Tag: htc wearables

Wearable technology from HTC delayed as the company gets a Grip

The tech company has moved the release of its wearables back as it rethinks the device after consumer testing.

HTC has announced that it will be delaying the release of its Grip wearable technology following the results of its consumer testing, as it is considering making alterations to the device so that it will serve a new purpose.

The company has decided that instead of rushing to market, it would rather ensure that consumers get what they want.

The fitness band from HTC called the HTC Grip was supposed to become available later in 2015. However, it now looks as though the wearable technology from that company won’t be released until next spring. The company explained that “After extensive wear testing and user feedback, we have decided to align Grip with the entire product portfolio for health and fitness launching later this year.”

The wearable technology may be redesigned so that it will more seamlessly fit into a broader project from the company.

Wearable Technology - HTCThe statement from HTC went on to say that “This will be a state-of-the-art comprehensive portfolio of products for this category powered by Under Armour Record.” Aside from that, though, no further details were provided by the company and anything above and beyond that point has been called speculation. There were no more answers given with regards to why the device was delayed or what changes would be made to those wearables between now and the release in the spring.

That said, reports about the company’s moves abound and it is clear to the tech industry that HTC is using this time to redirect its wearable tech intentions. This is not the first time that the company has changed directions when it comes to the design or release of its devices. Back in March, for example, it made another large turn when it broke out into other segments of the consumer electronics industry in response to a less-than powerful interest in its smartphones.

At the moment, the wearable technology in question, the Grip, is a touch display fitness band that is waterproof and that is compatible with both iOS and Android operating systems. It also has GPS built into it.

Wearable technology from HTC to be unveiled at CES

The device is still expected to be something that will be worn on the wrist, though it is not going to be a smartwatch.

Ever since it was revealed that HTC has been working on a wearable technology device, the assumption has been that it would be unveiling some form of smartwatch at CES, but it doesn’t look like that will be the case, at all.

Speculations have been swirling for some time now, but it still looks as though the wearables will be wrist-worn.

According to a spokesperson from HTC, the first piece of wearable technology from the smartphone manufacturer based in Taiwan is going to be launched within the first quarter of next year. That said, the spokesperson made it clear that regardless of all of the speculations that would suggest that this mobile device is going to be released in the form of a smartwatch, that is not going to be the case.

HTC reiterated its intentions to create a wearable technology device but that it was taking longer than expected.

Wearable Technology - HTCAt that time, the device had been due to be launched, but Jason Mackenzie, the head of HTC America, explained that it simply wasn’t ready and so the unveiling was, therefore, being delayed. Now, HTC has said that in January, when the CES takes place, the company will be ready with its new wearables to be seen by the public for the first time.

The spokesperson also explained that this new mobile device is going to be “very different from anything currently on the market.” That said, many technology companies have said that about their own devices which have only proven to be a disappointment in terms of their lack of originality when compared to other gadgets that are already on the market shelves. The tech world will need to see for itself whether or not HTC is able to stand out in a rapidly growing category where it is becoming increasingly different to do anything new.

HTC has also revealed that it will be working “closely with other companies who have done significant work in developing apps for activities such as fitness.” This suggests that the wearable technology device may be comparable to a fitness band as opposed to the smartwatch design that had previously been expected.