HTC rumored to debut ‘Liquidmetal’ smartphone this year

A new report suggests that HTC may be looking to get a jump on Apple by offering a “Liquidmetal” smartphone later this year. According to Digitimes, HTC is considering adopting amorphous metal alloys for a new smartphones that would debut in the second half of 2013. The company will reportedly partner with Taiwanese chassis maker Jabon International to help manufacture the device. Apple has long been rumored to be interested in using Liquidmetal alloys in future iPhones. The company has reportedly begun hiring chassis manufacturing experts to help incorporate the technology into future products, and last year extended its partnership with Liquidmetal Technologies for an additional two years. Sources speaking to Digitimes note, however, that market demand for aluminum smartphones such as the HTC One remains strong and “full adoption of Liquidmetal is unlikely to occur in the short-term.”