HTC to make an iPod Touch competitor?

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htc patent .post-featured{margin-bottom:20px;} Image via: Patent Bolt

PatentBolt has gotten their hands on a new HTC device design which indicates that HTC might be working on a competitor to Apple’s iPod Touch. HTC filed a patent back in early 2011 for a “handheld electronic device” which makes no reference to cellular bandwidths, essentially ruling out the possibility of the device being a phone. The patent application was made public just this month.

As you can see from the illustrations, the device would feature complete slide out stereo stereo speakers on the front of the device, making it a multimedia powerhouse. The patent application shows a rear kickstand geared for landscape viewing, perfect for consuming video content. The design is similar to the Windows Phone-based HTC Surround, which came out back in 2010, though it’s clear HTC has gone back to the drawing board with this current device.

HTC would not be the first Android manufacturer to make a standalone multimedia player; Samsung has been selling its Galaxy Player devices for a while now. What we don’t yet know from Samsung is how well these devices are selling, and if they have been able to pull a sizable chunk of users away from Apple’s iPod Touch. With this patent application, HTC clearly hopes it will be able to create the ultimate multimedia consumption device.

Of course, HTC’s device might never see the light of day, as a patent app does not a product make. Still, we like that manufacturers are more open to challenging Apple in areas where Apple has an extremely strong user base. With Android OS found on about 50% of smartphones in the US, more and more users who are tied to Android’s ecosystem would at least consider Android for their next multimedia device. But whether or not standalone media players will continue to thrive in the era of all-in-one smartphones remains to be seen.

What do you think of HTC’s design? Would you buy a standalone HTC media device, or do you want to see HTC bring this technology into its next line of Android smartphones?

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Source: Patent Bolt

Anthony loves all things technology, from hardware to apps and games. You can connect with him via Google+ or Twitter by clicking one of the fancy doo-dads above. Tagged#htc#HTC multimedia player#ipod touch#patents#Samsung Galaxy Player 27 Comments Join the discussion!Sort by DateRating

RoRoGuest 18 hours ago Thumb upThumb down +2

ill Buy it for sure

westyGuest 18 hours ago Thumb upThumb down +4

As long as its a powerful device. The itouch is still pretty nice device not lacking too much from its iphone counterpart. I hate the galaxy players, they are typically underpowered and over priced. Hopefully HTC can release a solid device at good price range. I would love to buy one of these for my nephew if the price and value is worth the purchases.

98spazby 17 hours ago Thumb upThumb down 0

It should be incorporated into phones, I don’t see myself being an i-pod like product… either phone or at least 7 inch tablet for me

westyGuest 17 hours ago Thumb upThumb down +8

I dont think most users who own a smart phone would get this BUT its a solid tool for a people arent in the market for a smartphone. Plenty of parents dont want to spend hundreds of dollars on a smartphone for their kids to run up the data when they can get them a solid device that offer all of the benefit of a smartphone with out the pricey hardware and increase in cellphone charges.

seabass978Guest 17 hours ago Thumb upThumb down -1

If the price is right I’ll get it for my nephew, if this cost more than the Google tablet then tablet it is for him.

westyGuest 17 hours ago Thumb upThumb down -1

same thing i said

82Slith 17 hours ago Thumb upThumb down +2

I want those speakers on my phone. I’m also surprised how much I miss the kickstand on my Thunderbolt!

98BetterWithRoot 17 hours ago Thumb upThumb down 0

That’s one of the best features of the Tbolt; the kickstand. I utilize it quite a bit. I hope that HTC continues to put them on their future devices.

29alexanderharri3 16 hours ago Thumb upThumb down +1

Exactly….those who diss it have never had it. Try skyping on a phone without it! (you’ll be using books, etc to prop it up).

99Nick Gray 17 hours ago Thumb upThumb down 0

I don’t think HTC will be getting into the PMP market since Apple is a clear leader and HTC would need to sacrifice its high profit margins to be competitive. I could see HTC use this design patent with some of the upcoming phones and even a smaller tablet.

57Joel 17 hours ago Thumb upThumb down +2

Competition is healthy. Lack of variety also contribute to the fact that iPod does so well so I think its wise for OEMs to have a seperate player for media in addition to a phone/tab.
Not everyone wants to think about a 2 year contract or a high retail price for a new device from their favorite manufacturer.

71Lee Swanson 17 hours ago Thumb upThumb down 0

My daughter just got the Samsung Galaxy Player 4 and loves it. I haven’t tried it yet on her SGP4, but Google Voice plus GrooVe IP = VOIP phone. The SGP4 has the same form factor as the Samsung Galaxy including the mic placement.

http://theunlockr.com/2011/12/02/how-to-use-voip-on-various-wifi-only-android-devices/

I’d like to see what HTC has up its sleeve. I don’t think the PMP market is dead yet, especially with the Teen/Pre-Teen market. They could also be sold as an add on to your home stereo.

95kwills88 17 hours ago Thumb upThumb down +2

If the memory and battery is good on this, I can see htc pulling it off, after making the deal with beats audio, this was only a matter of time, though I rather them just make a media focused phone.

hindsGuest 17 hours ago Thumb upThumb down +2

A beats audio centric media player with sick hardware would definately sell coupled with competitive pricing. I’d check it out for sure.

4androidindia 17 hours ago Thumb upThumb down +3

Htc + beats + ics = dessert xD

72WlfHart 17 hours ago Thumb upThumb down 0

Best of luck to HTC if they decide to enter the ring.

19awundrin 16 hours ago Thumb upThumb down 0

I would be interested in this device. My gen 1 iPod Touch is still going strong – use it a lot too. Love the speakers on the HTC. The price has to be right!

AGuest 16 hours ago Thumb upThumb down +2

My girlfriend for Christmas got me a Samsung Galaxy Player 5 inch, and I love the thing. I have found that playing games is that much better than on my Motorola Photon 4G, or even on my old phone the HTC EVO 4G…I have an ipod touch, and ever since I got the Galaxy Player 5 inch, I’ve ignoring the ipod touch, the extra screen size truly makes a difference.

17bigrob029 16 hours ago Thumb upThumb down -1

Its a knock out punch that could definitely compete against the iPod touch, all its currents competitors cant seem to get the combo right on hardware, specs, or price. HTC needs to bring some quality hardware with no weird google play limits for around $150. I’d be in, and i think it would be nice competitor in the pmp world.

what they should do is give them away in a combo pack with their next flagship phone after the htc one…

jeff donutsGuest 16 hours ago Thumb upThumb down -3

no thanks i already have a phone that does this and makes calls

jeff donutsGuest 7 hours ago Thumb upThumb down -1

i fucking love it how u down vote me. u think i care? im a guest for a reason. ive noticed theres alot of whiny pussies on here anyways. u say one bad thing and u get down votes. u guys and ur stupid “ranks”

79aranea 15 hours ago Thumb upThumb down 0

If HTC goes that route they will have to come up with a good software to synchronize your computer library to your player. As much as I hate itunes, there are many people out there who love it. Others see it as a necessary evil for the benefits of synchronization. So HTC has to have something simple to use and keeps things organized and also hopefully integrated with Google Music if the player will be successful.

7finndogg 15 hours ago Thumb upThumb down +1

The bad thing is that Apple owns that market, and they pretty much kicked the Zune to the curb. I loved my Zune, but let’s face it iPod is the ruler in that department. I personally don’t care for iTunes, but the iPod is solid and the amount of accessories for it are endless. Taking the market is gonna be a hella fight, good luck and hope it is a success.

88honourbound68 11 hours ago Thumb upThumb down +1

nod. it’ll be tough to crack that market. having Beats audio will certainly help with the coolness factor for the young’uns especially if it really sounds as good as it can for the price. but please give it a microsd slot (or sd) for more storage. that would really help sell it too.

9Jake Gall 14 hours ago Thumb upThumb down +1

Already using my retired HTC Droid Incredible for a multimedia device, and as a standalone device its amazing, so I can imagine what a dedicated multimedia device would bring.

Paul AtreidesGuest 13 hours ago Thumb upThumb down 0

Just make it a smartphone and call it the HTC Nexus X.

97Nathan D. 9 hours ago Thumb upThumb down 0

I’m sorry but I don’t see the iPod being over thrown just yet, look at Samsung they try but fail. I like android better then apple in many cases but this is one of those times that apple will win but maybe android will win in the long run but for now apple has it in the bag.

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