BlinkFeed, HTC Service Pack and SenseTV listed on Google Play, complete with screenshots
We're just hours away from the expected arrival of the new HTC One (M8), and we're starting to see signs of the final preparations being made for the phone's launch. HTC has this morning released three new HTC Sense apps onto Google Play — HTC BlinkFeed, HTC Service Pack, and HTC SenseTV.
Update: HTC Gallery and HTC Guide have joined the fray.
HTC looks set to start updating key Sense components through Google Play.
The BlinkFeed app is HTC's home screen launcher, and judging by the package name com.htc.launcher, this Google Play app should contain the rest of the Sense launcher too. HTC Service Pack sounds mostly like backend stuff — "a support service update that combines previously released updates and helps make your HTC experience more reliable." And the changelog for the new SenseTV app — which has gotten a bit of a facelift since Sense 5 — shows a handful of new features. "Explore on-screen secondary content about the shows you watch, including synopsis, cast & crew, and social feeds about the show from Facebook and Twitter." And for sports, the ability to "view scores, stats, and social media buzz in real-time right on your phone."
SenseTV has been updated to work on the GPe HTC One.
The implication here is that HTC looks set to start updating key components of Sense 6 through Google Play, sidestepping the lengthy process of bundling them into firmware updates. We've seen Motorola and Sony move in a similar direction over the past year, making it easier to get new stuff into customers' hands faster.
All three apps are showing as incompatible with all of our devices, including the original HTC One (M7). However the Play Store listing for SenseTV indicates that it's been updated to support the Google Play edition M7, so if you have that device you might want to take it for a spin. We're hearing on Twitter that the app is indeed fully functional on HTC's GPe handset.
Stay tuned to Android Central today for full coverage of HTC's launch from the events in London and New York.
Source: SenseTV, BlinkFeed, HTC Service Pack on Google Play
Thanks to @Sebianoti and @marialuis27 on Twitter, and everyone else who sent this in!
Reader comments
HTC Sense 6 apps hit Google Play ahead of new HTC One launch
Is have a Sprint HTC one m7 updated to kit Kat and all these apps say not compatible with your device?
Some one port that blink feed to my nexus 5!
Posted via My Samsung HTC LG Megadroid Optimus Primus Nexus5
No need. From what I've read, it will be available in the Play Store for other Android Devices too.
Sense Ui is the only GUI better than stock android imo. The way everything interacts is beautiful imo. And its hella smooth since sense 5. If htc gets battery life sorted out I ll be eager to jump back on the HTC train after the G2 I have now.
Posted via Android Central App
Good move for HTC to run its apps through Google play store. Users can provide feedback and I hope HTC can respond quickly.
It will work for the HTC one when they are ready to release it.
Posted via Android Central App
How does this not work for the original HTC One? Oh so we would have to upgrade to the M8 to get the newest Sense features? Well played HTC
Posted via Android Central App
Somewhat ironically, they need an OTA update to enable these Play Store updates. Motorola has had similar issues in the past, where devices that hadn't been upgraded were not compatible with the new Play Store apks.
I wouldn't call this an issue. That's pretty understable.
The links are backwards...
Update: HTC Gallery and HTC Guide have joined the fray.
Installed Sense TV on my One running CM11.
Doesn't seem to recognize the IR Blaster. :/
Awesome move HTC.
Hopefully my M7 can get this after today's launch.
Posted via Android Central App
I'm ready for my One Max to be updated! Come on Sprint! Also, I hope these apps are available for the One Max.
StealthDroid - Working on his Nexus 7 in the Nexus Lab
One theory that I have is that they've kept the solid black area where the HTC logo is on the M8 because the will kill the capacitive buttons on the M7 and move them to the screen. Why? Because a happy M7 owner will not jump ship to another manufacturer because their M7 had great support. Maintained the experience as close to the M8 as possible.
Posted via Android Central App
Interesting theory.
StealthDroid - Working on his Nexus 7 in the Nexus Lab
Sorry, not gonna happen.
Posted via Android Central App
Anyone got the URLs to these on the play store? I'd like to add them to my wish list and watch for them to show compatibility with my M7.
Posted via Android Central App
They're in the article
Posted by my Nexus 7 (2013) or my i9300 (custom rom)
Its good that HTC is doing this and being serious about updating their services. Does anyone have any idea though as to which phones will be able to download these in time and if its only for andoid 4.3 devices?
It would be awesome if anyone who can download it can put up an apk. I can't download it at the moment from my HTC One S
Very good idea to update these through the Play Store instead of the ROM!
Posted via Android Central App
Looks good though I like Stock Android more though
Posted via Android Central App on Google Nexus 7 2013
Not compatible with my J One, either because it's the Japanese model, or because the carrier has yet to bother to update or release any phone past 4.2... Grrrrr
Posted via Android Central App
"All three apps are showing as incompatible with all of our devices, including the original HTC One (M7)".
I somehow misread that as "apps ARE compatible" oops, thanks for the correction
Seems they are gone again. Can't find the Blinkfeed and SenseTV in the Playstore anymore. Will probably show up again later
Hell yeah! Been waiting for this for 8 months! I missed sense TV
Posted via My HTC GPE
What is Sense Tv like?
Posted via Android Central App
It's your typical TV guide and universal remote app (similar to Samsung's Watch On, although I prefer the look of Sense). It works well, and I like that I can select my favorite shows so they appear on the BlinkFeed when airing.
Posted via AC App on HTC One
It has begun....
Mike
can't wait
"OEMs should update their skins through Googe Play!"
See? They're listening!... A bit at least.
Nice, we can now get HTC Sense UI features updates from Google Play. No waiting for carrier updates.
beautiful design
New blinkfeed looks much more practical!
Posted via Android Central App
I'm not a big fan of the green-colored background behind the clock...hope that can be changed.