Android Authority this week – June 7, 2015
Hello Android fans, this week brought us new Android devices, hot rumors about Samsung’s upcoming phones, and more. At Computex in Taiwan, Asus introduced new tablets, the ZenWatch 2, and a selfie-focused Zenfone; Google released cool updates to several of its apps; SoundHound took everyone by surprise with the very promising Hound virtual assistant; Huawei launched the P8 Lite and other products in the US; rumors surfaced about the Galaxy S6 Plus, while the Galaxy S6 Active has leaked extensively; and HTC launched the One ME, but announced another quarter of poor financial results.
Inside AA HQ
This week we’ve added more feature focus pieces to our Diving into M series, where you can get a closer look at what’s new in Android M developer preview. We’ve also brought you one of the finest Android Auto reviews on the web, courtesy of the one and only Joshua Vergara.
Our YouTube team is busy preparing the next batch of awesome reviews, with devices like the Xiaomi Note Pro, Nvidia Shield, the just announced Huawei P8 Lite, and the Blu Life 8XL all coming up soon.
You’ve probably noticed that we have a new design for the website. AA now runs on the same platform as sister sites TabTimes and SoundGuys, and that means it will be easier for us to roll out new features, while keeping a cohesive appearance. Over the past week, we’ve been tweaking the design and squashing bugs, but we still have some work to do, as this is just the beginning. So please bear with us and drop us a line with your comments and ideas!
This week, we’re putting the excellent LG G4 up for grabs! Grab your sweepstakes tickets here!
The stuff you shouldn’t miss
- Ask Us Anything: Nirave answers your top questions about the G4, S6, and P8
- Feature: Which is the best phone for LTE in the UK, between the LG G4,Galaxy S6, and Huawei P8?
- For developers: These are the top announcements for developers from Google I/O 2015
- Review: Android Auto is finally available in production cars. See what it’s like
Top news of the week
And here are the top news in the Android world this week:
New Asus products
- Asus adds two capable 13MP cameras to the ZenFone recipe: meet the ZenFone Selfie
- Asus announces Quad HD ZenPad S 8.0 and three other tablets at Computex
- ZenWatch 2 unveiled at Computex: now in two sizes, refreshed design, and magnetic charger
- Asus ZenWatch 2 will reportedly offer 3 to 4 day battery life, and beyond
Google apps updates
- Google Maps is gaining real-time transit info in two new countries and four new metro areas
- Chrome OS update brings credit card autofill, physical keyboard autocorrection, and more
- Google Camera version 2.5 update brings a new focusing animation and more
- Updated Google Keyboard syncs your dictionary across devices
- Google Play update for Android TV makes 600+ apps easier to find
- Chrome Beta v44 update brings improvements to Notifications API and promoted add to homescreen
Hound is amazing
- SoundHound aims to take on Google Now with its new personal voice assistant
- Check out this amazing Hound demo
Huawei P8 Lite launch
- Huawei P8 Lite announced, coming to the U.S. today
- Huawei P8 Lite Hands on and First Impressions
- Huawei partners with Jawbone Up for TalkBand B2 launch
- Deal: Buy a Huawei smartphone, get $200 in free goodies for a limited time
Galaxy S6 Active incoming
- Updated: Official Galaxy S6 Active hardware details surface
- AT&T teases imminent Galaxy S6 Active release
Galaxy S6 Plus rumors
HTC’s problems
- HTC can’t stop launching high-end models, introduces One ME in China
- HTC promises hero product in October, significant improvements for M series next year
- HTC’s Product Strategy – time to change?
- HTC now expects to lose money in Q2, writes off $93 million due to unused production capacity
Sound off
We always want to hear your feedback. Whether it’s criticism or praise, feel free to tell us what you think about Android Authority’s content, design, and community. Comment here or get in touch with us on our social channels:
Happy Sunday!
HTC One M9 sales fail to get HTC back in the black in Q2
style=”display:block”
data-ad-client=”ca-pub-8150504804865896″
data-ad-slot=”8461248232″
data-ad-format=”auto”>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push();
Among all flagship devices released in 2015 so far, the HTC One M9 is one that probably elicits the least excitement due to its minor – and generally cosmetic – improvements over its predecessor. It seems the Android community agrees and HTC‘s bottom line has suffered accordingly, undoubtedly due to poor HTC One M9 sales – HTC today posted its revenue report for May and predictions for Q2. Unsurprisngly, the predictions have been revised from NT$41.5 billion in Q1 to NT$33-36 billion, approximately a 30% drop. In its statement, HTC addresses the losses, saying:
“The change for revenue outlook is due to slower demand for high-end Android devices, and weaker than forecast sales in China, while gross margin is revised primarily on product mix change and lowered scale. At the same time, increased competition has raised operating costs for product promotion; HTC is enacting measures to further improve operating efficiency.”
Which loosely reads as “nobody wanted to buy the HTC One M9″ and “China’s manufacturers are stiff competition”. To get back in the black, HTC is going to have to do a lot in what it thinks is its main markets, i.e. Asia, but at the very least, their CEO, Cher Wang, is confident:
“We have full confidence in achieving our vision and maximizing shareholder value through our world-class innovation and by seizing the exciting new business opportunities in the connected lifestyle space.”
We shall see.
What do you think about poor HTC One M9 sales and HTC’s poor financial performance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: HTC via Phone Arena
The post HTC One M9 sales fail to get HTC back in the black in Q2 appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
SteamVR starts shipping Vive Developer Edition
Earlier this year HTC announced they were partnering with Valve to bring a virtual reality headset to market. While HTC is supplying the hardware, Valve is supplying the software through their SteamVR platform. In April Valve started accepting applications for developer editions of the device. This week Valve announced they have started shipping the first batch of devices to selected applicants.
According to Valve, the selected developers include major movie studios, “triple A” developers, and small indie teams. This will be the first batch of many that Valve plans to ship this summer leading up to the consumer release in the fall.
Valve says they included a headset, two Lighthouse base stations, two wireless Steam VR controllers, and an assortment of cables to go with the instructions manual. According to Valve, they are trying to replicate what consumers will receive as much as possible.
source: Valve
Come comment on this article: SteamVR starts shipping Vive Developer Edition
Valve starts handing out HTC’s VR headset to developers
If you’re one of the fortunate few software developers to have scored HTC’s Vive virtual reality headset, you’ll want to keep an eye out for a delivery truck in the near future. Valve has confirmed that it’s shipping the Vive Developer Edition to a “wide range” of teams, ranging from indie game studios to big-name movie producers. It’s not clear how many got their VR headgear, although Owlchemy Labs’ Devin Reimer has revealed that he’s on the short list. You’ll still have to wait until the end of the year to snag a Vive if you’re a regular gamer, unfortunately. Still, the developer release at least suggests that the public launch is on track.
Vive Dev Kit is here!!! #vive #htc #steamvr pic.twitter.com/mPQbYhIDnV
– Devin Reimer (@DevinReimer) June 5, 2015
Filed under: Displays, Gaming, Wearables, HTC
Via: Road To VR
Source: Steam Community, Devin Reimer (Twitter)
HTC shaves $50 off Re Camera; save 50% on accessories with limited time offer
Limited time deal sees the camera discounted for dads and grads. Also, buy three accessories and save huge
HTC, for a limited time, is taking $50 off its Re Camera as part of a promotion for Father’s Day and graduation gifts. As part of its Hot Deals, the HTC Re Camera can be picked up for $150 instead of the normal $200. That’s quite a percentage off to be sure. But it gets better.
If you purchase three accessories at one time through HTC you can grab them for half price. Indeed, that’s 50% off the entire purchase. With plenty of options to choose from you’ll find something for your HTC smartphone or tablet. Examples include a Dot View case, Battery Bar, and Dual Port Car Charger. Mix and match and save!
Also worth noting, HTCis offering 50% off HTC Print Studio card packs. Simply add promo code DAD at checkout and you’ll save 50% on your order.
The post HTC shaves $50 off Re Camera; save 50% on accessories with limited time offer appeared first on AndroidGuys.
HTC now expects to lose money in Q2, writes off $93 million due to unused production capacity
The price of HTC shares has been sliding ever since early March, when the Taiwanese company unveiled the One M9 to frosty reception. Today, HTC shares hit a new low after the company announced it expects a loss for the quarter ending this month, due to lower than expected sales and a one-time write-off of “idled assets.”
HTC now expects to record a net loss of TW$7.95 billion ($257 million) and TW$9.05 billion ($291 million) for the quarter ending June 30. Revenue is expected to be in the range of TW$33 billion to TW$36 billion. That compares to TW$41.5 billion revenue for the previous quarter.
HTC’s revised prediction for this quarter is 30 percent lower than the previous estimate. The phone maker blamed poor sales and intense competition for this dramatic cut.
The change for revenue outlook is due to slower demand for high-end Android devices, and weaker than forecast sales in China, while gross margin is revised primarily on product mix change and lowered scale. At the same time, increased competition has raised operating costs for product promotion; HTC is enacting measures to further improve operating efficiency.
The poor performance of the One M9 is probably the main reason HTC is doing so bad, even if the company didn’t acknowledge it. HTC said, however, that it would incur a “one-off impairment of NT$2.9bn for idled assets and some prepaid expenses.” In plain English, that means HTC booked more production capacity than it needed, and when demand for its products failed to materialize, it had to foot the bill. This meshes with the report from Taiwanese media claiming HTC cancelled 30 percent of the One M9 production due to lack of consumer interest.
For May 2015, HTC announced revenue of TW$10.79 billion, much lower than the $13.5 billion from April, which was the company’s worst April in six years. And this is just one month after the launch of the One M9.
HTC is trying hard to divert attention from the disaster that the One M9 shapes up to be. The company has launched three high-end phones (all three arguably better than the M9) in China and India in the past weeks. And just yesterday, CEO Cher Wang promised a new “hero” product coming out in October, and significant improvements for the next generation of the M series. Problem is, how much can HTC go at this rate?
HTC CEO apologizes for poor performance, promises new “Hero” device in the fall
It’s no secret that the new flagship this year from HTC, the One M9, hasn’t been a hit. Actually, a scary thought would be if HTC expected it to be. The One M9 did not bring much to the table, in comparison with the One M8 of last year.
It’s apparent that this poor performance has disturbed investors, bringing about a drop in stock to a 12-year low of NT$98. At a shareholders meeting this week, HTC CEO Cher Wang went on to apologize for the cause of the weak numbers this year thus far.
According to the Taipei Times, Cher Wang said “HTC’s performance was mainly due to its poor operational efficiency and overly conservative marketing strategy amid fierce competition in the global market.”
“HTC’s recent performance has let people down“
She went on discuss what will be done to turn things around, promising to deliver a “Hero” product in October, and make a more worthy flagship next year.
In addition, HTC will “improve its product mix strategy for smarphones”. Although limited to China, I think we’ve begun to see this with the recent One ME announcement.
It’s unfortunate to see HTC continually in a rut particularly since they were there in Android’s beginnings. Let’s hope that they can get it together.
As to whether this new device falls back on the actual Hero branding isn’t clear. Typically the fall time frame sees HTC releasing something in the Desire family.
The post HTC CEO apologizes for poor performance, promises new “Hero” device in the fall appeared first on AndroidGuys.
HTC’s Cher Wang apologizes to shareholders after slumping performance
At a meeting with shareholders earlier this week, HTC’s Cher Wang apologized for how the company has performance in recent months.
“HTC’s recent performance has let people down.”
The reason for its slump, according to the chairwoman and chief executive officer, is poor operational efficiency and a conservative marketing strategy. Realistically, releasing a flagship device in 2015 that is a reiteration of the previous year doesn’t help either.
Production costs will be slashed and outsourcing will be done to improve operational efficiency. The conservative marketing strategy, though, is more difficult to fix considering the company’s financial situation. Wang’s apology arrives on the heels of HTC stock hitting its lowest point since 2003. They are in no position to spend the same amount of money that Samsung and Apple do on marketing; therefore, all HTC can really do is become smarter and more aggressive with their message.
Wang also promised that a “hero product” will launch in October while innovation and design will be the focus for a flagship device next year. This is in addition to HTC preparing to launch a virtual reality headset and activity tracker, two areas that the company has not touched before.
Source: Tapei Times
Via: Android Authority
Come comment on this article: HTC’s Cher Wang apologizes to shareholders after slumping performance
Deal: HTC offering the RE Camera for $149, 50% off official accessories when you purchase three
If you’re looking to get your dad something nice for Father’s Day, HTC may have a pretty good deal for you. From now until Monday, June 22nd, HTC is offering discounts on numerous products available on its website. You can pick up the HTC RE Camera for just $149 ($50 off), or you can save 50% on all accessories, as long as you purchase three or more. That means you can grab a new Dot View Case, an HTC Battery Bar and a Dual Port Car Charger for 50% off. Not a bad deal!
Related Videos
.rvs_wrapper
width: 350px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left
float: left;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none
width: 100%;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center
text-align: center;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
float: none;
display: inline-block;
vertical-align: top;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos:not(.align_none) ul li:nth-child(2n+1)
clear: both;
.rvs_title
font-weight: 600 !important;
margin: 0 !important;
font-size: 24px !important;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right .rvs_title
padding-left: 20px;
.rvs_title a
font-family: ‘Roboto Condensed’;
color: #3a3a3a;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul
padding-top: 10px;
.rvs_wrapper.align_left.cbc-latest-videos ul li,
.rvs_wrapper.align_none.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 15px 0 0;
.rvs_wrapper.align_right.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 0 0 15px;
float: right;
.rvs_wrapper.align_center.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a
font-weight: 400;
.rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li > a .yt-thumbnail
margin-bottom: 0;
@media only screen and (max-width : 480px)
.rvs_wrapper
width: 100%;
text-align: center;
body .rvs_wrapper.cbc-latest-videos ul li
padding: 0 7px;
display: inline-block;
float: none;
vertical-align: top;
In addition, HTC is also offering 50% off the purchase of card packs made with the HTC Print Studio app. Once you customize your cards, you’ll get a 50% discount when you use the code “DAD” at checkout. If you have yet to download the app, you can do so here.
Although this deal lasts until the 22nd, these products are only available while supplies last. If you’re interested, head to the link below to grab some great HTC products.
[Deal] HTC covers the RE Camera and accessories with discounts
Right now, there are three separate deals running through HTC’s online store. It covers the RE Camera, Pinhole Press products, and select accessories. The savings are nothing to laugh at either as each deal will save $50 or 50%.
The deals are as follows:
- RE Camera for $149 (save $50)
- 50% off Pinhole Press orders (using promo code DAD at checkout)
- 50% off on select accessories when buying three
Now would be a great time to pick up a Father’s Day or graduation gift. Or you can pick up some goodies for yourself. Don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone.
Source: HTC
Come comment on this article: [Deal] HTC covers the RE Camera and accessories with discounts
AIVAnet 