HTC is apparently set to launch its first smartwatch early next year, with a debut likely to come alongside its next flagship smartphone.

According to reports, the launch is likely to take place at Mobile World Congress, where the struggling handset vendor has traditionally unveiled its new smartphones.

While HTC was named as a partner at the launch of Android Wear, as yet the company has not offered a product. It was reported that a device had been shelved late last year, due to the lack of a differentiating feature.

So far, and unlike its rivals, HTC has failed to carve out a presence in the wearables space. While it unveiled a fitness tracker at Mobile World Congress earlier this year (pictured), in partnership with fitness brand Under Armour, the launch has been pushed back to 2016.

Separate reports said that the two companies are also readying a connected scale, which could form part of a portfolio of fitness-related products.

HTC is looking to counter challenges in its smartphone line by moving into adjacent areas such as wearables and virtual reality hardware. But this needs significant investment ahead of revenue, and as yet there is little sign of traction among its new businesses.

Earlier this year, Chialin Chang, HTC’s CFO, said that contributions from the new business lines are expected to start in 2016.