We have no idea what this case for the HTC M8 is supposed to be

By Jerry Hildenbrand
last updated

It could be a Lite-Brite (opens in new tab). Or it could be one of those magic-erase drawing things (opens in new tab) you buy for the kids. Or it could be a case that shows relevant data. It might even be bullshit. All we know is:

Holes. Time. Colors.

And we only know that because @evleaks told it to us. The suggestion of the Internet at large is that it's some sort of magic flip case that will display the time and weather while it's closed, and have a way to do it with an LCD screen that doesn't eat your battery like delicious candy. Alex says maybe it only works if you push a button. But we really don't know what to think of it, and anything we (or anyone not working for HTC or unboxing phones on their bed) says is a wild-ass guess.

Anyhoo, it's a neat picture. Sort of retro-looking and playful. We almost want to see it in real life. Look for it at the big HTC shindigs this month in New York and London, I reckon. In the meantime, what do you think we're seeing? Comments are open.

Source: +@evleaks

Jerry Hildenbrand
Jerry Hildenbrand
Senior Editor — Google Ecosystem

Jerry is an amateur woodworker and struggling shade tree mechanic. There's nothing he can't take apart, but many things he can't reassemble. You'll find him writing and speaking his loud opinion on Android Central and occasionally on Twitter.

110 Comments
  • I think it has an induction coil in the rear, and uses Bluetooth to display data on a screen embedded inside the front flap. Or Lite-Brite. One of the two.
  • I'm fine with either one of those Posted via Android Central App
  • I want this case.!
    Dang! I shouldn't have bought this beautiful LG G2. Coming to my senses now. It's HTC were talking about, here. Posted via my SPARK enabled Sprint LG G2, that's constantly laughing at my wife's T-Mobile Galaxy Note 3 with borked sdcard support on 4.4.2...
  • Pretty scary if you think an lg is something to brag about. The joke will be on you when you see the new htc one and you can laugh on the inside how you have your inferior lg. You have to remember beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Truth be told it just sounds like you work for lg and are just trying to bash htc. Maybe you should go to another web page and comment on old reports of your lg that are ancient history. I hope you and your inferior lg the best of luck.
  • Is it a crime to love the phone that suits your needs? Why can't everyone stop this childish phone war and get on with their lives? There's more to life than phones or maybe your phone is your life who knows... My phone is the best in the world cos it's what I can afford and it suits my every need (Phone wise). I don't need a silly benchmark test or tech site to tell me that.
  • The butthurt in this comment just screams hilarity. Posted from my "Gift from God" Note 3, my "God-Given" iPad Mini 2, or my "Risen" Samsung Chromebook.
  • So does the assholism in yours.
  • 01-31-07
    Never Forget!
    /Obscure? Posted from my LG LS970 using my thumb
  • What calendar are you using for a 31st month? Posted via Android Central App
  • The United States posts their dates month-date-year. Pretty much the rest of the world posts date-month-year. Posted via Android Central App
  • Don't worry. We're working on fixing it for the rest of you. It takes time. Posted via Android Central App
  • No thanks.. ISO 8601is the way forward..
  • True, for data and official purposes. It makes it so easy for sorting data by date. It's what we used in the military. But nobody is using that in their day to day lives.
  • Ah right doesn't make much sense to understand but suppose system I've known looks odd to Americans Posted via Android Central App
  • either way, it looks really cool :) cant wait to see what HTC has in store. I suspect that, in spite of all the leaks, there are still plenty of surprises left.
  • BT will kill the battery slowly, so its Lite-Brite.
  • It's supposed to be awesome.
  • Just looking for Qi charging. Any chance that is included?
  • Is it not just the 'sleep display' on the phones screen showing though holes on the cover and thus giving the impression of a dot matrix style image? That's what I get from it anyway and it's certainly one of the more stylish cases I've seen personally.
  • I agree, and seems smarter than Sammy's display cover since it actually protects the whole screen in reasonable fashion, and it retro look it's awesome, smarter, stronger and lower tech (which means soon to be replicated by others)
  • I agree with Jerry's premise of induction coil powered display panel using Bluetooth (3.0 for low power consumption) data from app feed. I believe all see through ideas as some point out down thread, don't pass the feasibility test.
  • Edit last paragraph. "retro-lloking" isn't a thing (yet?). *retro-looking
  • Looks childish. Posted via Android Central App
  • What, because it's low in pixel count?
  • Lol. -------------------------------------------------------
    Sent from inside a cave. Yes, T-Mobile covers caves. N5
  • Because it looks childish... Posted via Android Central App
  • Says the man with the Stewie Griffin avatar. Besides, there's nothing wrong with childish. Have you seen some of the cool shit kids have nowadays? Posted via Android Central App
  • As a great man once said, "There's no point in being grown up if you can't be childish sometimes!"
  • I like it! Posted via Android Central App
  • looks really nice. however, I cannot stand using flip cases. Apart from tablets, the fact that i have to use two hands or strenuously with one hand to flip it open to use my phone makes me not want to buy them.
  • That's one of the reasons s view and the LG one is cool. You do not need to open the case to answer the phone or take a picture -------------------------------------------
    You really should see the crap I don't post. Sorry if honesty offends you
  • Who takes a picture of their mysterious phone case at 00:05 AM and would it really be partly sunny at that time? Posted via Android Central App
  • Could be someone in Alaska :-P Posted via Android Central App
  • Exactly! And 24 hour time isn't displayed with an AM or PM. I call BS!
  • It's the S5's backside......In black and leds
  • Lol StealthDroid - Working on his Nexus 7 in the Nexus Lab
  • I agree that it looks like a flip cover.... and I kinda like it Posted using my Galaxy Note 3 via Android Central App
  • Not a fan of flip cases but I guess HTC is trying to do something different instead of the little window. I would prefer a nice kickstand case.
  • That's what Seidio is for. Posted via Android Central App
  • ????? Posted via Android Central App
  • I want it Posted via Android Central App
  • Hmmmm. I wonder if it will be all metal as well? I can't imagine anyone wanting to cover their all metal phone with disgusting plastic? Insert sarcasm wherever you like.
  • I used to cover my crappie plastic phone(s4) with a metal casing if that helps? Posted via Android Central App
  • Thought your post was sarcasm -------------------------------------------
    You really should see the crap I don't post. Sorry if honesty offends you
  • Man this would be perfect if I knew htc had a nice watch coming out soon. With how things are going you almost have to pick a watch & phone together. If you want a smart watch that is.
  • Since when? The only proprietary smartwatch I can think of is the Gear series. Posted via my amazing HTC M8 in the world's worst dummy case
  • It's missing phone protection on a whole one side of the phone. Really? Whoever designed this case, if it is real, would definitely lose me as a customer if they sell it leaving that one side of the phone totally unprotected. Maybe there is something there that doesn't meet the eye, from the photo. I guess we'll have to wait and see. Posted via Android Central App
  • Both sides are protected. The case is also on the back. To prove it , the two plastic rims at the back are hidden because of the case. Posted via Android Central App
  • I think he's talking about the right edge of the device. It's actually a very logical complaint and probably the reason I won't be purchasing this case either (although it looks awesome). Posted via my amazing HTC M8 in the world's worst dummy case
  • You are correct. Posted via Android Central App
  • Looking at it carefully, the top and bottom are not covered also. Posted via Android Central App
  • You are correct. I noticed that after posting my original comment. That too, would be a deal breaker for me. Posted via Android Central App
  • HTC wanted to copy Samsung but failed at it MISERABLY.
  • Lol yeah cause Samsung has something that does this.... Moron. This is different and I'll take different all day not like you guys that buy Samsung phones because it's the cool thing to do Posted via Android Central App
  • Yes that is the only reason to buy a Samsung phone -------------------------------------------
    You really should see the crap I don't post. Sorry if honesty offends you
  • And I didn't mean everyone. Alot of people. Posted via Android Central App
  • I think the features and the commercials showing them off is more the factor than its cool -------------------------------------------
    You really should see the crap I don't post. Sorry if honesty offends you
  • No, HTC copied Alcatel's LED MagicFlip.
    http://www.alcatelonetouch.com/global-en/products/smartphones/one_touch_...
  • Here we go again with the copying complaints lmao. Posted via Android Central App
  • Lol Posted from my "Gift from God" Note 3, my "God-Given" iPad Mini 2, or my "Risen" Samsung Chromebook.
  • Why exactly would they want to copy a manufacturer that has worse build quality and design and a much less stylish and more bloated software? Can't really see it myself...
  • I actually think it looks decent. Basically their version of a Note. Nice screen though. And a big ass battery never hurts either. Posted via Android Central App
  • You're an idiot. posted from my VZW g2
  • This case is 100% real. I saw this case last week at a conference. It allows you to answer calls while the screen is covered and to see certain notifications through "the blinds". Posted via Android Central App
  • And it looks dope... But I'd be hesitant on putting a case on the New One... It feels really sweet in the hand "naked". Posted via Android Central App
  • Looking forward to trying it myself. Posted via Android Central App
  • You have the advanced copy? Can you write a review for us? -------------------------------------------
    You really should see the crap I don't post. Sorry if honesty offends you
  • Hmm it does look like a light Brite Haha. Does not look like a case I would care for. Posted via my DROID MAXX
  • It's definitely niche, but the odd and original design are appealing to me. Hopefully they also release a more protective version. Posted via my amazing HTC M8 in the world's worst dummy case
  • This is cool for at a glance but I'd prefer something with more functionality and a kickstand for The One.
  • I'm sure those will exist, also. HTC made two cases for the One last year. I'm sure they'll make that or more this year. Posted via my amazing HTC M8 in the world's worst dummy case
  • Right, I liked the one they had for the original hopefully more color options this time.
  • And it will cost close to $100.
  • Brilliant posted from the AC Slater app
  • It looks nice to me. Posted via Android Central App
  • I generally dislike flip cases but this one looks pretty cool, I like lights and colors. :)
  • so they half-assed a ripoff of Alcatel's Magic Cover? http://www.engadget.com/2013/09/04/alcatel-one-touch-hero/
  • Lol that's just stupid to me Posted via Android Central App
  • The e-ink one seems very useful. Posted from my TARDIS!
  • Try harder.. Lol copying blah blah get over it. Posted via Android Central App
  • i'm not complaining that they're copying, i'm complaining they're copying _BADLY_. there's a difference.
  • How is it badly? It looks like you have persistent clock and weather displays, along with calls, alerts and notifications I'm sure. It seems a little better than some static symbols. Posted via Android Central App
  • Awesome! Really different from other cases and really cool! Posted via Android Central App
  • If they are going to have a information type cover why not a Sink cover? Posted via Android Central App
  • It is good to see something new and unexpected. It may not be practical for some but it might just be for others. HTC might just be able to surprise us with something new as a whole with their next phone. Posted via Android Central App
  • I bet its just holes in a flip case and the screen is used to make the flap light up in different patterns. But definitely looks cool and I want it. Posted via Android Central App
  • Wait. Did people think it was something else? Posted via my amazing HTC M8 in the world's worst dummy case
  • I think it looks cooler in the picture than it will in real life.
  • I'm in love with this case and this phone. Posted via Android Central App
  • Alcatel one touch hero already have this kind of case last year. Htc just copy it...
  • Is there an echo in here lol. Posted via Android Central App
  • I dig it! From my Nexus 5 via the coolest of cool Android Central App
  • I hate it.
  • I don't know what I'm looking at. But I want it!
  • That is so funny Jerry that u thought of he Lit Brite before me! I was thinking this when I saw it! Maybe, they are still popular in Korea? Posted via Android Central App
  • I don't usually get cases for my phones, but that one looks so cool I'd consider getting it.
  • Looks like a very stylish retro look cover to me, it's looking like I'll be getting another HTC phone this year given what's been rumoured so far and we'll designed accessories such as that are just the icing on the cake.
  • We're gonna need cases for our cases pretty soon...
  • Do I get to keep my clothes on for this position? Posted via Android Central App
  • I object to clothing! Posted from my "Gift from God" Note 3, my "God-Given" iPad Mini 2, or my "Risen" Samsung Chromebook.
  • There's some kind of sensor above the flash, what is it? Posted via Android Central App
  • Is everyone over-thinking this?
    I see pinhole cutouts covering onscreen widgets...
  • I really doubt it. If the cover is off by 1/16th of an inch you wouldn't see anything and it would be garbage. HTC would surely notice that within 30 mins of testing. With the Samsung cut out displays, a small amount of the cover sliding around doesn't hurt it at all.
  • FAT widgets. Also explains button press theory...
  • Notifications without opening phone through that's what Posted via Android Central App
  • seems like I'm hearing a lot of junk replies let's stick to the topics I don't care about he said she said Posted via Android Central App
  • My guess is that there are tiny holes that go through the actual screen cover and the colors come from the screen itself. So the case doesn't require batteries, but the phone uses its screen to shine light through the holes in the cover.
  • That looks so cool, i wonder if you could do real time sports scores, get caller id or even better if you program your own picture and text on it. If so, i'm sold on it.
  • Right now my guess is the case is JUST holes... It uses an app to display the data on the phone screen lines up with the holes....?
    Wouldnt be hard to implement that without any fancy hardware
  • It's a large, steaming pile of ugly, that's what it is.