch in the U.S. in late October with a price of US$199.99 and will roll out to other markets later. Both will launch in Canada but specific dates and pricing have not been announced.
Sources : HTC Desire EYE // HTC RE