We're just a few days away from the expected unveiling of the HTC One (M7), and yesterday saw a huge leak of the rumored device's press shots. The photos confirm a long-held thread of speculation over HTC's flagship device - HTC's new handset is their attempt at an iPhone.
Going back about a month, @evleaks, a reliable source for HTC inside information, leaked a rendered graphic of the previously named M7 device, as we reported here. The render had a blank screen between two thin white panels with speaker grill holes, and the device looked to be quite thin and tall. Commenters immediately picked up on the device's similarity to the iPhone form factor, but, after all, the render was just an unconfirmed leak.
Later, other leaks of a soft-touch plastic device gained attention, and it looked like the M7 would take a familiar form, like the HTC Droid DNA.
But then rumors came of a name change, confirmed by several pieces of evidence, from the HTC M7 to the HTC One. Since the HTC One X was already on the market, speculation arose that perhaps the Taiwanese device manufacturer was planning the new device as a singular, persistent "hero" brand. Much like Apple sticks with the same names from generation to generation - iPhone, iPad, iPod - HTC may have a continuous "One" brand that gets upgraded year to year.
And then these press photos leaked, showing that HTC really does want the HTC One to help itself to some of the iPhone's aura, and market share. The device will come in silver and black and will be unveiled at the HTC press event on this Tuesday February 19. Carriers in the United States are expected to start launching the handset on March 22.
Via Ubergizmo