14 DAY TRIAL // Smartphones. Everybody has one today, as these devices are no longer limited to the exclusive few who have money to spend on new technologies.
So today tech companies activating in the highly competitive market can’t survive basing their business solely on the making of smartphones.
Motorola and Nokia are both eloquent examples, as both companies have been swiftly absorbed by larger corporations, but what about HTC?
HTC wants to make more than smartphones
The company claimed on a number of occasions that it was dead-set on focusing on smartphones and nothing else. But as this strategy seems to have failed for the giant, HTC is now taking a slightly different approach.
For starters, you might be aware that HTC and Google will soon be partnering up for the introduction of the new Nexus 9 tablet. The slate is expected to be unveiled just a day before Apple’s highly hyped iPad event.
HTC officials stated the Nexus 9 is the company’s ticket back to the tablet market, but with competition as though as new Apple iPads breathing down its neck, will the new tablet succeed?
While we wait on the new Nexus slate, HTC has a different route set out for us. It has recently unveiled its own take at GoPro camera sector in the form a small, periscope-looking device entitled the RE camera.
At $199 / €157, this tube-shaped camera is waterproof and wearable and can capture high-resolution photos and full HD video. But does it stand a chance against GoPro alternatives?
Does the RE camera stack up against the GoPro bunch?
For the same price, customers can pick up the GoPro HERO3 from retail locations like Amazon, but the company recently introduced the GoPro HERO4 and a budget-oriented GoPro which we are going to talk about in the few.
Compared to the GoPro HERO 3, the HTC RE camera seems to be the better device on paper. The shooter comes with a 16MP 1/ 2.3-inch CMOS sensor with ultra-angle lens and f/2.8 aperture, while the HERO3 sports an ultra-wide-angle lens with f/2.8 aperture but offers support for 5MP resolution.
But not all is about the megapixel count and there’s a reason why GoPro cameras have become the sweethearts of so many thrill seekers looking to document their activities.
Both models offers multiple modes for snapping photos and recording video, and as you’ll see when compared, the HERO 3 offers a bit more in terms of options.
The HTC RE camera can shoot in 1080p at 30fps and 4x slow motion video at 720p. I should also mention the RE features time-lapse recording capabilities.
On the other side of the fence, the HERO3 offers 1080p video at 30fps, but also the more “cinematic” option of 25fps.
The GoPro can also switch to 960p, but you can drop to 720p or WVGA resolution with frame rates options such as 50fps or 60fps.
The HERO3 also offers burst photo mode as well as time lapse function with different capture intervals.
So as you can see, the HERO3 is a bit more versatile.
I won't go on to compare the RE camera GoPro’s latest HERO4 product which does 4K and even has an LCD embedded because there's no point. Still, I have to remind you of the new $129.99 / €103 “simple” HERO, which comes devoid of Wi-Fi.
So as you can see, the RE camera doesn’t really fit in the action cam ecosystem because customers who want an action cam already have their backs covered.
HTC says the RE camera is not only for thrill seekers
However, HTC makes an attempt to turn things around by saying the RE is actually a life-logging camera that appeals to just anyone who wants to record life’s precious moments.
But the camera doesn’t have a viewfinder of any kind, so basically it’s quite “blind.” This deficit is slightly compensated by the fact that you can use the smartphone as a viewfinder. Which begs the question, why not use the smartphone to snap the image/ shoot the video in the first place?
The scenarios in which you would rather have the RE Camera with you, rather than a compact camera or a photo friendly smartphone aren’t that many and they really don’t justify the price of the device.
Sure, the RE looks wacky enough and is quite portable but paying $199 / €157 for one? I don’t think it's worth it.