HTC is expected to give carriers a “sneak peak” at a brand new smartwatch powered by Google Now at Mobile World Congress next week, according to “a person with direct knowledge of the plans” who has been speaking to Bloomberg. The prototype device is said to be the first of three new wearables from the Taiwanese company.
Bloomberg’s source hasn’t provided much detail on how the watch will work, but they do say it will feature an AMOLED display. If it’s powered by Google Now, one assumes it will essentially be a voice-controlled digital assistant — just like the smartphone counterpart — that provides helpful information on your wrist.
Unfortunately for us, HTC will reportedly preview the device to carriers only, while the public will have to wait.
As for the company’s other two smartwatches, one will be based on the existing Qualcomm Toq and use the same Mirasol display technology, the source claims. It will also boast a built-in music player, and Bluetooth connectivity for pairing with a smartphone.
The third device will be “a smart wristband with a thin touch-screen display, music player and activity-tracking features,” Bloomberg reports. It would seem this particular device will be more of a Fitbit Flex competitor, rather than a full-scale smartwatch hoping to take on devices like the Galaxy Gear and the Sony SmartWatch 2.
HTC is hoping its new wearable lineup — coupled with a greater focus on product marketing — can help it reverse the revenue declines it has suffered for the past two years straight. The company is also going toconcentrate on entry-level smartphonesaimed at consumers in emerging markets.
Bloomberg expects HTC’s first smartwatch to be available by Christmas. The company is currently “working to resolve issues with the battery and display.”
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