New HTC Advantage program will swap cracked screens for free, guarantee two years of Android updates
HTC just made official the rumored Advantage benefits package for its One line of smartphones. No, not thatHTC Advantage, but a new three-pronged approach from the manufacturer, aimed to make your life with its handsets easier.
First off, HTC reiterates its commitment to timely Android updates for the One portfolio. This is something already happening with the relatively fast arrival of KitKat for the HTC One, while the One max and One mini shouldn't be far behind, either. Not only that, but HTC now officially commits to updates towards major Android versions for two years after the launch of its handsets, which is more generous than Google's 18-months cycle.
When asked what does it consider a "major change," HTC jokingly said "a dessert flavor change". This likely means that Android Jelly Bean to KitKat fits in, but minor updates within the version aren't guaranteed to happen, if they fall outside the two-year support scheme.
Next in the new HTC Advantage service is the continuation of HTC Backup, which lets you save “accounts, apps, bookmarks, home screen layout, settings, and widgets” in the cloud, and then restore them on a new device, for instance. Storage offered within the program is up to 50 GB, when you count in Google Drive, so it's no laughing matter, especially if your phone goes bust at the worse possible moment.
If that disaster strikes, though, you will be able to count on the last, and perhaps most generous aspect of the HTC Advantage program. The company said that it will replace the broken screen of your One device for free, no matter the circumstances. This is valid within the first six months after purchase, for one time only, and becomes available immediately for those who purchase a new HTC handset from the One line.
The program is for HTC America for now, and there is no indication whether HTC will expand it globally yet, though we certainly hope so. Given that the HTC One got a very low repairability score, HTC Advantage might turn out to be a godsend for its owners in the US. What do you think about HTC's new service package?
HTC AMERICA CHALLENGES INDUSTRY STANDARDS WITH INNOVATIVE OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE AND NEW COMMITMENTS TO CUSTOMERS
First-of-its-kind HTC Advantage™ delivers one-time cracked screen replacement, commitment to future software innovation and content solutions for
HTC One® family of smartphones
Vice President of Customer Experience to Lead HTC Advantage
BELLEVUE, WA — February 18, 2013 — HTC America Inc., a leader of mobile innovation, is building upon years of product and design firsts by charting new territory to redefine the mobile experience with today’s launch of HTC Advantage™, an unparalleled initiative that gives HTC smartphone owners in the United States added benefits they need after investing in a new smartphone.
HTC Advantage marks an enhanced focus and commitment to customers who select the best and want to keep it that way, by delivering both hardware and software commitments for the HTC One family of smartphones – HTC One, HTC One mini and HTC One max. HTC Americas is working to solve the challenges of today’s mobile lifestyle featuring a free one-time cracked screen replacement within the first six months of ownership, a commitment to future software innovation, and content storage and backup solutions that consumers need in today’s digital world.
“We recognize that people spend good money to buy smartphones. Creating premium products that offer customers the best and latest has always been the HTC way, and now we’re carrying that commitment beyond the handset purchase to ensure customers remain satisfied beyond day one,” said Jason Mackenzie, president of HTC Americas. “In line with our history of firsts, we want to be the first to protect the investment customers make in our premium devices, and have created a new position of vice president of Customer Experience to oversee this commitment as well as the launch and evolution of HTC Advantage.”
Ed Kuhner, vice president, Customer Experience, HTC Americas said, “Keeping customers happy is something we believe a premium product maker should do, so we commit to continually listening to our customers and developing new, innovative solutions based on customer feedback and addressing their pain points over time – that’s the HTC Advantage.”
Free Cracked-Screen Replacement
Even with ongoing improvements in manufacturing, more durable construction, stronger scratch resistant screens, and the addition of protective cases, broken screens are an unfortunate and costly part of mobile phone ownership. Starting today, HTC Advantage is doing away with that frustration by giving U.S. customers who purchase any of the HTC One family of smartphones a free one-time screen replacement within the first six months of ownership.
HTC Americas Commitment to Android Updates
When a customer purchases a smartphone, they can’t always be certain they’ll receive future software enhancements or performance improvements. HTC Americas is rectifying the issue and aspires to lead the industry in Android update delivery for the HTC One smartphone, evident by the speedy delivery of the latest version of Android (KitKat 4.4.2) and HTC’s latest innovation in HTC Sense 5.5 across numerous carriers in North America. HTC was the first in the U.S. and Canada, outside of Google-owned companies and Google Play editions of devices, to begin delivering KitKat to its customers.
HTC Americas has also proactively committed to upgrade the HTC One mini and HTC One max to KitKat in the coming months, allowing consumers with the HTC One family of smartphones to receive continued support from HTC and the latest operating system (OS) innovation. HTC not only strives to deliver faster updates, but to provide full transparency to consumers on the process and status of each device update. In addition, HTC Americas is committing to support the HTC One family of smartphones in the United States with major Android OS upgrades for up to two years from the initial launch date of the phone.
Peace of Mind
Smartphones have become the one thing that consumers can’t leave their home without since it’s their communication hub, primary camera and vital access to entertainment. With the volume and variety of information and memories stored on smartphones, HTC One customers can have peace of mind that their content is accessible with 25GB – 50GB of free additional online storage*, along with the ease of transferring content from their computer to their phone, and back up and restore** options directly from HTC.
The HTC One
The HTC One smartphone launched to critical acclaim in 2013 receiving numerous awards for its innovations in design, imaging and audio experiences from the mobile industry, technology reviewers and consumer reporters. The family of smartphones expanded with the addition of the HTC One mini and HTC One max smartphones offering consumers more choice with pocket-friendly and super-sized options.
Availability
HTC Advantage launches today in the United States where it is available with new purchases of the HTC One family of products. For more information on HTC, the HTC One family of smartphones or HTC Advantage please visitwww.htc.com/advantage.
About HTC
Founded in 1997, HTC Corp. (HTC) is the creator of many award-winning mobile devices and industry firsts. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC pushes the boundaries of design and technology to create innovative and personal experiences for consumers around the globe. HTC’s portfolio includes smartphones and tablets powered by the HTC Sense® user experience. HTC is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE: 2498). For more information, please visit www.htc.com.
* Additional online/cloud storage through Google Drive Google. Offer is for 2 years of storage from date of redemption; must redeem before 1/1/2016. Fees and/or other terms may apply after offer expires. See Google Drive support site for details (https://support.google.com/drive/answer/3333549?p=drive_offers_htc&rd=1 ). Google Drive app is not provided by or associated with HTC Corporation.
** Backup/restore services are provided through HTC Backup and requires signing up for HTC Account and third party storage account. HTC Backup does not back up some content, including paid apps, photos and music. See https://www.htcsense.com/legaldoc/#tac for HTC Account and HTC Backup service’s terms, content backup limitations and requirements.
Some benefits may be limited time offers and may not be available for your carrier or device. Free one-time screen replacement within the first six months of purchase is available only to original purchasers of HTC One, HTC One max, and HTC One mini devices purchased on or after 2/18/14. See full terms and conditions at http://preview-www.htc.com/us/go/customer-advantage-warranty/ Android software update commitment refers to HTC’s focus on providing timely software updates and is not a guarantee of specific updates or timeframes. Visit http://www.htc.com/us/go/htc-software-updates for status of updates.
source: HTC
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