Taiwanese smartphone maker HTC has just stepped into the ring with the likes of Sony and GoPro with its new RE camera, a waterproof, simple-to-operate device meant for capturing everyday moments with minimum effort. RE's primary feature is its unusual form factor: The camera is rather like a periscope you hold with one hand, a bent cylinder with a lens at one end. It detects you're holding it and turns itself on, then all you need to do is hit the button once for a picture or hold it down for a video. Settings and special modes, like time-lapse and slow motion, can be accessed through the free RE smartphone app for Android and iOS — to which the camera will also be sending all its pictures and movies. From there, it's a quick tap or two to share it on Facebook, Twitter and Vine, and live broadcasting via your phone is promised down the line. At $200 (available later this month) it's more expensive than an entry-level GoPro, and its lens and sensor don't appear to be superior, but the funky shape and super-simple operation could attract a few pre-orders.
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