HTC BlinkFeed looks to be coming to other Android devices
Rather unsurprisingly, following the announcement of the new HTC One M8 device yesterday, HTC are planning on opening up their BlinkFeed home screen launcher to other Android devices.
Included in the press release,HTC highlight their plans for the launcher:
Following its popularity with HTC users, HTC will now make HTC BlinkFeed available to other Android devices, launching on the Google Play store soon.
HTC listed their new Sense 6.0 apps in the Play Store prematurely before the release, but as of now they still are only compatible with HTC branded devices.
Opening up their software to a broader Android audience will be a fantastic move and one that is likely to see the uptake of BlinkFeed accelerated.
The post HTC BlinkFeed looks to be coming to other Android devices appeared first on AndroidGuys.
New HTC One teardown reveals it’s a pain to repair, just like the last One
While most people would be happy to have a new HTC One (M8) to play with, our friends at iFixit aren’t “most people,” and they’re back doing what they do best: reducing gadgets to component confetti. Having said the necessary prayers and got to work, iFixit was delighted to find screws holding the main body together — an omen of repairability, perhaps? The situation quickly “turned ugly,” as a mass of tape and copper shielding had to be removed, only to expose a glue-fixed motherboard. Other components and the battery were found to be glued just as liberally, and having finally reached the display, iFixit accidentally cut the digitizer cable, essentially breaking it. It’ll probably be of no surprise, given the narrative, that the new HTC One scored a measly two out of ten on the repairability scale, due to teardown difficulty and risk of damage. It’s an improvement, at least, over the old HTC One’s score — iFixit didn’t have the super-secret tool, mind — but it’s probably best you keep your M8 out of trouble all the same.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, HTC
Via: SlashGear
Source: iFixit
[VIDEO] HTC Dot View case makes for one desperately good looking Accessory
Now that the 2014 HTC One is finally official, now we can find out all its lovely little secrets, including that flip cover that was leaked prior to the device’s announcement. While the leak seemed to suggest that the flip cover would only serve as a notification screen, a video posted today (which uses the case’s real name, the HTC Dot View case) showcases the various uses of the accessory. Check it out:
While I was never a fan of Samsung’s S-View case, I’m really digging HTC‘s take on a utility case. The fact that it uses the whole front cover as a screen and has meaningful gestures built into it really reinforces the fact that you can use your new HTC One without ever opening the case. The only downside, which has been suggested ever since the Dot View case was leaked, is the fact that the 2014 HTC One uses a Super LCD 3 screen which won’t be as power efficient as an AMOLED screen in the same application. That said, we don’t know exactly how HTC has configured this so we’ll just have to see when people actually get their hands on it.
What do you think about the HTC Dot View case? Is it everything you dreamed of? Let us know what your thoughts on it are in the comments.
Source: YouTube
//<![CDATA[
ord = window.ord || Math.floor(Math.random()*1E16);
document.write('’);
//]]>
Optus makes the HTC One M8 available on 1st April, taking preorders Now
While the newly announced HTC One M8 goes on sale in America, you might be wondering when the new HTC flagship is going to be available in your corner of the world. In Australia, Optus makes the HTC One M8 available on 1st April (unless it’s an extremely cruel April Fool’s joke) and has opened up preorders for the device today shortly after the official announcement.
On the $60/month MyPlan, you’ll be paying an extra $12/month for the handset, which works out to be $72/month; this works out to be the cheapest of all the available Optus plans for the HTC smartphone. If you’re interested in picking the new HTC One M8 up from Optus, or what to see what other plan options you have are, you can visit their website at the link below:
Preorders for the Optus HTC One M8
Are you going to pick up the HTC One M8 from Optus? Let us know what you think of this deal in the comments below.
Press Release
OPTUS OPENS THE DOOR TO PRE-ORDERS FOR HTC ONE (M8)
26 March 2014, 8:34 am
Optus today welcomes the latest breakthrough in smartphone design offered by the HTC One (M8), with pre-orders available now online, in store or via telesales.
Hitting Optus stores from 1 April, HTC One (M8) customers can access all of the Optus network, from 3G up to 4G and 4G Plus, and will be able to enjoy more 4G services in the future as Optus 4G rolls out nationally.
From today until 10 April, customers can enjoy an introductory offer on the Optus $60 My Plan with $12 monthly phone repayments. Additionally, the Optus $60 My Plan now comes with an extra 500MB of data, giving customers a total of 1.5GB mobile internet data, 600 minutes of standard talk and unlimited standard SMS and MMS all for use within Australia (Minimum Total Cost is $1728 over 24 months, cost of 1MB included data $0.0130).
What’s great about the HTC One (M8)?
- Beautifully designed all metal body with jewellery grade finish
- 5” full HD screen
- Pro level photo effects with HTC Duo Camera
- Clear, balanced and powerful sound with HTC BoomSound™
- Video making made easy with HTC Zoe™ video highlights
- Control your home screen news and social updates with HTC BlinkFeed™
Optus customers can get their hands on the HTC One (M8) by visiting in store, calling telesales, or pre-order online today at www.optus.com.au/htconem8.
Optus Mobile Fair Go Policy applies. 4G coverage is available in selected areas, check coverage atwww.optus.com.au/4Gcoverage.
//<![CDATA[
ord = window.ord || Math.floor(Math.random()*1E16);
document.write('’);
//]]>
HTC One M8 Google Play Edition “Coming Soon” for $699
Just like last year, HTC will be making the stripped down stock Android version of the recently announced HTC One M8 available through the Google Play Store. The GPE One M8 is listed as “Coming Soon” and is carrying a hefty price tag of $699.99. That would be $50 more than a developer edition of the device. Oddly enough, the Dev edition has since been pulled off the HTC order page too.
We know the previous GPE HTC One ended up being a little bit of a problematic device for some. HTC has put a lot of work into the additional hardware and functions again this year in the BoomSound and Duo Camera, all of which are pretty heavily reliant on HTC’s software to work properly. We can only hope that they have things sorted well enough to make the GPE One M8 be everything it is, but just with stock Android.
There aren’t any noticeable spec changes from the official specs that were just announced. It will be unlocked and be supported on T-Mobile and AT&T networks.
Source: Google Play Store
Via AndroidandMe
//<![CDATA[
ord = window.ord || Math.floor(Math.random()*1E16);
document.write('’);
//]]>
The HTC One (M8) gallery
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’d know that HTC just unveiled the HTC One (M8). Let’s take a look at all of the beautiful press images HTC posted today!
The post The HTC One (M8) gallery appeared first on AndroidGuys.
New HTC One available in the UK today
Now you’ve heard the skinny on HTC’s latest flagship; the next step is figuring out where in the UK you can grab one. As Carphone Warehouse let slip last week, availability starts from this very moment. At six Carphone Warehouse stores across London, the retailer’s offering the new One for £550 unlocked, or for £42 per month with no upfront payment. Head past the break to see where you can get it elsewhere.
- Five Vodafone stores in London have the new One today, with other locations selling it from March 27th. It’ll cost you nothing upfront from £42 per month on Voda’s 3G plans.
- Three’s also down with immediate availability for a one-off £49 payment on four different plans ranging from £38 per month (600 minutes and 2GB of data) to £44 for unlimited everything (no tethering, though, remember).
- Retailer Phones 4u has the M8 in London stores from today, and elsewhere on March 27th, for £530 unlocked or from £42 per month on 4G plans with no upfront cost.
- EE’s happy to wait a day, with the new One up for grabs online and on the phone tomorrow, and in stores from March 27th. It’ll be available on a range of tariffs, but one example is £30 upfront, then £38 per month on a “double-speed” plan. Before April 10th, any M8 plan on EE comes with double the data allowance, and if you order online, one return plane ticket to any of a bunch of European destinations (obviously).
- Last but not least, O2′s joining the party today, too, with a number of UK stores ranging it right now and all others tomorrow. It’ll set you back £610 on pay-as-you-go (eek!) or from £38 per month (2GB of data, unlimited everything else) with £50 down straight away.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, HTC
The HTC One (M8) officially announced
What has possibly been the most leaked phone to date, the HTC One (M8) is finally official.
The HTC One (M8) is sporting Android 4.4.2 KitKat and Sense 6.0, an updated version of HTC’s custom software.
Here are the official specs for HTC’s new flagship:
- 5-inch 1080p Super LCD3 display
- 2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor (quad-core)
- 2GB RAM
- non-removable 2,600mAh battery
- Duo camera (4.1 UltraPixel + 2MP depth cameras)
- 5MP front-facing camera
- 32GB internal storage with expandable storage up to 128GB
- 3.5mm headphone jack, microUSB port
- Bluetooth 4.0, DNLA, Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) GPS, NFC
- nanoSIM
- IR Blaster, Boomsound, Blinkfeed 2.0
Hardware
The HTC One (M8) will be available in Gunmetal Gray, Glacier Silver, and Amber Gold, all sporting the ever-popular metallic unibody. What’s more, is that the M8′s body is actually 90% metal, with a brushed metallic texture on the back. They’re keeping the same general look of the device with two front-facing speakers on the top and bottom of the phone, but adding on-screen navigation buttons this time around.
The battery has gone through some huge improvements, offering a 40% longer lasting battery on daily use. HTC also added an Extreme Power-Saving Mode, that can give you up to two full weeks of standby time. You can still access phone calls, text messages, and other basic functions of the phone while in this mode, but for the most part, functionality is pretty limited.
Camera
HTC added another camera on the back, dubbing it the Duo camera. It’s still the HTC UltraPixel camera that we’re used to, just with a second “depth camera”. The second camera is used to focus pictures after they’re taken and added improved focusing abilities. All you need to do is tap the photo and let it re-manage the focus for you.
They’ve also included a new camera layout, updated camera switchers, and improved speed. Slow-motion video capture has also been added, with the ability to slow down certain parts of the video after it has been taken.
A bit more on the camera interface is an updated image gallery with Image Mash, which recognizes peoples’ faces in photos and can tag them automatically.
HTC is opening up the camera API to developers to focus on depth software to see what new features others can bring to the table.
They’ve also added a simplified Zoe mode, where all the user needs to do is tap to shoot a photo and hold down the screen to take a video. Also, you’ll now be able to add personalized music to your Zoes after they’re created. And while we’re talking about Zoes, you will soon be able to upload your Zoes to the cloud to share and connect with other Zoe users. The new Zoe cloud feature will be available for Sense 6 sometime during the summer.
Software
A bit has changed with the software and Sense 6.0 with the addition of some new gesture features and Blinkfeed 2.0.
You can now personalize Sense 6.0 with custom colors, making it a more personal experience. They also included a new Motion Launch feature, allowing you to swipe into Blinkfeed and recent apps, among others. You can simply hold the phone and press the volume down key to launch into the camera, as well as double-tap the screen to get a quick view of the time. Also, you can hold the ringing phone up to your ear to answer a phone call. More on Motion Launch to follow.
Blinkfeed 2.0 brings easier readability, custom feeds, and developer support. There are some new partners announced with Blinkfeed, including 4square and FitBit, integrating their services more fluently.
They’ve worked on improving the speakers this time around, adding a multi-band amplifier, resulting in clearer audio that is 25% louder than the original HTC One. Something we weren’t sure would be on the phone this time is Boomsound, due to HTC and Beats Audio’s recent split. We’re happy to see it made it to the phone, and continue the great audio experience that we love about the phone.
HTC has also added Sense and Blinkfeed to the Google Play Store in order for users to receive faster updates.
Accessories
They’ve also outed an official accessory for the New One – the HTC Dot View case. The case is a flip cover that displays weather information and the time on the front of the case, in a beautiful dot-matrix pattern. Double tap your phone to get information sent to the case, and view calling information instantly. And they will be available to order with your new phone later today.
Availability
At 1PM Eastern, you can order the phone from Sprint, Verizon, and AT&T online, or from HTC’s Official site. For the Verizon customers out there, the phone will be available today in-store and for a limited time, if you purchase one on a two-year contract, you can get a second one for free! It will be available on-contract for $199 or $249, while the unlocked and developer versions are a hefty $649. You can also pick up a Google Play Edition for $699 from the Google Play Store later today.
Sprint, T-Mobile, and AT&T should have the phone in-stock before April 10th, but still be on the lookout for more carrier availability to follow in the coming weeks.
The post The HTC One (M8) officially announced appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Live from the HTC One event in New York City!
The time has finally come to see what the hullabaloo is all about — this year’s version of the HTC One is going to be announced here very soon, and we’ll be bringing all of the big news to you live from New York City! Stay tuned as we get this liveblog rolling just before 11AM ET.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, HTC
HTC announces the new One with depth-sensing camera and larger screen
The “all new” HTC One has been one of the worst kept secrets of 2014, but today it’s a secret no more. The Taiwanese manufacturer has taken the wraps off its latest flagship and fans of last years model (count us among them) won’t be disappointed. The phone boasts the same aluminum unibody construction as last year’s model, but with more pronounced curves and even more metal this time around. A full 90 percent of the body is made of aluminum, quite a bit more than the 70 percent on last year’s. That means it’s about half and ounce heavier, but it seems like a small trade off given the incredible design and spacious 5-inch screen. That panel is still a 1080p S-LCD3 one, which means you can count on the same bright colors and deep blacks. Plus the whole front is protected by a sheet of Gorilla Glass 3. Oh, and before we go any further — the pair of capacitive buttons have been replaced with the standard trio of Android soft keys! (Phewww…)
Under the hood you’re looking at a 2.3GHz Snapdragon 801 and 2GB of RAM. Basically this phone will laugh in the face of almost any task you throw at it. Edit photos, put together video montages, play taxing 3D games — this thing should churn through it all with ease. As far as storage goes you’ve got two options, either 16GB or 32GB. But if you feel that’s not enough, there’s a microSD slot for adding up to 128GB more. Plus, Google is throwing in 50GB of storage on Drive for two years, replacing Dropbox. Unless you’re truly abusive to your gadgets there’s no way you should run out of room to store stuff. A sizable 2,600 mAh battery keeps the whole thing chugging along for an estimate 20 hours of talk time or, with the new Extreme power saving mode enabled, 40 days of standby. Regardless, it’s a nice but smallish boost from 2,300 mAh one found in last years model. And, of course, the expected set of radios and sensors are on board, including Bluetooth 4.0, dual-band 802.11ac WiFi, AWS compatible LTE, NFC, an accelerometer, gyroscope and barometer.
Of course, the two big unique features from last year’s model make a return here: the front-facing stereo speakers with BoomSound and the UltraPixel camera around back. But both have been given significant upgrades for 2014. The speakers are connected to a new dedicated amplifier and a more powerful DSP chip. They’re also seated deeper in the phone’s chassis which should lead to richer, louder audio with better defined low-ends. The UltraPixel shooter around back is, for all intents and purposes, the same exact camera as last year. The sensor is the same four megapixel backside-illuminated one with giant 2µm pixels, but there’s a new imaging processor attached and HTC has ditched the optical image stabilization tech. But, it’s also added a second camera to the back in what it’s calling a Duo Camera array. Truth be told, the second “camera” isn’t actually a camera in the traditional sense, it’s a depth sensor. It allows the One to perform all sorts of neat tricks especially in post processing, such as blurring backgrounds or changing the focus point like a Lytro.
No new flagship phone would be complete without a significant software update, and HTC isn’t going to let you down. At its core the One is running Android KitKat 4.4, which means it’s got all of the latest enhancements straight from Google. On top of that, however, it’s running Sense 6.0 which includes BlinkFeed and a heavy focus on themes. Several of its primary UI elements have been given subtle redesigns that bring a more modern and open look. Perhaps most exciting though, Blinkfeed has been opened up to developers who will be able to push information to your feed. For example Foursqaure will be able to publish lunch recommendations or Fitbit can send you activity tracking data. Interestingly the company has also broken several of its proprietary apps free of its firmware, such as Zoe which will find itself on the Play store soon. That will make it much easier to push updates to users, which means features will be available much quicker.
Most of the tweaks are relatively small, but Motion Launch is a pretty significant new feature. When the phone senses movement it “listens” for prompts to launch particular apps or actions. For example swiping right on the screen will take you straight to BlinkFeed, holding the volume rocker while turning the phone into landscape mode launches the camera and you can answer a call simply by putting the phone to your ear — all without unlocking it first.. The Dot View case, seen above, extends those features, by allowing you to tap the case twice to receive notifications without turning on the phone’s display.
The all new HTC One will be available in three colors gunmetal gray, glacial silver and amber gold starting today, March 25th.
Richard Lai and Brad Molen contributed to this report.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile
AIVAnet 