HTC Connect official, bring on the Apple law Suites

You don’t have to know what Airplay is to have at least heard the name a few times. Simply explained, it lets iOS devices connect wirelessly to TV’s that have an Apple TV box connected to stream videos and play games. Think DLNA. It is the same technology used in the Sonos speaker systems to stream music from iOS to their systems. As wireless innovation takes hold, more companies are looking to create their own specific branding and version of similar technology. HTC has just announced its system called HTC Connect.

“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.”

Sounds to me like this could turn into another Beats sort of venture. Where HTC will work with various manufacturers to create partnerships for HTC software and hardware to function properly. DLNA of course is the primary means of transferring audio and video wirelessly through our devices to other products. HTC does make mention that the HTC One series will gain HTC Connect Certification in a future software update in coming months.

We wonder how long before Apple starts getting sue happy over HTC Connect. Granted, DLNA support has been around for a while and I am sure that aspect is pretty open. Naming it and working with manufacturing partners seems like something they will pick a battle over.

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

Copyright (C) 2012 PR Newswire. All rights reserved