Today HTC unveiled the highly anticipated new HTC One (M8), the ultimate evolution of the award-winning HTC One (M7). Launching in Gunmetal Gray 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 store. 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."
