Smartwatch concept
HTC is down but not out: the Taiwanese phone maker is planning to give the Samsung Galaxy Gear some serious competition with a smartwatch of its own.
Citing a person familiar with the matter, the report says the smartwatch will feature a camera and run a version of Android, just like the Galaxy Gear developed by Samsung. HTC wants to have the smartwatch in stores “by the second half of 2014”, but details about the device’s cost and functionality are still on the table.
Peter Chou said last week that HTC is “excited about” wearable technology, which is a “critical segment” for the company. However, Chou dismissed the wearable devices currently on the market, calling them “version one” and “gimmicks”.
While HTC’s CEO didn’t call out any competitors, the most prominent wearable device currently on the market is Samsung’s Galaxy Gear. The Gear, which works as a companion to Samsung devices, features a 1.6-inch display and a 1.9MP camera, and runs a modified version of Android 4.2. Since it launched last month, reviewers have panned the Gear for its limited functionality, high $300 price tag, and janky operation.
