Music, Media & Memories: This is the HTC One (M8)

If you’re like me, music and media are of prime importance when it comes to the capabilities and handling of your smartphone. With so many incredible options to choose from, it’s getting ever more complicated to decide. But, every now and then a device comes along that seems to fire on all cylinders, delivering a rich, vibrant media experience that is hard to beat. For me, that device is the HTC One (M8) – and here’s why:

Listen up…front.
Most smartphones have been designed with the speakers on the back or bottom. Personally, I think one of the best features of the HTC One (M8) is the front-facing speakers and built in amplifiers. Because each speaker is housed within its own chamber (.85cc & .80cc, respectively), it allows for proper sound distribution and minimizes distortion. They really come in handy, too, especially when you want to watch a video with a group of friends or need to add music to an impromptu gathering. After all, the best sound system is the one you have with you – and you can’t have a spontaneous party without music!

Everything in full view.
Everything you see, hear and touch is delivered through a brilliant 5”, full-HD screen that brings your images and videos to life. What I really like, however, is BlinkFeed™. BlinkFeed allows you to organize your digital life and keeps you connected to what’s most important. As a social media professional, I often find myself bouncing in and out of social networking apps several times per day just to see what’s been happening since I last checked in. Those days are gone. With one swipe of my home screen, BlinkFeed instantly puts me in view of my Twitter feed, breaking news, sports scores, Facebook updates and more.

Oh so fast.
It’s worth noting that the HTC One (M8) runs on the Bell LTE network. Often taken for granted, your network of choice will have a significant impact on the speed and performance of almost everything your device does. Whether it’s streaming videos, uploading photos of your cat to Instagram, or searching restaurant reviews while you’re out and about (this, in particular, has saved me from many poorly rated restaurants and sure-to-be disappointing meals while travelling), LTE connectivity will make it all happen faster, with quicker response. And, because the Bell LTE network is also Canada’s largest, you can connect with confidence from coast to coast.

Remember that time.
As an avid photographer, another of the HTC One (M8)’s features that is truly close to my heart is the camera and its suite of photography applications. While the pixel ratio of your screen is important, as it plays a major role the brightness and detail of your pictures and videos, the HTC One (M8) features UltraPixels™, which are twice the average size of normal pixels. Simply, this means you’re able to capture a lot more light when taking a photo or video (over 300% more light, to be exact). Think of that the next time you’re flipping through dark, unsightly photos of you and your friends in a dimly lit restaurant, or out at the club. Missed moments are bad, but dark, underexposed photos are the worst.

And, not only are you free from the fear of missing memories with the HTC One (M8), but arguably one of its coolest features actually makes capturing moments even better: HTC Zoe™. By taking short videos each time you snap a picture, HTC Zoe brings your photo gallery to life with 30-second highlights, complete with pre-loaded themes and music. Now, when you look back at the photos you snapped on vacation, you’ll hear the laughter of your kids, the sound of the waves crashing or the caw of the seagulls swirling overhead. Or, of course, the post-dinner shenanigans at the club.

The HTC One (M8) is now available at your local Bell store or online at Bell.ca.