One thing I feel uneasy about Google's Android Update is: you never get to know what was being updated. I always need to go through
article ARTICLESSS online to know: WHAT'S NEW?
(not to mention that, finding the exact Update you got is a tedious process, which most article only identify the update based on its file size, e.g. "the recent 264.5 MB update is about.....")
So, I decided to do a summary of the update myself, according to those I find useful.
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1. Instagram integrated to HTC Blink Feed
Although quite some people out there dislike BlinkFeed for some unknown reason, I find it very informative and convenient to kill my spare time. And now, Instagram is integrated into BlinkFeed which means you need not to access another app so often.
Swipe down on the BlinkFeed Screen, Tap the "Setting" icon > "Topics and Services" > Swipte left to "Service & Apps" Tab > Check "Instagram for HTC Sence" and Login Instagram Account.
2. Battery Percentage on Notification Bar
This feature was added due to high demand among users (including me), however I'm quite disappointed knowing that the percentage will be shown as a separated icon, instead of shown directly in the battery icon.
"Setting" > "Power" > Check "Show battery level"
3. Quick Setting for Android JellyBean
This is probably the most noticeable changes after the update. The "Gear" icon on the top right corner after swiping down from the notification bar was replaced by a "3 x 3 boxes" icon. Tap it and here's the Quick Setting (or Quick Toggle), which is very very useful for most user I believe.
Tip: To move directly into the Quick Setting, swipe down using TWO FINGERS from the notification bar.
4. Secondary Setting for Home Key
And finally, the HTC One's Home Key behaves like Android for the first time after applying the setting. One reason the HTC One is different from other Android devices is: there's only 2 buttons (Home & Back) instead of 3 (Home, Back, Menu, and sometimes Search). Change the setting, and:
- Swipe UP to access Google NOW
- LONG Press to access Menu
- Double-Tap to change between Apps
"Setting" > "Display, gesture & buttons" > "Home" > Choose the behavior you like.
5. Enhanced Battery Usage
For a phone with non-replaceable battery, improving battery performance might be the most important thing to do. Before the update, my HTC One dies within 1/2 hour after the "14% Remaining" notification was shown, even under Standby Mode. I'm uncertain that it was a special case for my phone or all HTC One pretty much acts this way. I'm a heavy-user of my HTC One.
As shown in the screenshot above, I had been using my phone on and off from 1PM till 5PM, running music, games, Facebook, some IM app. The energy consumption during standby, from 5PM till 8PM had been significantly improved based on my past experience.
6. Lock AE & AF in Camera
Now, the One is able to lock exposure and focus on a specific target.
All you need to do is, Long Press on the target you want AE & AF to lock in Camera Mode.
7. "DayDream"
I have no idea why this feature were given so much emphasize, maybe it is just one that symbolize the Android 4.3 Jellybean (?). Basically it is just a "Screensaver" that could run automatically when you dock/charge (or both) your phone. Currently, there's only one option (Color) for the HTC One.
The good news is, there's many other Apps in the Google Play Store that support this feature, just simply search Daydream and some popular apps will pop up. Up till now, I still don't get why this feature even exists.
The right pic is just a screenshot of "ClockPlus DayDream".
"Setting" > "Display, gesture & buttons" > "Daydream" > "On" & choose from very limited choice (only ONE).
8. Add Widget to LockScreen
Here comes a new layout for LockScreen: WIDGET. However, once again, with very very limited Widget to choose from. I hope HTC will roll out other updates to improve on this. The only useful one seems to be Gmail, and you can only choose 1 inbox folder to show.
"Setting" > "Personalize" > "Lock screen style" > "Widget" > "Setting" > Choose Widget > "Apply"
9. Improved Gallery Experience
The previous version Gallery seems to be too extraordinary compare to other phones. I spent a lot of time figuring how it works, and before I figure them out, HTC finally make it simple afterall. You won't want to know how was it in the past.
When playing "Slideshow" in the "Highlight" album (which the phones automatically determine some photos to be highlights and others not, based on how many time you viewed the photo or other methods), you are now able to insert your own music track.
10. Removed "Power Saver" Notification
Finally, the "Power Saver" does not appear anymore in the notification tray when it is off. I'm so annoyed because it always take away a slot in my notification tray.
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Other updates include: better stability in image processing and processor performance, expandable notifications (like SMS, Gmail etc.), new Apps (KeyVPN, Google Play Games) preloaded (not really useful for me), HTC Zoe update, HTC Music Visualizer new effects, Camera improved low-light performance ETC.
Something I hoped to improve but it didn't: the ALARMS, why they don't Sort by TIME?
Finally, please tell me if you find any other interesting updates which I didn't mention. I doubt who will read this post seriously.
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So... this is one of the few "Blogging in English" attempts I'd made. And I somehow regret for doing so.
Sorry for all the grammar mistakes ........orz
