Sprint, HTC team to launch 5G mobile smart hub in early 2019

Sprint and HTC have teamed up to launch a 5G mobile smart hub, the companies have announced. The device won't be available until next year, but the companies have already teased some details, explaining that the device will be available to customers in the United States. The smart hub will be portable and will work with Sprint's upcoming 5G network.

Sprint and HTC haven't revealed a name, specifications, or specific launch date for this device, though they do plan to release it in the first half of 2019. The device will be "compact and portable," according to the carrier, which highlights portability as one of its appealing features.

The device will connect to Sprint's anticipated 5G network and provide both "multimedia and connected data capabilities," the company explained in a release today. This is the second device that has been designed to operate on Sprint's 5G mobile network; it utilizes Qualcomm's Snapdragon X50 5G modem.

Sprint expects to launch its 5G mobile network in the first half of 2019; the device will no doubt be launched at the same time or after the network's arrival. Only nine cities will initially get the faster mobile network: Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Kansas City, Houston, Los Angeles, Phoenix, New York City, and Washington DC.

Talking about the new smart hub is Sprint's CTO Dr. John Shaw, who said:

This innovative product will allow customers on the go, at work or at home to enjoy Sprint 5G on multiple devices with incredibly fast connectivity for content sharing, mobile gaming, entertainment and so much more.