Remember how we spotted the HTC BlinkFeed app on the virtual shelves of Google Play yesterday? Well it turns out that HTC won't just be using the Play Store to update BlinkFeed on its own hardware, as the company has revealed that the news reader app will also be made available to other Android devices.
In its announcement of the One (M8), HTC revealed that it plans to make BlinkFeed available to non-HTC Android devices "following its popularity with HTC users." The app is expected to be made available soon. HTC has confirmed that its Zoe app will be offered to non-HTC devices through Google Play as well.
HTC isn't the first Android device maker to place its apps in the Play Store for quicker updating, as Motorola did the same thing several months ago with its Camera, Touchless Control and Assist apps, among others. However, Motorola's apps can only be downloaded by a select batch of the company's own devices.
HTC is doing things a tad differently than Moto, allowing non-HTC users to install BlinkFeed and Zoe. The company probably hopes that this move will get users interested in its other exclusive apps and eventually its hardware as well. Whether or not this decision will actually result in a sales boost for HTC remains to be seen, but hey, it's worth a shot.
Via The Verge, HTC (PRNewswire), Google Play: HTC BlinkFeed, HTC Zoe
