It’s been known for some time now that HTC will be holding an event on January 12th, with rumors pointing towards the release of three new smartphones, specifically the HTC U Ultra, U Play and One X10. Now, though, a leaked video that could be shown off at the event hints at what’s to come from HTC and its VR unit in the future.
Looking at the video, the company initially pokes fun at companies that produce generic looking devices without taking any risks, by stating that today’s phones “fail to emotionally connect with the people that buy them” all while showing off a number of Samsung, Apple, OnePlus and even old Nokia Lumia devices. HTC says that it is hoping to change this, though, by experimenting with a host of colors and materials, as well as some quirky finishes, with the focus being on devices that are truly personalized. Now, although this may not seem like anything major, towards the end of the video the company provides a strong teaser surrounding how HTC’s Vive unit may influence the smartphones it produces, in the form of a new Vive-branded smartphone.
Now, looking at the smartphone, it appears to feature a very industrial-looking design, with a metal unibody, along with a unique take on antenna bands, by including four that sit along either side of the rear, as well as the top and bottom. In order to emphasize the Vive capabilities of the smartphone, HTC have included the HTC Vive logo on the rear. Now, the fact that HTC could be producing a Vive-branded smartphone hints at the possibility that the company could be preparing its own mobile VR headset that could take on the likes of the Samsung Gear VR or even Google’s Daydream.
If HTC was to release a smartphone built around the Vive brand, it certainly would not be a bad move, considering the popularity that its Vive headset has garnered over the past year. As well as this, if the smartphone is built around VR capabilities it could be an easy way to increase sales, considering the limited amount of smartphones that can be used with Samsung’s Gear VR or Google Daydream. Either way, with HTC’s event only a number of days away, the company could be set to show off a number of details regarding its future, as well as the HTC Vive smartphone.
