Before the unveiling of the HTC Desire Eye and the HTC RE camera, we had the opportunity to sit down with Drew Bamford and Nigel Newbuy-house about the company strategy. When HTC started out, the company’s main focus was building smartphones and other devices for other manufacturers. That all changed several years ago as HTC started releasing smartphones on its own. The company built brand recognitions and became a leader in the smartphone space. Drew explained that HTC’s is now embarking on a new phase which will focus on connected devices, bringing new hardware and software services to as many consumers as possible.
The HTC Re camera and Zoe are the first hardware and software services the company is delivering to kick off this new phase for HTC.
So, what is the HTC Re camera? At its most basic level, the HTC Re camera is a waterproof action camera which can record HTC HD video and capture images with a simple click of a button. The RE camera will have a slew of accessories when is shows up at retail stores this fall, allowing you to mount it to your bike, your backpack or even hang the camera around your neck from a lanyard. Many people will inevitably compare the HTC RE camera to a GoPro, but HTC isn’t really looking to compete in the sports camera segment. While the product can be used like a GoPro, HTC’s marketing plan is to pitch the RE camera to general every-day consumers to be used in every-day scenarios. The RE camera is meant to replace your dependence on the camera’s viewfinder and allow you to be immersed in your experience.
HTC wants us to use the RE camera at home, at parties, concerts and other everyday-life events which we find ourselves in. As you may have noticed, many people are enjoying timeless moments in their lives by looking at them through the viewfinder on their smartphones. That’s what HTC hopes to change with the RE camera. Because the camera has an ultra-wide angle lens, you don’t have to worry about framing the shot. Point the RE camera in the right direction and you’ll have a 146 degree field of view. HTC does have an app that works as a remote viewfinder for the RE camera, but the device was designed to work as an independent viewfinderless camera.
The design of the HTC RE camera is completely different than what the competition has to offer. The periscope shape fits comfortably in the hand and HTC has positioned the shutter button perfectly for your thumb and tucked below the neck is a small button which activates slow-motion video capture. The front of the device features a recessed lens and on the bottom is a microUSB port, standard tripod mount and microSD card slot.
One thing you won’t find of the HTC RE camera is a power button. HTC has designed the RE’s exterior to respond to capacitive touch, turning it on as soon as it is held in the hand. This allows for instant video or photo capture as soon as the shutter button is pressed. If you have the RE camera mounted if standing on a table, power is initiated when the shutter button is pressed. In these scenarios, it will take a little extra time for the camera to react.
Snapping a picture or recording a video is extremely simple. Press and release the shutter button and the RE camera will take a picture. Press and hold the shutter button and it’ll start recording video. HTC has added different shutter sounds for each to make sure you know exactly what the RE camera is capturing.
Specs
- 16 megapixel BSI sensor with 146 degree wide-angle lens
- 8GB microSD card (included), supports up to 128GB cards
- Waterproof IP57 rating (can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes)
- Weights : 66 grams
- Digital video stabilivation
- 1080p video capture at 30 fps
- 720p slowmotion video capture at 80 fps (20 fps playback)
- Bluetooth
- WiFi
The HTC RE camera app will be available for Android at launch and HTC has plans to add support for iOS as soon as possible. The intent is to make the HTC RE camera available to as many consumers as possible, regardless of platform or smartphone brand. As stated before, the app allows for a connected phone to be used as a remote viewfinder. The RE camera pairs to a phone or tablet via Bluetooth, but used WiFi direct to transfer images and power the viewfinder mode. From the app, you can adjust the camera’s settings, tweak every details of time-lapse capture and even share images and videos directly to Zoe or other imaging services. The app does not allow you to do any real editing, but it does fix the distortion of images that are captured in the ultra-wide angle mode.
While the HTC RE camera was unveiled today, the company isn’t quite ready to release the new device to the public. HTC is planning to sell the RE camera at Best Buy, htc.com and other electronics retailers for $199.99. The camera will be available in white, gray, red and blue (exclusive to Best Buy).
