Tag: smartphone business

  • Smartwatch Business Says Farewell, Fossil Bids Goodbye

    Smartwatch Business Says Farewell, Fossil Bids Goodbye

    Fossil, the popular fashion brand, has recently announced its departure from the smartwatch business. This decision comes after years of involvement in the industry, with Fossil being one of the early adopters of Google's Wear OS. While other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) showed little interest in the smartwatch operating system, Fossil remained committed. However, the company has now decided to redirect its resources and focus on its core strengths and segments that offer strong growth opportunities.

    Fossil's exit from the smartwatch business not only affects its main brand but also its sub-brands, including Skagen and Diesel, which have also released smartwatches. The latest smartwatch from Fossil, the Gen 6, which was introduced in 2021, will be the brand's final offering in this category.

    Amanda Castelli, a spokesperson for Fossil, explained that the smartwatch landscape has significantly evolved over the past few years, leading to this strategic decision. Fossil has experienced the ups and downs of Wear OS, but the collaboration between Google and Samsung to develop Wear OS 3, based on Android 11, marked a turning point for the industry.

    Despite the exit from the smartwatch business, Fossil has assured its customers that it will continue to support and update its existing Wear OS watches for the next few years. Fossil smartwatches have been known for their hybrid design, combining minimalist and fashion-centric elements with smart and fitness features. Although the company had plans to release the Gen 7 smartwatch last year, it became apparent that those plans had changed.

    Reports from Reddit users had already hinted at Fossil's departure from the smartwatch market, and now it has been confirmed. Fossil's presence in the smartwatch segment will be missed, leaving Withings as the sole brand offering hybrid smartwatches in the market.

    Fossil's decision to exit the smartwatch business reflects the ever-changing nature of the industry. As technology continues to advance, companies must adapt and focus on their core strengths to remain competitive. While Fossil may no longer be a player in the smartwatch market, its impact and contribution to the industry should not be forgotten.

    Tags: , ,
  • HTC’s Strategy: Introducing 1-2 Phones with Snapdragon 7 Series in 2024

    HTC’s Strategy: Introducing 1-2 Phones with Snapdragon 7 Series in 2024

    HTC’s New Strategy for Mobile Phones

    HTC, the Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer, is not shutting down its smartphone business as previously rumored. Instead, the company is adopting a new strategy of releasing 1-2 mobile phones each year. In a recent statement, Huang Zhaoying, HTC’s Senior Vice President of global business and marketing, discussed the company’s plans and perspectives for the future in the highly competitive mobile phone sector.

    Maintaining Partnership with Qualcomm

    HTC’s strategy revolves around maintaining its partnership with Qualcomm and utilizing Snapdragon 7 series processors in its upcoming models. This decision aligns with the company’s goal of catering to the specific needs of its customers, rather than opting for the more advanced Snapdragon 8 series. By focusing on communication and consumer needs, HTC aims to prioritize the core function of mobile phones.

    Emphasizing Mobile Communication

    While design and technology continue to evolve, HTC emphasizes the enduring importance of mobile communication. The company believes that this aspect should guide its product development and release strategies. Although the specific specifications and release dates for the upcoming 2024 models are yet to be announced, HTC’s commitment to communication remains at the forefront of its strategy.

    Positive Market Response

    HTC’s recent market performance has validated its strategic choices. The sales of the HTC U23 series, which includes the U23 and U23 Pro models, have seen a significant increase of at least 30% compared to the previous HTC Desire 22 Pro. It is worth noting that the U23 series has only been available for six months, still within its product lifecycle. HTC’s focus on enhancing phone features, particularly camera modules, has garnered a positive response from the market.

    Expanding into the Metaverse Ecosystem

    In addition to smartphones, HTC is actively developing its metaverse ecosystem. The company has even collaborated with the Kaohsiung City Government to create a virtual metropolis. This move indicates HTC’s dedication to exploring new avenues beyond traditional smartphone business.

    Conclusion

    Contrary to earlier speculations, HTC is not shutting down its smartphone business. Instead, the company is adopting a new strategy of releasing 1-2 mobile phones each year. By prioritizing communication and consumer needs, while maintaining its partnership with Qualcomm, HTC aims to cater to its customers’ preferences. The positive market response to the HTC U23 series further validates the company’s strategic choices. Additionally, HTC’s foray into the metaverse ecosystem demonstrates its commitment to exploring new frontiers in the digital world.

    Tags: , ,