HTC has announced a smartphone with an “ultraselfie” front camera designed to reduce the risk of blurry shots.
The lens module features optical image stabilisation (OIS) tech to counteract the effect of shaky hands – marking the first time the feature has appeared in a handset’s front camera.
The firm also says the HTC 10’s rear camera is ranked as one of the best. But analysts are doubtful whether such features are enough to improve the Taiwanese company’s fortunes.
Five years ago, HTC was the world’s fourth bestselling smartphone maker with a market share of about 9pc. But in 2015, it fell to 17th place with a share of about 1%, according to research firm IDC.
HTC posted a 15.6bn Taiwanese dollar ($480.5m; £335.8m) loss in its last financial year, leaving it with cash reserves of just over double that sum. “Actually I would say our flagships are falling far short of our expectations for the entire cycle of 2015.”
One company watcher said the new Android handset addressed complaints about the M9’s camera, display, battery life and ageing design – but said it might still struggle.
