14 DAY TRIAL // Google debuted 2017 with a couple of Android Wear-related announcements, which suggests the search giant plans to focus on the development of the new ecosystem for wearable devices in the first half of the year.
With the launch of Android Wear 2.0 around the corner, many companies announced their support for the new OS with the launch of new smartwatches. Even Google is supposed to launch its own Android Wear 2.0-powered smartwatches, which will be built by LG.
We reported about these Google smartwatches last week, as we learned that the Watch Sport and Watch Style would be announced on February 9, at the same time Android Wear 2.0 is set to be officially released.
Now, a new set of pictures showing the rumored HTC Halfbeak smartwatch have just been published on Weibo, the Chinese alternative to Facebook. This is the second time we get to see HTC's smartwatch after the gadget leaked online last October.
The circular form factor that we already knew from the previous pictures is confirmed once again, along with the two buttons placed on the right side of the smartwatch.
According to the latest rumors, HTC Halfbeak should pack a small display with 360 x 360 pixel resolution. The smartwatch is made in collaboration with Under Armor, which is why the logo of the accessory company appears on the back side.
The pictures show that the smartwatch is running Android Wear 1.0, but if HTC plans to launch it this year, we can safely assume it will ship with Android Wear 2.0 right out of the box.
Unfortunately, it appears that HTC is still assessing the smartwatch market, so it's unclear whether or not the Halfbeak will be made official anytime soon. Our best bet would be an announcement at Mobile World Congress, but HTC fans shouldn't get their hopes too high.
