HTC One M8s Runs Android Lollipop, Offers Full-HD Display

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Smartphone maker HTC is rolling out a new version of its flagship European model One M8, this time branded as the One M8s. It is headed to the United Kingdom, and powered by a 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor backed by 2GB of random access memory (RAM).

The handset, which retails for 379 GPB, or about $560, runs Google's Android 5.0 -- Lollipop -- operating system and features a 5-inch full-HD display topped with scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass.

Other features of this HTC smartphone include 16GB internal storage, and support for microSD up to 128 GB, as well as a 2840mAh battery and Bluetooth 4.1 and near-field communication (NFC) capability.

Some of the company's trademark features like the Duo camera and BoomSound front speakers are included on the device, which features an all-metal unibody design and is available in silver, gold, and gunmetal grey.

HTC's front-facing speaker design directs music towards the user, while the company's membrane excursion direct control optimizes volume and bass levels.

In addition, temperature-sensing controls automatically lower power to protect against speaker damage.

The dual-camera, features a 13-megapixel (MP) sensor with 28mm lens and f/2.0 aperture on the back, and boasts 5-MP resolution and features 1080p video capture capability.

"What really sets the HTC One M8s apart is its design and build. We created the smartphone with comfort in mind, Peter Frølund, HTC's UK and Ireland vice president, wrote in an April 2 statement. "It's not only a pleasure to look at, but feels great and fits perfectly into the hand."

Earlier this month, HTC announced the US online launch of its flagship device, the One M9, which comes with the company's Uh Oh protection service, which provides a one-time free replacement within the first 12 months of purchase for cracked screens, water damage, or a different carrier variant for customers wanting or needing to switch networks.

If the protection package isn't used within 12 months, the company said it will give $100 in credit towards a future purchase of an HTC One device.

The company said it is bringing the smartphone, which features a 20-MP rear-facing camera, a scratch-resistant, all-metal unibody design, and Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 octa-core processor, to brick-and-mortar stores on April 10.

[Read InformationWeek's review of the Galaxy S6. ]

Interactive features such as a customizable scrolling message, games, and animated, holiday, or make-your-own themes have also been included on the One M9. Color choices include gunmetal gray and dual-tone silver with gold-mirror polished sides.

The One M9, which is expected to go head-to-head against Samsung's new Galaxy S6 phone, will be available at AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon. It will also be available from Amazon, Best Buy, Best Buy Mobile specialty stores, Costco Wholesale, and Target.

An unlocked version is available for $649, and for the first time a 12-month interest-free financing option has been made available.

HTC has struggled to find an audience for its products in recent years, as the fifth-largest smartphone vendor in the US continues to lose marketshare, down 0.3 percent in the last quarter of the year, according to IT analytics firm comScore.

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