HTC currently testing a device named HTC Cello for cars

Apr 6, 2015 12:23 GMT  ·  By

Late last month, Google finally released the Android Auto app for smartphones running Android 5.0 Lollipop and above, after briefly talking about the offering at the I/O 2014 conference last summer.

Now, it appears that other key players in the tech world are going to follow Google’s footsteps, as a new piece of info reveals.

For instance, it seems HTC will provide Android Auto with some competition via the unannounced HTC Cello, an in-dash car infotainment system of some sort.

The information comes to us via Reddit, where an user going by the name of “mr_bartek” claims that HTC Cello is a project the Taiwanese company has been working on and testing ever since Q4 2014. Cello was previously known as Autobot.

HTC is targeting the car arena

According to the insider, HTC Cello aims to bring more functions to the in-dash car infotainment system compared to what Android Auto-based versions offer.

First off, the setup is currently being tested for night vision, sonar, Mini HMI (HMI stands for Human Machine Interface), DVD, tyre pressure monitoring system, lane departure warning system, navigation and GSP.

Moreover, Cello is said to be using CAN bus and RS485 for communication with the vehicle, plus Bluetooth and MGL for communication with paired smartphones.

The current prototype that’s being tested is running Android 4.4 KitKat out of the box, but by the time it hits the market, Cello might be upgraded to Android 5.0 Lollipop. Like most HTC devices, the system will run a version of HTC Sense especially made for vehicles, called Sense Automative.

While this certainly sounds exciting, you shouldn't be holding your breath for seeing the product arrive on the market soon. We’re told there are still many issues to be fixed with Cello, so there’s no known date for release yet.

HTC has been venturing out into foreign territories as of late. For example, at MWC 2015, the Taiwanese device maker announced its first virtual reality (VR) headset, called the HTC Vive, a joint venture with Valve.

It also rolled out a fitness tracker, the HTC Grip, and we’re still waiting for that smartwatch that keeps appearing on and off.