HTC Connect becomes official, to take on Apple’s AirPlay

AirPlay is an iOS feature that allows Apple mobile device owners to wirelessly connect to big screen TV hooked up to an Apple TV box to stream videos or play games on a bigger display or to other compatible electronics that can stream music. If you own an HTC Android device and would love to use such functionality yourself, then you’ll certainly be happy to hear that HTC has announced its own AirPlay alternative called HTC Connect.

According to the official press release, “for consumers, HTC Connect will mean high-quality, wireless audio and video sent through their HTC smartphones to their compatible in-home and in-car electronics.” But in order for the feature to work, users will need access to such products, capable to connect to their Android devices via HTC Connect.

HTC hopes to work with various companies that produce consumer electronics capable to connect wirelessly to other devices in other to stream audio and video files and we’re certainly interested to see what the first HTC Connect-ready products coming from them will be.

The first company to sign up for HTC Connect certification is Pioneer Electronics, which will have a variety of DLNA-capable audio and video receivers and wireless speakers in stores this year, ready to deliver a “seamless and consistent audio streaming and control experience.”

However, we don’t have at this time actual details about Pioneer’s future HTC Connect-ready devices, let alone prices or release dates.

Also worth pointing out is the fact that the HTC Connect program only supports DLNA connectivity so far, but HTC plans to also offer support for Bluetooth and NFC, wireless speakers and car audio and video features in the future.

As for the smartphone component that will be needed to initiate HTC Connect streaming, the press release doesn’t make any references to it, so we’re just going to have to wait for the first HTC Connect devices to hit stores before we can give you more details about how it’s all supposed to work on the Android device.

TAIPEI, Taiwan, June 26, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — HTC Corporation, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, today announced its HTC Connect(TM) certification program designed to offer consumer electronics manufacturers the opportunity to create an improved sound and visual standard for seamless connectivity between HTC® devices and consumer electronics. For consumers, HTC Connect will mean high-quality, wireless audio and video sent through their HTC smartphones to their compatible in-home and in-car electronics.

Smartphones are changing the way individuals listen to music and watch video, making it easier than ever before to enjoy rich multimedia content almost anywhere. HTC is working to bring the benefits and ease-of-use of mobile connected devices into the home through the HTC Connect initiative. HTC Connect certification introduces new connectivity standards for partners and gives consumers using an HTC Connect-certified device a new level of convenience through seamless integration with their other compatible consumer electronics. The HTC One(TM) series of smartphones is slated to receive HTC Connect certification through a software update in the coming months.

“The vision for HTC Connect is to allow our customers to easily stream their favorite high-quality video and audio from their smartphone into their home or car. This new initiative will build upon HTC's innovation in smartphones with leading consumer electronics brands,” said Kouji Kodera, chief product officer, HTC Corporation. “We're also excited to announce Pioneer Electronics, a leader in the audio and video industry, as our first partner to demonstrate the initial HTC Connect-certified audio experience for consumers.”

Pioneer Electronics — First HTC Connect Partner

Pioneer Electronics is the first and leading partner to bring HTC Connect-certified devices to market. HTC Connect will be featured as part of Pioneer's 2012 lineup of DLNA-capable audio/video receivers and wireless speakers delivering a seamless and consistent audio streaming and control experience.

“We're very pleased to be working with HTC on this important evolution of audio technology, which fits very well with Pioneer's strong commitment to embracing the smartphone movement in our home entertainment products,” said Russ Johnston, executive vice president, Home Electronics Division, Pioneer Electronics. “The use of smartphones as primary content sources in the home is a trend that's developing very quickly, and HTC is helping to provide a much-needed solution for a very significant and growing part of the market.”

The HTC Connect certification will also be extended to future Pioneer products.

About HTC Connect

The HTC Connect program is another example of HTC innovation, delivering the best possible mobile experience for customers, anticipating and designing for the demands of tomorrow. The initial HTC Connect-certified products are DLNA-based, and the program will evolve to include Bluetooth, NFC, wireless speakers, and car audio and video. Parties interested in joining the HTC Connect program should contact HTC at htc_connect@htc.com.

About HTC

Founded in 1997, HTC Corporation (HTC) is the creator of many award-winning mobile devices and industry firsts. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC pushes the boundaries of design and technology to create innovative and personal experiences for consumers around the globe. HTC's portfolio includes smartphones and tablets powered by HTC Sense(TM), a multilayered graphical user interface that vastly improves user experience. HTC is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (twse:2498). For more information, please visit www.htc.com .

SOURCE HTC Corporation

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Comments

UadeaD

Ive noticed that HTC keeps secrets better and better. Like Apple had in the past
adf

adreno, not ardeno
MissMyDesire

HTC should have been Samsung. The HTC Desire (and its cousin the Nexus One) was the first really valid iphone competitor. In fact, it was the first phone that surpassed the iphone in specs and usability. They had a head start on everyone including Samsung. They’ve completely lacked vision since then and meandered to this point. I mean who’s idea was Beats? Every manufacturer was making bigger and higher res displays because mobile devices are all about the *visual* experience and HTC regress back to offering cheap earphones and a mediocre equalizer. Fortunately they still have the most solidly built devices, but I don’t know if that’s enough anymore.
- http://www.facebook.com/angelo.michael.7 Angelo Michael
  
  WE WERE HTC PHONE USERS , BUT WE ARE TIRED OF THEM, NOW WE TRANSFERRED TO LG SMARTPHONES…
  
  LG SOON TO BE THE #2 IN SMARTPHONE…
  - MissMyDesire
    
    Just might be true. Historically:
    
    Google chooses HTC for Nexus One, the following year HTC is awarded handset manufacturer of the year and has device of the year. Google chooses Samsung for Nexus S / Gnex, the following two years Samsung becomes the dominant cell phone manufacturer in the world.
    
    Is Google picking winners, or do consumers follow Google?
captainkirk

I hope they can work it out. I really like my One x and would love to upgrade to the One but need to know that they are going to be around to support it. There should be an annoucement about the One for Verizon later today and that can help but it seems that they need a big internal revamp to really turn things around.
pppp

It never floated so how can it sink? LoL. I’m not buying a phone with non-removable battery, and if I was to go for a good build quality phone, I have chosen an iPhone. NOT HTC!!!
OMGgary

Ha-ha!

Introducing the stunning new “HTC in the Deuce”.
Everything your company isn’t!
Mr. B

HTC Desire C with the Muve Music package is Terrific! You cannot beat the price,, with no contract to sign, and you also get to download, and listen to Hot New music, along with the oldies that the older generation loves. I am 44 and was relunctant to switch to a smartphone, but when I researched the different products discovered that the HTC Desire C, has everything that you could possibly ask for. I love the fact that I can download today’s newest music, along with all the music I grew up with so I think that this would be perfect for any family looking to switch over to a new phone package. It is cost effective with unlimited plans, and unlimited music. So I hope that they stick around for a long time, and am sure that they will.