Rumors from The Verge claim that HTC is launching a new device, codenamed Proto. HTC's One XL, One X, and One S devices will be updated to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Despite the "One" family seeming like an attempt to streamline the company's portfolio, HTC Proto could replace the HTC One V.

Technology website The Verge reported on Aug. 3 the codename "Proto," and the device is expected to be an updated HTC One V. The V is the low-end device in the One trio, resembling the HTC Legend in design.

Proto is a codename, according to The Verge, so it's possible that the device will replace the One V or even use the same name. No pictures are available. Hopefully the attractive design of the One devices remains.

The device measures 9.62 mm thick, has a 4-inch WVGA SLCD display, a 5-megapixel camera, 4GB of internal storage, 512MB of RAM, and a 7.2Mbps HSPA connection. The processor is a dual-core Qualcomm MSM8225, which is clocked at 1GHz.

The display is an increase from the One V's 3.7-inch screen, while the processor is also an improvement on its predecessor. However, it doesn't seem to be a competitive device against the HTC One X and One S, the high- and mid-end devices, respectively, in the company's One family.

Proto will also use Beats Audio branding but, as the Verge pointed out, HTC's and Beat's equity realignment could affect the integration.

How this rumor affects HTC One V owners is anybody's guess, assuming that The Verge is correct with its report. HTC needs to keep its devices to a minimum number and focus on updating devices rather than releasing new models.

Recent news of Ice Cream Sandwich having a 15 percent share of Android devices is encouraging, but manufacturers need to make a concerted effort to ensure consistency. The question is whether the companies really care about developing consistency, or tying customers into two-year contracts.

Stay tuned for news of if, and when, the Proto becomes available.