HTC U11 tipped to get Android Oreo update in November

HTC already said back in August that they were bringing the Android Oreo to the U11, specifically in the fourth quarter of the year. And it seems like the company might be staying true to their word. Twitter tipster LlabTooFeR claims the update is in its final stages of development and will being rolling out between November and early December time frame. HTC hasn’t confirmed the report.

Aside from the U11, the HTC U Ultra and HTC 10 are going to receive Android 8.0 update, too. However, there is no word yet when the update will be coming to these devices.

Source: GSMArena

HTC reportedly looking to create a new kind of mobile VR headset

A recent story from CNET claims HTC might be looking to develop a new virtual reality headset. According to the smartphone maker’s Chief Financial Officer Chialin Chang, the new headset might be built to work with its new flagship, the U Ultra. Chang wouldn’t say anything else about this device or possible release date. But it might be wise for HTC to develop a mobile-based VR as that has been picking up more quickly than PC-based systems. According to VentureBeat, Samsung has shipped over five million Gear VR units.

Chang says HTC intends to fill the gap between products like the Gear VR and PC-based systems like its own Vive system. HTC released its own statement following the interview with something that doesn’t quite seem like there will be a product coming anytime soon. “In a recent interview, Chialin Chang was referencing the idea that there are different ways to approach VR that span the full spectrum from truly mobile 360 to immersive room-scale like the Vive, and everything in between. As HTC, we’re better prepared than most companies to reach that full spectrum.”

HTC wants it to be all about U with U Ultra and U Play

HTC is hoping to capture the hearts and wallets of consumers with two of its new smartphones—the U Ultra and the U Play. The U Ultra is the flagship of the two and as leaked earlier has a secondary display reminiscent of the LG V10/V20. HTC drops the metallic look for a super glossy, all-glass exterior, which the company calls “Liquid Surface.” The more budget-friendly U Play doesn’t get the secondary screen but has that glossy exterior, too.

The “U” part in the name signifies a new artificial intelligence enhancement HTC calls HTC Sense companion. It merges built-in voice assistants from the company and Google’s own services. Like other AI features, it’s said to learn your habits and the like to predict what you’ll need from the device.

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