Wi-Fi Speakers from Pioneer First to Incorporate HTC Connect

Wow, I guess this really means HTC is a big company when you see something like this huh? The new HTC Connect program means high-quality, wireless audio and video can be sent through HTC smartphones to compatible in-home and in-car electronics. The first partner with HTC is Pioneer and they’ve just announced their first product to incorporate HTC Connect which are wi-fi speakers. Sadly you’ll need to have an HTC One S or One X to be able to use this new feature and products.

In support of HTC Corporation’s new exclusive HTC Connect™ program, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. proudly introduces three new Wi-Fi^® speaker systems, the XW-SMA1, XW-SMA3 and XW-SMA4, that allow wireless streaming of audio files from HTC One smartphones¹ directly to the speakers, as well as DLNA 1.5 certification and Pioneer’s Wireless Direct feature.

“We’re continuing to expand our product categories with devices that embrace the growing smartphone market”

“We’re continuing to expand our product categories with devices that embrace the growing smartphone market,” said Russ Johnston, executive vice president for the Home Electronics Division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “By introducing the SMA wireless speakers with HTC Connect, we’re solidifying our commitment to developing innovative products that support one of the most popular operating system platforms and smartphone manufacturers in the market.”

HTC Connect compatible smartphones provide complete control of both music content and the volume transmitted to the Pioneer speakers. In addition to HTC Connect, DLNA 1.5 is also supported, as well as Pioneer’s new Wireless Direct technology. By creating its own Wi-Fi wireless access point, Wireless Direct enables users to stream music directly from their smartphones to the speakers when a traditional Wi-Fi or home network is not available.

Ensuring the SMA speakers produce exceptional sound quality, each model was tuned by Pioneer’s chief speaker designer Andrew Jones. Further differentiating them from other wireless speakers on the market, Pioneer chose to take advantage of Wi-Fi’s high bandwidth to provide the highest sound quality without additional audio compression.

XW-SMA1 – Features dual 3-inch speakers and a ¾-inch soft dome tweeter, and uses a tuned bass reflex port to enhance bass response.

XW-SMA3 – Using identical audio components as the XW-SMA1, the XW-SMA3 model adds a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery and a tough exterior for added convenience and portability. When battery power is used, music playback lasts up to 4 hours at maximum volume and up to 6 hours at 50 percent volume.

XW-SMA4 – Features five speakers, including dual 3-inch speakers, a dedicated 4-inch subwoofer and dual ¾-inch soft dome tweeters.

The Pioneer SMA Wireless Speakers will be available in August with suggested retail prices of $299 (XW-SMA1), $399 (XW-SMA3) and $399 (XW-SMA4).

Pioneer’s Home Electronics Division develops award-winning audio and video home theater products including A/V receivers, Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD players, and speakers. The company’s brands include Pioneer® and Elite®. More details can be found at www.pioneerelectronics.com.

¹ HTC Connect Compatible Smartphones include HTC One S and HTC One X.

HTC Connect is defined as interoperability testing of music streaming performed between HTC Connect-enabled Smartphones and HTC Connect-enabled Home AV products using the HTC Connect Music Application. Third party music applications (apps other than the HTC Connect-enabled smartphone’s native music player) may not work with HTC Connect.