Can the new HTC One change its stars?
Is HTC putting all its eggs in One's basket? HTC is expected to introduce the new One smart phone at a press event Tuesday in New York.
Wave goodbye to the old HTC One, pictured here – a new HTC one is reportedly on the way.
HTC
On Tuesday, at a press event in New York, HTC will reportedly take the wraps off the latest version of the One, its flagship smart phone.
HTC has avoided getting specific on the specs, but the 2014 One is expected to ship with a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, a 5-inch display – a small step up over the 4.7-inch display on the current model – and something called a "Duo Camera," which would utilize a pair of lenses to produce a more dynamic image (CNET has a pretty good rundown on that feature).
In advance of the press event, a video – purportedly of the new One – has leaked online. If the clip (hat tip TechCrunch) is to be trusted, the next HTC flagship will greatly resemble the current edition, down to the slim profile, boxy lines, and metallic finish.
Meanwhile, according to Nick Gray of HTCSource.com, the new HTC One will launch as a Verizon Wireless exclusive for the period of two weeks. After that time, Mr. Gray reports, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile will all offer the device online and at brick-and-mortar stores. Expect the price to hover around $200, with a two-year contract.
The 2013 HTC One received raves of the sort usually reserved for an Apple device. The tech press was enamored by the design, the snappy hardware, and clean and bright display on the HTC One; Matthew Miller, of ZDNet, went so far as to describe the device as "the best smartphone I have ever used." Still, sales of the One, especially compared to the Galaxy S4 and iPhone 5S, were less than impressive.
Can the 2014 One – admittedly a fine looking machine – achieve more market penetration than its predecessor? Stay tuned.