Most of the world is now receiving an Android 4.2.2 update for the HTC One, and while Americans will have to wait longer thanks to Android fragmentation, it seems that U.S. carrier Sprint has rolled out a minor update in advance.
Sprint HTC One users should be able to grab software version 1.31.651.2 for their shiny handset over the air. Most over-the-air updates go out in batches, so not everybody will receive it at once. Interested parties can search for the update by going to Settings > About Phone > Check for System Updates.
The update is an incredibly minor one, and is listed as bringing HD Voice enhancement and the option to view Sprint Music and ringtones in the Ringtones list. It's not much, and sadly, it could be a while before Sprint rolls out the update everyone's really waiting for: Android 4.2.2.
Android fragmentation is the process by which different stages in the Android development process contribute to some devices receiving an upgrade far later than others. After Google initially releases a new Android (Android 4.2 came out in October), electronics manufacturers such as HTC have to tailor the new operating system to each specific device. This usually involves layering the company's own user interface (in HTC's case, this would be the Sense UI) on top. Once that's done, unlocked versions around the globe begin receiving the update. Smartphones tied to carriers, however, have to wait even longer as the carrier then tweaks the firmware a bit and fills it with bloatware, adding weeks, and sometimes months, to the entire ordeal.
All in all, Sprint HTC One users will have to do with this small patch, for it could be a while before the carrier releases Android 4.2.2, which began hitting HTC Ones worldwide a couple weeks ago.
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