HTC today announced a new streaming audio and video solution called HTC Connect.  Read on for details.

HTC announced a new audio and streaming solution.  HTC Connect will allow an HTC smartphone owner to stream audio and video content from their phone directly to electronic devices like receivers and in-dash audio receivers in automobiles.  Here is what they announced:

HTC ANNOUNCES HTC CONNECT PROGRAM TO FOSTER GREATER A/V CONNECTIVITY

Pioneer Electronics is the first partner to feature HTC Connect compatibility in its 2012 line of products

Taipei, Taiwan — 26 June 2012 — HTC Corporation, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, today announced its HTC Connect™ 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™ 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.

This looks like another proprietary implementation, similar to Apple’s AirPlay.  I’m not sure how excited I am about another closed ecosystem coming onto the market.  I’d prefer that HTC continue to support DLNA solutions, and that Pioneer continue to build in DLNA compatibility, to ensure the broadest and most convenient solution for streaming audio and video.