HTC to launch its first wearable device by year-end, smartwatch expected

Taiwan-based mobile firm HTC has revealed that it will be launching a new wearable device by the end of 2014. Of course, rumours of a smartwatch from the manufacturer have been circulating for a while.

According to a report by Bloomberg, HTC's CFO Chang Chialin and Chairman Cher Wang said the company has been investigating possible wearable devices for a few years now, but has only now managed to solve the problems with batteries and 'LCD lights'. Both also spoke about a fresh focus on marketing.

For now, HTC has not confirmed if the upcoming wearable device will be a smartwatch, but it seems likely. A concept design (seen above) by an independent artist has is doing the rounds of the internet, created by Eliott Copier.

Of course the design is a concept and very speculative, but it is interesting to note that HTC is trying very hard to revive its market share. It is also important to remember that Sony and Samsung have already invested in the concept and that their wearable devices are already available in the market, and have been met with mixed reactions. Also in the pipeline this year, is the rumoured launch of the new Apple iWatch. So success might not be easy to come.

In addition, the firm has also said that it will be launching an updated version of its HTC One smartphone this year. This flagship smartphone has been the rounds of the rumour mills for a while, and a device with the codename M8 is expected to the successor. Possible names include HTC One 2 and HTC Two.

The numbers for the Taiwanese firm have fallen constantly over the last two years. The company recently partnered with low-cost chipmakers to start producing low-end and mid-range phones, as its premium brand image was not working very well for it in terms of sales. Perhaps with the renewed interest in the marketing sector, along with launching new versions of existing devices as well as brand new ones, HTC might see its fortunes reversing.