HTC is working on its own Android Auto competitor

If you frequent the Android subreddit you may have learned that HTC is currently testing its own competitor to Google’s in-car operating system, Android Auto. Reportedly called HTC Cello, this operating system will run a version of Sense specifically designed for vehicles. HTC is apparently testing an impressively wide variety of features and wants to make its devices much more integrated with the car than Android Auto does. 

According to a post on the Android subreddit, HTC is testing its own competitor to Google’s Android Auto in-car system. The post claims that the device is named “HTC Cello” and runs a version of Sense specifically for cars, currently called Sense Automotive. Test logs from the device show that HTC is looking to integrate its device more with the car than Android Auto currently does. HTC Cello is reportedly being tested with components for Night Vision, Sonar, Mini HMI (Human Machine Interface), DVD, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Lane Departure Warning System, Navigation and GPS. The Cello uses MHL for communication with an Android device. Details regarding how HTC Cello is specifically integrated to cars are sparse at this point, unfortunately. The post claims that HTC Cello has been in testing since the fourth quarter of 2014 and is currently powered by Android 4.4 KitKat. It’s unclear if, when launched, HTC Cello and Sense Automotive will work with purely HTC devices or will also support devices from other Android manufacturers.