BELLEVUE, Wash., March 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- HTC, a global
leader in innovation and design, today unveiled the highly
anticipated new HTC One (M8), the ultimate evolution of the
award-winning HTC One (M7). Launching in Gunmetal Gray1
with the all-new HTC Sense™ 6, the new HTC One (M8), boasts a
high-quality metal unibody with a Smart Sensor Hub that anticipates
your needs and uses Motion Launch™ controls to make everyday tasks
easier. New Duo Camera technology delivers creative,
professional-looking photos and amazing effects, and HTC BoomSound™
again sets new standards for audio quality on a smartphone.
Peter Chou, CEO, HTC said: "In
2013 we introduced the best smartphone in the world, but we never
stopped challenging ourselves and the status quo in this category.
As pioneers in mobile innovation, we continue to design and build
devices that will dazzle, inspire and transform the smartphone
industry. Today I'm proud to launch the most stunning, intuitive
and advanced handset that the industry has seen to date, the new
HTC One (M8)."
Beautifully designed inside and out
Achieving another
breakthrough in design and quality with the new HTC One (M8), the
phone's body has been re-crafted to create an even more stunning
yet approachable look. The beautiful, durable, high-quality metal
unibody flows right up to the 5-inch, full HD (1080p) display,
tapering to thinner edges, with softer curves for a smooth, more
natural grip, while adding the benefit of removable storage
accommodating up to a 128GB micro SD memory card for more content
to share.
Supported by the Qualcomm™ Snapdragon® 801 processor with 2.3
GHz quad-core Krait CPUs and fully integrated 4G LTE, and running
Android 4.4, Kit Kat, the latest version of the Android OS, the new
HTC One (M8) features the all-new HTC Sense™ 6, available on the
device and as an upgrade from the Google Play store2.
Completely redesigned with a cleaner, more striking visual style,
HTC Sense™ 6 features bold, customizable color themes and delivers
a more intuitive, personalized user experience. For those who
prefer the stock Android experience, the HTC One (M8) Google Play
edition will be available for pre-order beginning today and for
purchase on the Google Play store in the coming weeks.
A leap forward in smartphone imaging
The new HTC One
(M8) brings a totally different dimension to mobile imaging by
combining the world's first smartphone with a Duo Camera that
features HTC's innovative HTC UltraPixel™ module, with a dual flash
and full 1080p HD video recording. The new Duo Camera produces
incredible images in all lighting conditions and rich, high-quality
video. A 5-megapixel wide-angle front-facing camera also captures
superior selfies with ease.
The Duo Camera incorporates a special depth sensor, in addition
to the main HTC UltraPixel™ module, for a range of artistic effects
and tools that allow more creativity with images than ever before.
Using the depth sensor to capture detailed depth information from a
scene, the Duo Camera can create professional-looking portraits ---
alter the focus of an image after the photo has been taken with
UFocus™, or make the photo's subject stand out in a more impactful
way by altering the background with creative effects using
Foregrounder. Other tools include Seasons animations to add
seasonal flavor to the image, Copy & Paste3 to
insert family and friends into an entirely different photo, and
Dimension Plus™, which presents a unique perspective by changing
the image angle with a simple screen tilt.
This advanced camera technology also works behind-the-scenes,
capturing images right from launch so that when the shutter is
activated, the sharpest possible image is instantly displayed. The
camera autofocus operates at a speed of 300 milliseconds, producing
beautifully crisp images of split-second action. When the
flash is required, the intelligent LED Dual Flash automatically
selects the exact color tone and light intensity for more natural
skin tones and a professional-looking shot.
With so much scope to create exciting imagery, HTC's Gallery
organization also has been a priority for the designers of HTC
Sense™, who developed Image Match, a visual search tool that
intuitively moves all photos from a particular subject into one
album.
Finally, the new HTC One (M8) also has an integrated Slow Motion
mode, which enables high-definition video capture in slow motion to
produce unique effects in the final version. When editing, action
can be slowed at critical points for emphasis – perfect for
adding drama or highlighting a special moment.
Zoe™ in the cloud
In 2014, HTC's unique
Zoe™ feature will evolve into a cloud-based service, enabling Zoe
Video uploads for all to see, along with the ability to invite
friends and family to add their own photos, videos and music
to the original Zoe video. Incredible highlight reels of classic
moments are even better when the creation is shared. The new Zoe
app will be available for download through Google Play this
summer.
Motion Launch™ – convenient gesture controlled
shortcuts
With the introduction of HTC Sense™ 6, the new HTC
One (M8) boasts capabilities that give the product a sixth sense.
For example, Motion Launch™ is immediately able to detect its
position and movement, thanks to built-in motion sensors that allow
interaction with the phone without turning on the screen. A simple
swipe will activate the device, Auto Answer allows calls to be
answered without touching the screen simply by putting the phone to
the ear – a handy tool if the phone rings while gardening or
washing dishes – and a double tap turns the lock screen on and
off.
HTC Dot View™ case –smart protection with retro
flair
An outstanding smartphone deserves a smart case that
protects and extends its innovative design and industry-leading
functionality. Optimized by HTC Sense™ 6, the new HTC Dot View
phone case protects the screen, while displaying notifications and
interactions in a retro, dot-matrix style.
Taking that sixth-sense functionality one step further, Motion
Launch™ is extended to the HTC's new Dot
View case – simply double tapping to turn on the phone, in
addition to checking the time, weather, new texts, emails and calls
– all without touching or revealing the screen.
Extreme Power Saving Mode – extra standby time at no extra
cost
The innovation continues as HTC changes the way people
use their phone battery. With the original HTC One (M7), HTC
optimized power consumption to get the most out of the phone. The
new HTC One (M8) takes battery optimization to a whole new level
making the battery power last 40 percent longer. While normal power
saving mode delivers a great experience, the HTC One (M8) features
an Extreme Power Saving mode that makes the battery last even
longer. Fully charged, it will deliver 14 days' worth of battery
power, while allowing calls, texts and emails – perfect for travel.
Activated either manually or automatically, Extreme Power Saving
mode delivers 60 hours of extra standby time at 20 percent power,
30 hours at 10 percent power and 15 hours at 5 percent power.
Whether out late at night or hiking in the mountains, running out
of battery power is no longer a worry.
HTC BoomSound™ gets bigger
The new HTC One (M8) again
takes the smartphone audio experience to new heights. The latest
HTC BoomSound™ technology creates an immersive, powerful,
crystal-clear sound with rich tones from bass through to treble.
Delivering sound that is 25 percent louder than the HTC One (M7),
without compromising quality, the new HTC One (M8) has dual frontal
stereo speakers with a new amplifier, redesigned speaker chambers
and a tailored audio profile for a truly high-definition
experience.
HTC BlinkFeed™ – Your news direct to your home
screen
HTC BlinkFeed™ is now more intuitive, with continuous
scrolling for a fluid browsing experience, adaptable tiles and a
new layout that presents articles in a clean, easy-to-read way.
With the introduction of a new SDK that allows partners to
integrate their own content, users can more easily find and
subscribe to new media sources, in addition to instantly creating
custom feeds on any topic. Whether sports, movies or shopping are a
favorite interest, this feature ensures delivery of the most useful
and relevant information. With News Bundles that bring all articles
and tweets on the same topic together for easy reading and more
than 1000+ content partners now clearly categorized on one page,
following the most interesting news couldn't be
simpler4.
Fitness at a glance
With the new HTC One (M8), it's
easier than ever to get healthy and stay motivated by combining its
power-saving sensor hub with the preloaded Fitbit®
app.5 Alternatively, the phone can be used with one of
Fitbit's range of trackers6 to access advanced features
such as sleep tracking and smart alarm or to capture data when
exercising without the phone. Set fitness goals and see
achievements brought straight to the HTC BlinkFeed™ home screen
with no additional effort. Fitbit is the top downloaded app for
connected fitness devices on the Google Play store.
HTC Sense™ TV
The only remote anyone
will ever need has been redesigned on the new HTC One (M8) to
provide an interactive second screen. Integrated official Facebook
and Twitter streams enable real-time conversations and the ability
to follow fan commentary about programs online and in social
circles. HTC Sense™ TV now also brings live sports statistics for
the 10 most popular sports in the world, with sports fans able to
access the latest scores, match statistics and get live updates
from games that can't be missed while watching another game on the
main TV screen.
"This extensive range of enhancements shows that we put
consumers at the center of everything we do, which is why our
customers can be confident they are getting the best smartphone of
2014," said Jason Mackenzie,
president of HTC Americas. "With our focus on delivering a premium
experience to consumers and the tremendous support from our
partners, I'm thrilled that we can make the HTC One (M8) available
for purchase today across North
America and ensure that HTC will help protect that
investment long after their purchase with HTC Advantage."
Premium Customer Support
HTC Advantage enables
unmatched support for the HTC One family of smartphones – HTC One
(M8), HTC One, HTC One mini and HTC One max – by working to solve
the challenges of today's mobile lifestyle. The program is
available at no extra charge and features a free, one-time cracked
screen replacement within the first six months of ownership, a
commitment to future software innovation and content storage and
backup solutions that consumers need in today's digital world.
In addition to the latest software updates from Android, HTC
will continue to drive innovative experiences on the HTC One family
of smartphones by delivering HTC Sense 6 applications through
Google Play, which provides consumers with richer features when
available, rather than waiting for the next major OS update. HTC
Sense 6 will be available for all 2013 HTC One products - HTC One
(M7), HTC One mini and HTC One max – in the U.S. and Canada later this spring.
North America
availability
The new HTC One (M8) will be sold through more
than 230 operators around the globe in Gunmetal Gray, Glacial
Silver and Amber Gold.
In North America, the HTC One
(M8) is available online today through major wireless carriers and
retailers including Amazon, Appalachian Wireless, AT&T, Best
Buy, Bluegrass Cellular, Car Toys, Cellcom, Chat Mobility,
Cincinnati Bell Wireless, Costco, Military Exchange, Net10
Wireless, Pioneer Cellular, RadioShack, Sprint, Verizon
Wireless and Walmart in the United
States, and Best Buy, Bell, Future Shop, Rogers, SaskTel,
T-Booth, TELUS, Wind and Wireless Wave in Canada. Starting in April, it will also be
available to purchase online and in retail through T-Mobile, and
broad in-store availability across the majority of partners begins
on April 10.
Unlocked and developer editions of the HTC One (M8) are also
available to customers through www.htc.com at an MSRP of
$649.99.
Amber Gold U.S. Availability
The HTC One (M8) in
Amber Gold will initially be sold
exclusively through Best Buy in the
United States, with the option of 4G LTE service through
AT&T, Sprint or Verizon. Online sales start today through
BestBuy.com and in-store availability at more than 1,400 Best Buy
and Best Buy Mobile stores begins on April
10.
For more information about the HTC One (M8), please visit
www.htc.com.
For press materials and images of the HTC One (M8) please visit:
http://www.htc.com/us/about/newsroom/press-kit/htc-one-m8/
About HTC
Founded in 1997, HTC Corporation (HTC) is
the creator of many award-winning mobile devices and industry
firsts. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC
pushes the boundaries of design and technology to create innovative
and personal experiences for consumers around the globe. HTC's
portfolio includes smartphones and tablets powered by the HTC
Sense® user experience. HTC is listed on the Taiwan
Stock Exchange (TWSE: 2498). For more information, please visit
www.htc.com.
© 2014 HTC Corporation. All rights reserved. HTC, the HTC logo,
HTC One, the HTC One logo, HTC Sense, HTC Sense TV, Motion Launch,
HTC BoomSound, HTC UltraPixel, UFocus, Zoe, HTC Dot View, HTC
BlinkFeed, and all other HTC product and service names referenced
herein are the trademarks or registered trademarks of HTC
Corporation and its affiliates in the U.S. and/or other countries.
All other trademarks and service marks mentioned herein, including
company names, product names, service names and logos, are the
property of their respective owners and their use herein does not
indicate an affiliation with, association with, or endorsement of
or by HTC Corporation. Offers, features and product appearance and
specifications may be subject to change.
1 Other available colors at launch are Glacial Silver
and Amber Gold
2 The upgrade will be available on the Google Play store
in the coming weeks
3 The Copy and Paste feature will be available to
download from the Google Play Store soon
4 Following its popularity with HTC users, HTC will now
make HTC BlinkFeed available to other Android devices, launching on
the Google Play store soon.
5 The Fitbit app is only pre-loaded in certain
countries. Please speak to the local market for verification. It is
available to download from the Google Play store and tracks your
steps / monitors your activity
6 Sold separately
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140325/AQ89955-a
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140325/AQ89955-b
SOURCE HTC