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How to convert your HTC One (M8) into a Google Play edition

Published Apr 7th, 2014 2:32PM EDT
HTC One M8 Google PLay Edition Conversion
Image: Zach Epstein, BGR

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Android fans lusting after HTC’s gorgeous new One (M8) hardware but looking for a more traditional Android experience without coughing up $700 up front now have cause for celebration. Thanks to some hard-working hackers over on the XDA Developers forum, HTC One (M8) owners can now convert their handsets into the nearly stock Google Play edition simply be following a guide and installing a tweaked Android build.

“Simply,” of course, is relative — this procedure is not recommended for novice users. It will also obviously void your warranty.

M8 owners have a few different choices on how to perform the conversion, and every option obviously requires gaining root access to the handset. All of the options are pretty easy for those familiar with the process of customizing your Android phone.

The full guide can be found by clicking through to the XDA blog post linked below in our source section.

Should you perform the conversion? Good question.

HTC’s Sense 6 software atop Android KitKat on the HTC One (M8) is easily the best version of Sense so far, highlighted by a much more modern look and a refined experience. Android fans looking for an experience that is as “pure” as possible will definitely want to look into performing the conversion though, because Sense definitely strays very far from pure Android.

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.