HTC is hoping that its new camera, the One, will lift the company out of the pit of slumping sales and boost it towards the heavens again, but according to a report by International Business News today, these dreams will have to be put on hold because of parts supply problems.
Delay of camera parts
Because HTC has had such dismal sales numbers for the past few years, parts vendors have demoted the company from “tier one” status to a lower one.
What this essentially means is that HTC is no longer on the list for priority standing regarding parts shipments for its smartphones. HTC cannot get enough camera components in time for final assembly due to its low ranking, and is making contingency plans with other vendors for parts. In comparison, Apple and Samsung are “tier one” customers.
Late for launch
The lack of camera components for the HTC One will delay the launch for the camera till late March or sometime in April. It was originally scheduled for a mid March launch.
Benjamin Ho, HTC’s chief marketing officer said the company was:
“...working tirelessly with all of our channel partners to ensure that we can fulfill as many orders as possible.
"We will start fulfilling pre-orders by the end of March in certain markets and will roll out to more markets as we approach April."
HTC’s last hope?
Sales for HTC have dropped 44 percent since last year and the company is banking that its One smartphone will be a hit with the public. Recent reviews for the device have been very favorable, but the delay for its launch isn’t a good sign for the struggling mobile phone manufacturer.
Via IBT
via Examiner National Edition Gadgets & Tech Channel Articles http://www.examiner.com/article/htc-s-one-launch-will-be-pushed-back-because-of-camera-component-delays?cid=roadrunner