HTC America has hired GolinHarris for technology and consumer engagement work after a competitive pitch launched late last year.

The Bellevue, WA-based operation is part of the struggling smartphone maker that has been hit with declining sales and pressure from cut-rate Chinese competitors.

Bloomberg reports today that HTC plans to make noise next week at the Mobile World Conference in Barcelona by unveiling three wearable devices.

That will pit HTC against Samsung and Sony in the market that is projected to triple by 2018.

Tim Harlin, HTC America PR director, said he gave the PR job to the Interpublic unit due to its “history of building brands into household names.”

Lisa Falcetti is executive director of GH’s global technology practice.