HTC RE Camera Begs the Question: Do You Really Need It?

Everywhere you look, people are using smartphones and
tablets to snap pictures and record video of concerts,
speeches or even their kids' ballet recitals - and instantly
share the experiences with friends and family. At many
events, people aren't even looking at the stage; they are
watching through their screens.
HTC thinks there's a better way - and they're betting you
won't mind carrying around an extra device about the size
of a small candy bar. With the new RE camera gripped
discreetly in your hands, you can take stills and video while
still experiencing the event directly - not through a screen
or viewfinder.
No more annoying people behind you by blocking their
views with your phone or tablet. (In fact, no one may realize
you're recording at all. Hmm. HTC says the RE will at least
make a sound when you take a picture or start recording.)
The RE marks HTC's effort to expand beyond smartphones.
Its flagship HTC One smartphone earns high praise from
users and tech reviewers but the company's global market
share is tiny compared with Apple's and Samsung's.
According to IDC, HTC's market share was less than 2
percent in the second quarter, the latest period available.
How do I use it?
The camera, which will hit stores in about a month,
resembles a miniature submarine periscope. It's about four
inches long; its diameter is about the same as a quarter's.
One quick press snaps a 16-megapixel still image, while a
long press starts video recording at 1080p high definition.
You can transfer images wirelessly to your phone or an
online storage account.
Would-be filmmakers can attach the RE to tripods and other
accessories. The camera is waterproof, so you can leave it
outside for time-lapse video. ( Apple added the time-lapse
feature to iPhones in its iOS 8 software update, but you
can't use your phone for other things while you take the
video.)
How much does it cost?
For $199 you get just 8 gigabytes of storage, but you can
add up to 128 gigabytes more with a microSD card.
Any drawbacks?
There's no display or viewfinder. You point the device
toward the stage and hope you're not cutting anyone off.
You can use a companion smartphone app as a viewfinder,
but that defeats the point of not needing to have your phone
out while enjoying an event.
What else is coming from HTC?
Next month HTC is launching a new mid-range smartphone
called the Desire Eye . The phone's front camera will match
the 13 megapixels found on the rear, meaning sharper
selfies and videoconferencing than what smartphones
typically offer. The front camera also will use face detection
to keep subjects in focus and permit voice commands such
as "cheese!" to snap the shot. HTC plans to bring many of
these features to its high-end HTC One devices, too,
through free software updates.
The 5.2-inch Desire Eye will be available in early November
through AT&T. No details on price yet.
HTC also is launching a free app for iPhones and non-HTC
Android phones that lets users create a highlights video.
Current HTC phones have a Zoe feature that automatically
grabs images taken on a given day and stitches them
together into a video, complete with music.
The free app "allows us to get HTC in more people's hands
without having to make them do a smartphone change
immediately," says Jason Mackenzie, president of HTC
America. "So the next time that customer is buying a
smartphone, they now have been introduced to HTC."