Rapid fire: rumor mill says HTC is prepping to launch 3 smartphones within the next 3 months

posted by Paul K. / Dec 28, 2016, 9:10 AM

Rapid fire: rumor mill says HTC is prepping to launch 3 smartphones within the next 3 months

About three months ago, we heard about HTC's Ocean concept — a code name for a new family of sleek, buttonless smartphones. Reportedly, the prototypes are called Ocean Master, Ocean Note, and Ocean Smart, and one of the three is supposedly HTC's next flagship, while the others could fall in any category (could the Note one fill a certain hot niche?).

Now, a rumor coming from Chinese website Eprice states that the company is getting ready to launch three new smartphones in the first quarter of 2017. According to the leak, we might see the alleged Ocean Note be announced first — on the 12th of January. Whether the other two smartphones will be unveiled on the same date or later is unknown. It's also not certain if they will be of the Ocean family — after all, we are expecting a new HTC X10 to hit at some point early next year, too.

About a week ago, we did get a teaser for a mystery announcement on the 12th of January straight from HTC, but there's not much to go on. All the announcement said was “for U”, with the date written below.

So... how do you feel about an HTC Note? Yeah, maybe getting another stylus-equipped Android flagship, especially from HTC, is a bit far-fetched, but hey — it doesn't hurt to dream!

source: Eprice (translate) via Phandroid

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14 Comments

1. Dr.Phil

Posts: 2482; Member since: Feb 14, 2011

I honestly do hope that HTC brings a Samsung Note competitor, because as of right now there has been no real competition for the Note series. The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus compete against the S7 and S7 edge respectively. LG only offers a stylus-carrying device in their lower to mid-range. I think by offering a more direct competitor, consumers will be able to benefit greatly. If it is a midrange device, I hope it's able to match at least some of the Note 7's capabilities at a better price point. I'm sure there are a lot of people out there that wouldn't mind a Note 7-like device at a more affordable price point (i.e. $400 range).

posted on Dec 28, 2016, 9:50 AM 6

5. Podrick

Posts: 1285; Member since: Aug 19, 2015

LG V series with stylus would be great.

posted on Dec 28, 2016, 10:45 AM 4

7. trojan_horse

Posts: 5868; Member since: May 06, 2016

Do you like the LG V series, bruh? I am still pissed at LG for ditching the G Pro series! LG G Pro 2 was one heck of a phablet, and the "G Pro" moniker sounds better to me than the V series.

posted on Dec 28, 2016, 11:12 AM 5

9. ECPirate37

Posts: 347; Member since: Jul 14, 2011

The V series is great. I think V10, V20 is weird as well, but the phones are pretty dope.

posted on Dec 28, 2016, 12:10 PM 1

10. Podrick

V10 was great minus SoC and battery life. V20, while not as compelling as V10 at the time, is pretty good. Waiting for true V10 successor with better battery life and compelling compared to competition. I agree that G Pro is pretty cool name.

posted on Dec 28, 2016, 12:19 PM 2

11. trojan_horse

Yay, the V10 was dope, especially it being MIL-STD-810G certified shock resistant... Not to forget it's secondary display at the top. And LG has dropped the ball it once held in battery life during the LG G2 days... I'm waiting for a true successor to the LG G Pro 2!

posted on Dec 28, 2016, 12:46 PM 0

2. gdawilson

Posts: 299; Member since: Jul 21, 2014

Be interesting if HTC didn't release a One (X10) flagship this year, and instead released different models but with flagship spec's. They'd definitely be the first company to not have a yearly cycle with one of their flagship family models - could be a blessing in disguise for them if they hold off the X10 next year (2017). I want HTC to be successful! The HTC One V was my first touchscreen phone, and I'd definitely think about returning to their devices in the future!

posted on Dec 28, 2016, 9:54 AM 2

14. SES21

Posts: 4; Member since: Nov 23, 2012

The One line branding is done. The X10 is the follow-on to the mid-range One X9, not 2016's flagship HTC 10. I think the Ocean line will be a range of flagships in different sizes.

posted on Dec 31, 2016, 12:37 AM 0

3. Plasticsh1t

Posts: 3109; Member since: Sep 01, 2014

HTC is a trend setter. Everyone follows HTC.

posted on Dec 28, 2016, 10:10 AM 5

4. aegislash

Posts: 1528; Member since: Jan 27, 2015

It'd be nice to see a device that truly takes on the Galaxy Note in terms of features, because as of now, it's in a league of it's own. Sure, there are plenty of big screened devices...but absolutely none of them offer what the Note does. I can't help but feel like it is just a tad bit too late in the game for HTC to helm a device like this. Every quarter for them is just loss after loss. If this rumor ends up being true, it just seems silly to all of a sudden consider entering a market that is completely dominated by another OEM, especially considering HTC's track record in recent years; many people would simply brush it off. Though, a Note device might also be a game changer for them, and completely turn things around for them, as long as they market the hell out of the device and all of the features it has.

posted on Dec 28, 2016, 10:19 AM 2

6. LanjaKodaka

Posts: 219; Member since: Sep 27, 2016

Come on HTC, go...

posted on Dec 28, 2016, 11:01 AM 1

8. tabS2IsBoss

Posts: 6; Member since: Dec 27, 2016

You can ONLY laugh at HTC nothing they make matters on the Android platform and never will. The Galaxy Note series is and always have been in a league of it's own nobody compares to the all purpose ability of the Note.

posted on Dec 28, 2016, 12:07 PM 0

12. Dragan

Posts: 4; Member since: Apr 03, 2015

I wish much much better yuear to HTC, and hope that thay will make many more great new phones !!!!!!!! My Htc 10, is perfect, for me, its completely..my style !!!!! Love it !!!! And whot is it, with you people, this is article about Htc., ha ha not Lg !!! But i will say this, Lg software..sucks !!! its terible, but hardware,..hmm.. i like it look of v10, but it was with veek procesor S.808, , V20 is strong, but..ugly !!!!!