Summary: The HTC One is the best smartphone I have ever used and with this new major update HTC shows they are committed to keeping it that way.
A Google Edition HTC One arrived on Friday morning and I am working on a large gallery comparing it to the carrier Sense version that will go live on Monday. I love my T-Mobile HTC One and after reading Android Central's post on the Android 4.2.2 update rolling out around the world I see little reason to even consider another phone at this time.
The hardware of the HTC One is arguably the best in the world. Read nearly any review of the device and there is little argument that the hardware is fantastic and usually earns a 9 or 10 rating. Software is where people have differing opinions and while I am a fan, there are a few things I need to see fixed. These include accessibility support for my Pebble, notification area tweaks, more Highlight Video themes, and custom BlinkFeed RSS support.
As you can see in the Android Central video below, HTC is fixing most all of these and improving the device in other ways.
The Android 4.2.2 update for the HTC One includes the following improvements and fixes:
- Slick right side notification quick control area with many new controls too
- Improved Zoe image management
- Six new Highlight Video themes. Check out the Android Central post for all of them.
- Removal of stupid Power Saver breaking the notification shade
- Actionable screenshot notification
- Instagram support in HTC BlinkFeed
- Removal of black bar, making Home button the menu bar
- Swipe up from Home to launch Google Now
- New widget support for lock screen
- Dock bar moving improvement
- Updated wallpaper setup
- Improved camera utilities
- Daydreams screensaver animations
I was very pleased to see the Zoe management improvement and did not expect HTC to fix that so quickly. It was difficult and space hungry to use the Zoe function and end up with so many unused Zoe stills. You can still use the excellent image edition tools with Zoes to create cool content and capture stills from the Zoes.
The updated Quick Controls area is also awesome to see and again was something I didn't expect. Instagram is a nice addition to BlinkFeed, but I still want custom RSS support too.
This 4.2.2 update gives me more confidence in HTC and their support for their flagship HTC One. An already superb smartphone is made even better and when you see my comparison to the Google Edition One I think you will agree that an HTC One without Sense is not an HTC One.
Related ZDNet HTC One articles
- HTC One camera utility beats out Nokia Smart Camera app (Gallery)
- An HTC One without Sense is not an HTC One
- T-Mobile HTC One: World's best smartphone on US best value major carrier
- HTC One review
- HTC One uses Windows Phone panorama UI in an elegant way
- HTC One: Zoes and highlight videos may be best HTC innovation ever (videos)
- HTC Sense 5 includes BlinkFeed, Zoe, and TV (screenshot gallery)
- Mophie Juice Pack for HTC One provides protection and 2,500mAh: Gallery
- HTC One Car Kit brings its sleek design and functionality to the road: Review
- Get Started with the HTC One; easy phone setup from your computer
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