HTC launches 'selfie' smartphone, new camera

Taiwan-based HTC on Wednesday unveiled its newest smartphone with high-resolution cameras on both sides to appeal to people who take 'selfie' pictures.

The HTC Desire Eye, unveiled at a New York event, includes 13-megapixel cameras on both the front and back.

'Desire Eye is fully equipped for those who love to take great photos, videos and selfies,' an HTC statement said.

The new phone will be sold in the United States through AT&T.

HTC also launched an oddly shaped camera which departs from the box shape, designed instead with a round periscope-like appearance, which can fit in one's hand.

HTC said the camera's design featured a sensor which automatically activated the device whenever it was picked up, eliminating the need for a power button.

HTC said it plans to introduce live streaming with the camera through Google-owned YouTube in the near future.

HTC said last week it swung to a profit in the third quarter, but revenue continued to decline owing to sluggish sales amid strong competition from low-priced Chinese models.

HTC reported a net profit of $21 million in July-September, with revenue down 11% year-over-year.

In the 2013 third quarter, HTC swung to its first net loss of since listing in 2002, as it fell out of the world's top 10 vendors and has been struggling to increase its foothold in the highly competitive smartphone market.