HTC will officially announce the new HTC One in a few hours, although the handset has already been leaked numerous times, and now we have details of a HTC One Google Play Edition.
The guys over at TechCrunch have spotted references to the HTC One Google Play Edition on the Google Play Store, so we suspect this will be made official later today as well.
The Google Play Edition HTC One was spotted on the HTC Gallery application on the Google Play Store, and the description for the app had the following reference to the HTC One Google Play Edition.
Support for HTC One(M8) Google Play Edition is limited to HTC Photo Edit.
We can expect the Google Play Edition of the HTC One to come with the same specs as the new HTC One, although it will come with stock Android, in the form of Android 4.4 KitKat without the HTC Sense 6.0 UI.
What to Expect from the HTC One Google Play Edition
The HTC One Google Play Edition is anticipated to offer a pure Android experience, which is a significant draw for many Android enthusiasts. Unlike the standard HTC One, which comes with HTC’s custom Sense 6.0 user interface, the Google Play Edition will run a clean version of Android 4.4 KitKat. This means users will get a more streamlined and bloatware-free experience, which can lead to better performance and quicker updates directly from Google.
The hardware specifications are expected to be identical to the standard HTC One. This includes a 5-inch Full HD display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, 2GB of RAM, and a 2600mAh battery. The camera setup is also likely to remain the same, featuring HTC’s UltraPixel technology, which is designed to capture more light and provide better low-light performance.
Advantages of the Google Play Edition
One of the main advantages of the Google Play Edition is the software experience. Stock Android is often preferred by users who want a clean and fast interface without the additional features and customizations that manufacturers like HTC add. This can result in a more responsive device and quicker access to Android updates. For example, while the standard HTC One might have to wait for HTC to adapt the latest Android version to its Sense UI, the Google Play Edition can receive updates almost as soon as Google releases them.
Another benefit is the potential for better battery life. Without the additional software layers and background processes that come with custom UIs, the Google Play Edition might offer more efficient battery usage. This can be particularly appealing for power users who rely on their devices throughout the day.
Moreover, the Google Play Edition devices often come with unlocked bootloaders, making them a favorite among developers and tech enthusiasts who like to tinker with their devices. This can open up possibilities for custom ROMs and other modifications that are not as easily achievable on locked devices.
The HTC One Google Play Edition promises to combine the high-quality hardware of the HTC One with the pure Android experience that many users crave. With its imminent official announcement, it will be interesting to see how it is received by the market and whether it can carve out a niche among the various Android devices available.
Source TechCrunch
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