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HTC Sense 4.0 will be toned-down and mature, with heavy Dropbox integration
We’re honestly pretty excited for HTC Sense 4.0, which is supposed to de-clutter, de-compress and beautify the bloated state of Sense UI in its current incarnation. According to Pocketnow, after a hands-on preview with the upcoming software running Android 4.0, it’s clear that HTC is learning its lessons.
Main features include a typical improvement for typography, owing to the Roboto font inclusion in ICS, but more so there are going to be significant UI improvements to almost every app. Although it looks like HTC devices will not forgo capacitive hardware buttons below the screen, most of the UI elements will shift appropriately to the side when the device is turned to landscape mode (think HTC Status). It does seem that, like LG, HTC are getting rid of the dedicated Search button (good riddance).
Along with an improved 3D task switcher (different from the current ICS version) Sense 4.0 is to overhaul the lockscreen, incorporating notifications a la iOS 5 as well as the traditional app shortcuts. There will be a Guest Mode for users who want to play around without gaining access to the core file system and protected apps, and the browser is to get a Reading List-type feature to save pages for later (another feature taken from stock ICS).
The email app has seen significant improvements, and Pocketnow calls it “the best-looking and most functional email client available for Android.”
One of the coolest additions to Sense 4.0 will be integrated Dropbox support, with all new HTC owners earning 50GB in free storage from the rather pricy company. This is huge, and will be a big draw to users. Apparently your Dropbox folder will interpreted like a regular device folder, and you can sync certain files to store locally on the device if needed. And, of course, Beats Audio will be expanded to support all music players.
Like what you hear? Wait for the first official details at the end of February at MWC.
Source: Pocketnow
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19 comments for “HTC Sense 4.0 will be toned-down and mature, with heavy Dropbox integration”
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After using pure Google ICS on the Galaxy Nexus I don’t think I will ever buy a skinned phone again.
Good direction that HTC will be toning down Sense.
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Agreed after using vanilla on my Nexus you can’t compare it to skinned devices
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Agreed. My Nexus is a champ and stock ICS is amazing.
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I know it’s not popular, but there are many elements of Sense that I liked on my Desire. The dropbox addition is great; the Beats audio…not as much.
If they up the memory and remove a lot of the bloatware, I’d have no problem getting a new HTC.
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Hey they listened! Good job HTC. Now let’s see what you do at MWC.
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The guest feature is a postive step for mobile devices moving towards multiple profile accounts like we see on PC’s and laptops devices. I think enterprise would defintely be interested loaning out shared tablets and smartphones.
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If HTC can focus on just few releases each year with incorporating the best experience for both the hard core user and the entry level one then I think they will regain some of the fans they lost. Having a low end, mid level, and a couple of high end ones with features that are geared to each demograph will help in the long run.
On a side note; now that the US is going after more sites, will they turn to cloud services like Dropbox and say the need to sift through all the folders to see who has “pirated” files there like music and movies??
I think this could get interesting on this moving forward as everyones files will be in the cloud sort of speak and open for the US to potentially monitor. Even though they are secure who says the US won’t say the need to check it for “security” reasons and then say it’s too dangerous and need to be shut down. Just a thought.
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Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
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I like HTC sense now -even though it may be bloated. Cannot wait for HTC Sense 4.0 to hit my amaze 4g… Thought we were going to have it by end of January though
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I agree. My first Android device was a Nexus S so I only experienced Android without skins. After using my new Amaze, I see the benefit of Sense UI. Looking forward to Sense 4.0
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“Guest Mode” might be an interesting way to put your phone into “kid mode,” turning off all functions other than the games you want them to have access to, and not worrying about them making calls/deleting something important.
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Free 50GB dropbox? That’s awesome.
I have the 50gb box account and the lack of free pc software kills the deal pretty much…
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My HTC Incredible S doesn’t even have Sense 3.0 yet. I want to be able to take screenshots! D:
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I hope sense is really watered down..almost to just a lockscreen (provided I can still use face unlock) and some widgets and apps…probably too much to hope for..
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I happen to like Sense. The Sense widgets are amongst the best I have seen.
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Will it be upgraded to the EVO 3d ??
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Why would someone choose a phone based on a home launcher…???
On android adw, golauncher, launcherpro etc change all that…? Even stock gingerbread launchers exist.
Screen size, RAM, and carrier radios seem more important to me.
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Because the Sense on HTC is one of the best home screens ever. No phone can come near that. Yes there is apps but this is made into the software it self not just a app. I know many people have left i Phones & Samsung because they both have the same look of home screens & app looks.
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I like sense too, don’t get me wrong, but the things I like could easily be downloaded as extras from the market…ie weather c**k, lock screen, mail app etc…doesn’t have to be so large. Also I have had sense phones for my last three phones so I’d like to HTC shake things up a bit.
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