Mobile

HTC to quietly preview Google Now smartwatch and other wearable devices at MWC

Alexandra Burlacu

HTC reportedly plans to show carriers some wearable devices at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2014 next week in Barcelona, and one of them is a Google Now smartwatch.

As we're rapidly approaching the big MWC 2014 trade show, anticipation is building up. Some companies chose to announce devices ahead of the show, others chose to tease their upcoming products, while others remain mum, but see their devices leaking out.

HTC is expected to introduce no less than three wearable technology devices in the future - two smartwatches and a music-playing electronic bracelet. According to a new report from Bloomberg, HTC plans a "smartwatch sneak preview for carriers" at MWC.

"HTC Corp., the Taiwanese smartphone maker struggling with sliding sales, plans to demonstrate the first of three wearable devices next week in Barcelona, according to a person with direct knowledge of the plans," Bloomberg reports.

"A smartwatch prototype based on Qualcomm Inc.'s Toq device will be previewed to carriers at the Mobile World Congress trade show, with no plans to unveil the device publicly, the person said, asking not to be identified because the details haven't been released. HTC also is developing a watch using Google Inc.'s Now service and an electronic bracelet that plays music, though it may not demonstrate them, the person said."

Google Now is a popular service that utilizes voice commands and info cards, but it remains to be seen how the service would work on a smartwatch. For now, it's rather unclear just how the smartwatch would use Google Now and exactly what options it will have to offer.

"HTC's first smartwatch will feature Qualcomm's Mirasol display technology, Bluetooth connectivity and a music player, the person familiar said," adds Bloomberg. "The second watch, based on Google Now's set of applications, will likely feature an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode, or AMOLED, screen, the person said."

Bloomberg's source further revealed that HTC is working on a smart wristband that would feature a thin touchscreen display, activity-tracking features, and music player. The company reportedly has not decided yet if any of these devices will actually go into final production.

As always, it is highly advisable to take all such unconfirmed news with a big grain of salt. IF HTC does indeed plan to preview its upcoming wearable devices at MWC, we'll likely hear more about it soon enough.

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