HTC to introduce half as many smartphones in 2017
HTC is releasing half as many smartphones this year, according to an interview with Chialin Chang, President of Smartphone and Connected Devices Business at HTC Corp. Instead of last year's eleven to twelves devices, HTC only has six or seven phones in the pipeline for 2017. Chang explained that the goal of the reduction is to help the Taiwanese company “focus on its smartphones' core features."
This interview closely follows HTC’s announcement of two smartphones: the U Ultra and the U Play. Chang believes that features such as the Sense Companion virtual assistant are what will make HTC's devices stand out in a crowded smartphone market.
In addition to these two phones, Chang says we should expect a few more Desire handsets aimed at the budget market later in the year and also hinted at the release of a flagship successor to the HTC 10.
Last week the company reported that consolidated sales fell to NT$78.16 billion (US$2.44 billion), the lowest it's been in 12 years. This represents a 35 percent decline in sales compared to the previous year. While HTC has fallen behind, Asustek Computer Inc's smartphone shipments have surged ahead, making the company the leading Taiwanese smartphone brand.