HTC One M8

58 'HTC One M8' stories March 2014 - April 2014

The HTC One (M8) is powered by a quad-core 2.3GHz Snapdragon 801 processor, Adreno 330 GPU, 2GB of RAM, and a 2,600mAh battery. It also features a 5-inch Super LCD3 display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 (441 PPI). You’ll also find a Micro SD card slot that allows the storage to be expanded up to 128GB.

The One M8 features the same 4-megapixel Ultra Pixel camera as its predecessor, but removes optical image stabilization. HTC has also included a second 2-megapixel sensor and dual-LED flash to work alongside the 4-megapixel shooter in what it’s calling a Duo Camera configuration. This second 2-megapixel sensor captures depth information that can be used in combination with various effects in HTC’s camera app.

The One M8 launched with Android 4.4.2 KitKat running HTC’s Sense 6.0 overlay and BlinkFeed 2.0. It has since been updated to Android 6.0 Marshmallow running Sense 7.0.

HTC One (M8) Review: It’s almost perfect (Video)

Dom Esposito Apr 25 2014 - 3:37 pm PT

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The HTC One (M8) has been one of the most anticipated smartphone releases in 2014. Following the success of the One (M7) wasn’t going to be an easy task, but somehow the company pulled it off. Well, almost. This is nearly one of the best smartphones for your money, but there are a few things that hold the HTC One (M8) just inches away from Android perfection.

With the M8, you’re getting an even better build quality than its predecessor. HTC claims that the One (M8) has a body constructed of 90 percent metal, which is a 20 percent boost over last year’s model. There is nothing about this device that feels cheap. It’s an epic win in the quality department. It may be a little slippery (and look like a stainless steel refrigerator), but overall I’m very happy with the build quality here.

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Sony releases ‘Background defocus’ camera app to Play Store

Zac Hall Apr 24 2014 - 6:40 am PT

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Joining the Android camera app fun, Sony has released its “Background defocus” app for Xperia phones on the Google Play Store. The app helps blur the background of an image and simulates greater focus on the subject to create a more professional looking photo. The update requires Android 4.2 or later for compatibility.

Sony on how its Background defocus camera works:

It captures two photos with different focus settings, which you can bring together to create a photo with one object in sharp focus, against a beautifully blurred background.
How to use Background defocus:
1. Start the Camera and select Background defocus as camera mode
2. Tap the object you want to focus on in the viewfinder
3. Tap the camera key to take a photo
4. Change the blur level and blur effect with the controls on the screen
5. Tap the save buttonTips for best photos:

To get the best results, please focus on an object 15-45cm (0.5-1.5 feet) away and make sure the background object is 5 meter away from focus target and hold camera steady.

Earlier this month, Google added its own camera app with lens blur functionality to the Play Store. HTC’s new One (M8) also boasts similar features with its camera software and hardware.

Glitch blocking AT&T HTC One M8 owners from redeeming free 50GB of Google Drive storage

Mark Hearn Apr 23 2014 - 11:56 am PT

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HTC’s Advantage program offers screen replacement, a software update guarantee and 50GB of Google Drive storage. Actually, there’s a problem with that last one. At least for AT&T customers who own the HTC One M8. Recently, the Taiwanese manufacturer posted a status update on its Advantage website stating that there’s a technical issue blocking Ma Bell’s customers from redeeming their Drive storage.

Dear HTC Customers and Enthusiasts, A minor technical error has temporarily deactivated the Google Drive cloud storage offer for the AT&T HTC One (M8). Please be aware that we are working to fix this error, and the 50GB of Google Drive storage space will be available by Mid-May for this device. Thank you for your patience, and we hope you are enjoying your new HTC One (M8). Sincerely, Ed Kuhner Vice President Customer Experience

HTC didn’t provide any further details on this matter, but by saying it’s working to resolve the problem suggests that it could be an in-house issue. The company claims that things should be resolved in the next few weeks.

(via HTC Advantage)

Samsung Galaxy S5 vs HTC One (M8): Full comparison (Video)

Dom Esposito Apr 14 2014 - 9:30 am PT

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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVZHK5ZUBCM]

Samsung and HTC are going head-to-head competing to be the best Android smartphone in 2014. There’s no doubt that 2014 will be filled with a lot of exciting releases, but the Samsung Galaxy S5 and HTC One (M8) are among the first to arrive. The Galaxy S5 may be a worthy upgrade over its predecessor, but how does it compare to the HTC One (M8)? Both devices are packed with high-end specifications and comparably priced, but the question is, which one should you buy? Take a look at our comparison video above for all of the details.

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Plastic HTC One M8 rumored to be in the works

Mark Hearn Apr 14 2014 - 7:33 am PT

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The HTC One M8’s build quality is quite an accomplishment, but such a snazzy design comes with a high price tag. However, if rumors are true, HTC could soon offer an affordable plastic version of its new flagship phone. Perhaps in an effort to compete with Samsung’s new Galaxy S5 or maybe taking its cues from Apple’s iPhone 5c, the Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer is reportedly planning to release a plastic version of the M8 as early as next month.

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The things HTC and Samsung think will get you to choose between the One M8 and Galaxy S5

Ben Lovejoy Apr 11 2014 - 6:36 am PT

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Training materials leaked from both HTC and Samsung identify the arguments each manufacturer hopes will persuade you to buy its new flagship handset.

HTCSource posted a flyer showing that HTC has five main arguments, and seven secondary ones, for the HTC One M8. The primary features highlighted are the metal casing, two front speakers, tap & swipe features to facilitate one-handed use, the duo camera and the HTC Advantage program …
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HTC One (M8) Dot View case review

Dom Esposito Apr 10 2014 - 3:52 pm PT

1 Comment

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2cPyfYldtA]

Finding the perfect case to protect your shiny new smartphone can be tough. Many cases offer either a bulky design or added functionality. The problem is, it can be hard to find a good balance between the two. With the arrival of the HTC One (M8), the company also launched a new Dot View case that adds additional features, while keeping your device thin and protected. The Dot View Case will set you back $49.99 and is currently available in five different colors, but is it worth the money? Read the full review or check out the above video to find out.

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Report: New Android devices require “Powered by Android” branding for access to Google Mobile Services

Jordan Kahn Mar 28 2014 - 9:46 am PT

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Powered-by-Android-Galaxy-S5

Following rumors that Google was preparing to starting forcing manufacturers to brand new devices with a “Powered by Android” logo, AndroidPolice today posted what appears to be evidence of the new requirement. Not every device using Google’s Android OS will have to bear the logo, but those that use Google’s Mobile Services— just about every Android smartphone from the major OEMs— will soon have to do so as part of Google’s updated requirements. Android has long been split into two distinct pieces: The Android Open Source Project that allows OEMs to freely use Android on their devices, and the closed Google Mobile Services, which gives access to Google Play services and Google branded apps like Maps and Gmail for manufacturers that agree to various guidelines.

It appears manufacturers are already putting the logo on new devices, although there’s no direct evidence that the device makers are required to do so. The Powered by Android logo appears of the startup screen of the new Galaxy S5 (as you can see in the screenshot above), as well as HTC’s new M8, but AndroidPolice notes it’s not on the Verizon variant of the device. Other reports claim that some devices show the logo on the startup screen every time the device is turned on, while others only show it the first time. There doesn’t appear to be strict guidelines about where the logo has to appear, but today’s report claimed sources say the branding is indeed mandatory.
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“All New HTC One” detailed in 12-minute hands-on video ahead of official announcement

Chance Miller Mar 2 2014 - 5:29 pm PT

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivOspWGlMdk

Rumors of HTC’s upcoming flagship have been around for a while now, especially now that Samsung’s Galaxy S5 has been announced. HTC has an event scheduled for March 25th, but that hasn’t stopped numerous pictures of the device from being leaked, including a clear press shot of the device in gold. Now, a kid from Schaumburg, IL has posted an exhaustive 12-minute hands-on video with the device, nearly three weeks ahead of the phone’s official unveil.

The video doesn’t show a lot that we didn’t already know. We do get to see the latest version of HTC Sense in great detail. The kid calls it Sense 6.6, which doesn’t seem very logical, as it is expected to be Sense 6.0. The video also shows the welcomed addition of a microSD card. Most notably, there are now two rear cameras, as expected, while the power button has been moved to the top right and the headphone jack to the bottom. The camera interface has also been greatly simplified with a focus on speed. There are six shooting modes, as well, including: Camera, Video, Selfie, Zoe, 360 Panorama, and Dual Capture.

HTC is set to officially unveil the device on March 25th, but in the meantime, checkout the video up above and let us know if you notice anything neat. Full gallery of images below:

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