HTC has announced a waterproof, wide-angled digital camera, the RE, capable of taking still photographs and videos, said a report on Monday.
According to the report, the RE’s cylindrical design includes a sensor that automatically turns the device on when it is picked up.
The machine has an IPX7 waterproof rating, meaning it can be submerged in water to a depth of 1m (3.3ft) for up to half an hour.
An add-on case can protect it to depths of 3m for two hours, and HTC is also releasing clip-on and suction mounts to allow the RE to be attached to bicycles, cars and other kit.
“My big question is the form factor,” commented Francisco Jeronimo, from the tech research firm IDC.
“It’s weird – it looks like an asthma inhaler.
“This is a very niche product and it’s going to be very difficult for HTC to compete against GoPro.
“GoPro is a very established brand in this segment and has recently announced a cheaper product that will likely cost less than what HTC will decide to charge for the RE.”
GoPro recently announced new models, including the top-end Hero4 Black, which can capture video in 4K – four times the resolution of the RE – and is waterproof to 40m, has a 12MP sensor and comes with a remote control. It costs £370.
The firm’s new basic Hero model costs £100, records video in 1080p – the same as the RE – is also waterproof to 40m, and has a 5MP sensor.
GoPro sold 3.8 million cameras last year, up 66% on 2012.
Roberta Cozza, from the Gartner tech consultancy, was also nonplussed by HTC’s attempt to enter the market.
“The digital camera sector is crowded and very tough to get into,” she said.
“While GoPro targets a very specific segment of the market, HTC has said it expects the RE to be more mainstream, used for things like capturing the first steps of your child.
“But I fail to grasp the convenience of it, and I think HTC could have done a better job with the design.”
