Chou shows the new HTC One M8 phone during a launch event in New York
HTC CEO Peter Chou shows the new HTC One M8 phone during a launch event in New York March 25, 2014. The HTC One M8 has a 5-inch display, slightly larger than its predecessor, as well as improved camera technology, a faster processor and updated software, the company said. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

According to a recent report, the 2014 flagship HTC One (M8) has been caught running the upcoming Android 5.0.1 software update with HTC's Sense 6.0 UI. Thereby, a slew of screenshots and videos of the HTC One (M8) have been leaked online.

A couple of weeks back, the same HTC One (M8) was caught running the main version Android 5.0, along with Sense 6.0 UI. But now, the HTC handset is being tested with the minor update to the Android Lollipop. In hindsight, HTC promised to update its One (M8) and One (M7) handsets with Android Lollipop within 90 days of its release. And now, it looks like, HTC will be keeping up the promise after all, notes LlabTooFer.

Notably, the earlier leak showed the HTC One (M8) running on 4.0x ROM based on Android 5.0 with build number LRX21P. But now, the 4.1x ROM has been caught running the latest Android 5.0.1 version of OS with build number LRX22C. Apparently, this new build of Android Lollipop has fixed some of the nettlesome bugs.

What Are The Significant Changes?

After installing the update and restarting the One (M8), the notification reportedly shows the current running test software and HTC warns the users that it will collect required date. From the first look, the HTC Blinkfeed, widgets and even the main screen have not gone through much change.

However, new Google apps like Docs, Slides and Sheets have been added. Readers should note that these Google apps are already available via Google Play. When it comes to key changes, the notification arena is completely re-designed with the latest update. The notification area has been wrapped in the new "material design" and it reportedly looks very good on the handset. Plus, all the notifications and the quick settings are now on the same page. With this update, the One (M8) users can save an extra click to activate the quick settings, by scrolling down the same page to see the settings. Importantly, the notifications can be accessed from the lockscreen as well.

Meanwhile, the multitasking feature has also been re-designed. In specific, HTC has apparently changed it to stock view. Although, it looks quite good, it is not very informative like before, opines the same site. The settings option has also gone through some much-required change, where the search button allows searching all available features/options. The site also states that, aside from the aforesaid changes, a new feature called "Easy mode" has also been added. This feature description can be viewed via the attached video.

In addition, the accessibility section has some added features like "color inversion", "color correction" and "high contrast text." Overall, the Android L 5.0.1 version reportedly runs faster and smoother than before. Apparently, 1500+ new APIs, ART, Project Volta and other enhancements of Android L will be part of the HTC One (M8). As GSM Arena puts it, the HTC One (M8) will get Android 5.0 update by Feb. 2, 2015.

Here is a video explaining the new Accessibility feature:

(Credit: YouTube/LlabTooFeR Maximus)

Here is a video explaining the new Easy Mode feature:

(Credit: YouTube/LlabTooFeR Maximus)

Also Read

1. Samsung Galaxy S6 Release Date Set For Q2 2015, To feature Full-Metal Construction Alongside Bent-Display On Both Sides - [Read]

2. Android 5.0 Lollipop Beta Build For Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Now Available For Download - [Read]

3. Microsoft Lumia 1330 To Feature 14MP PureView Camera, 5MP Selfie Camera, WP 8.1 GDR 2, Plus Launch Date Set For March 2015 - [Read]