Verizon's version of the HTC One was by far the last of the U.S. carrier-branded One models to receive its Android 4.3 update due to a last-minute issue that resulted in a delay of nearly two months. It looks like things may end up going very differently with Android 4.4, though.
HTC executive Mohammad Versi has announced that the Verizon HTC One's update to Android 4.4 and Sense 5.5 has received technical approval and that it should begin rolling out to users "shortly." This news comes less than a week after the Sprint flavor of the HTC One became the first U.S. carrier-branded One to be updated to KitKat, meaning that the Verizon One may end up as the second U.S. One variant to sink its teeth into Google's newest dessert.
HTC originally planned on updating all of the U.S. One models to Android 4.4 by the end of January, but it was ultimately unable to meet that goal. The good news is that the added wait isn't terribly large so far. Here's to hoping that the Android 4.4 updates for the AT&T and T-Mobile One models aren't far off. As for you Verizon folk, keep it locked to PhoneDog and I'll give you a shout once your helping of KitKat is served up.
UPDATE: Well, that didn't take long. Verizon just announced that the KitKat update for its HTC One is now rolling out in phases. The big red carrier also posted its official changelog for the update, which lists it as software build 3.11.605.1. Here's the full list of goodies that are packed into the Android 4.4.2 and Sense 5.5 update:
BLINKFEED™
- New menu delivers quicker access to search and content sources
- Access by swiping from left side of the screen
- Easily turn BlinkFeed on or off
- Perform a pinch-in gesture on the home screen > Then access the Edit screen > Simply tap BlinkFeed ON and BlinkFeed OFF
LOCATION SETTINGS
- Redesigned for ease of use and battery conservation
- Shows estimated battery use of each app
- Offers a master switch that turns all location settings on or off
- Lists which apps are using location services
- New setting enables you to choose between these location profiles:
- High accuracy (most battery use)
- Battery saving (least battery use)
- Device sensors (GPS only)
GALLERY APPLICATION
- Redesigned for easier viewing of different content configurations
- Panels for each configuration (folders, highlights) have replaced the drop-down menu
- Swipe left or right to switch between panels
- Quickly access photos from the cloud and social networks
- Manage and edit Video Highlights easily
- From Events panel, tap desired event, then switch to Video Highlights
- Select desired pictures, themes and music
DO NOT DISTURB
- Cut down on phone distractions during important events
- Block incoming calls: turn off sound, vibration and LED notifications
- Can be set to resume ‘normal mode’ at a certain time
- To access this feature, go to Settings > Sound > Do not disturb
LOCK SCREEN
- The process to lock screen widgets has been simplified
- Swipe left from the lock screen
- Tap the + icon to choose a widget to add to the Lock Screen
MUSIC APPLICATION
- Redesigned for easier viewing of different content configurations
- Panels for each configuration (artist, albums) have replaced the drop-down menu
- Swipe left or right to switch between panels
KEY IMPROVEMENTS
- Caller Name ID app has been updated to version 2.5.0
- Power management enhancements
ISSUES RESOLVED
- Zoodles video mail can now be turned on
- Camera low light quality improvements
ADDED SUPPORT
- VSP v2.0.0 (Verizon Support and Protect – formerly Verizon Mobile Security) is now preloaded
- Over The Air (OTA) Wi-Fi exclusivity is now implemented
Via @moversi, @VZWnews, Verizon Wireless
