HTC’s 5G Hub brings faster internet to older devices

HTC’s first product shown at MWC isn’t a phone, but a portable multi-function device.

The HTC 5G Hub combines a 5G hotspot, Android hub and battery pack into one. It has a 5-inch 720p touchscreen display with Android 9.0 Pie installed, allowing users to do all the things an Android hub would normally allow, like streaming shows or browsing the web. The device has 32GB of onboard storage, and a card slot is available on the rear of the device to browse locally stored content. The USB-C plug can be used to connect to an external display for higher quality viewing.

The hub allows up to 20 wifi connections, allowing devices like laptops to connect with 5G anywhere, and the enormous 7660 mAh battery can charge external devices via the USB-C connector. There’s also an ethernet port if you’d prefer to use a wired connection.

Telstra has partnered with HTC to launch the device locally, and the telco says the device will be available to customers in the second quarter of the year. Pricing is yet to be confirmed.