HTC has confirmed it will be launching its first wearable by the end of 2014, along with the flagship HTC M8.
The Taiwanese company hopes that a wearable device and a strengthened marketing focus will help improve the company’s fortunes after a two-year period of revenue decline.
“We feel positive and optimistic about 2014 when compared to 2013,” said Chang Chialin, HTC CFO and Head of Global Sales in an interview with Bloomberg.
According to HTC Chairman Cher Wang, a wearable device, but not necessarily a smartwatch, will be available “by this year’s Christmas shopping season”. It seems that the company have been working on the device for many years and have encountered several technical challenges, including battery problems like the Samsung Galaxy Gear.
“Many years ago we started looking and smartwatches and wearables, but we believe that we really have to solve the battery problems and the LCD light problems. These are consumer-centric problems”, said Wang.
Along with the upcoming wearable, HTC will launch the next HTC One flagship, currently named the HTC M8 sometime in March according to a person with direct knowledge of the plans.
Earlier this week, the first image of the HTC M8 leaked online revealing its twin-sensor rear camera and striking resemblance to the HTC One.
It also seems HTC will launch a variety of mid to low-end products throughout the year, in order to bolster its hardware portfolio for the year ahead.
“2013 wasn’t a very good year for HTC. We have to admit we took our eyes somewhat off the ball in making sure we have a robust portfolio in the mid- and affordable end, which we’re fixing now.”
HTC will take fresh look at its marketing strategies as well, especially following their hire of Robert Downey Jr. for $12 million to represent the company.
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