HTC is rolling out a software update for the HTC One M9 just a couple of days before the flagship smartphone's official launch on Friday, April 10.
The update, which is version number 1.32.531.33, makes the U.S. version of the One M9 similar to the global version. At 88MB, the new software version is intended to fix major camera issues that plenty of early reviewers have pointed out.
Unlike the previous 4MP UltraPixel sensor found on the One M8, the One M9 touts a 20MP rear camera capable of 4K video recording. It is one of the features on the new HTC flagship, so when the camera came out taking low-quality pictures, it also became one of the most prominent mishaps pointed out by reviewers.
With the update, however, users can expect to see a huge improvement on the quality of their pictures, although it is not likely to turn the One M9 camera into the best smartphone camera there is on a flagship.
It is also unclear if the update also makes improvements to the front-facing camera. Still, sample before-and-after pictures taken by Rob Jackson of Phandroid, who was given a sample unit updated to the global version, show a major difference in the photos taken before the update and after.
The lines are significantly much clearer in the photos after the update, compared to the blurry and grainy photos taken before. The colors are also now more vivid, even outdoors and in macro conditions, although some say the new One M9 camera software is still behind the Samsung Galaxy S6, which produces more lifelike colors.
Jason Mackenzie, president of HTC America, himself confirmed over Twitter that the update will start rolling out to users beginning on Friday, April 10, through the next Friday, depending on the wireless carrier.
@joselopera05 @Crofty_71 @HTCUSA yes. Update will be available by 10th or 17th depending on the version
— Jason Mackenzie (@JasonMacHTC) April 9, 2015
In a statement provided to Phandroid, HTC says Sprint will roll out the update on Friday and Verizon will pre-load their One M9 versions with the update when the phones go on sale also on Friday. Meanwhile, AT&T and T-Mobile are still putting the update through the final stages of testing and will roll it out over the next seven days.
The new HTC One M9 is now available for sale from HTC's online store and will launch in physical carrier stores on Friday. It costs $649 for the unlocked version and comes with HTC's new Uh-Oh protection program that allows customers to have their smartphones replaced for free if damaged within a year of purchase.
