HTC One M8 Google Play Edition Begins Shipping Today

The HTC One M8 Google Play edition models began shipping today.

Those who pre-ordered the handset during its first days in the Play Store will see that it is starting to ship ahead of its original 2-3 week target. Google recently changed the shipping for the One M8 GPe to April 15, so any later orders should arrive by then.

The carrier models will be available in their retail outlets by April 11.

The HTC One 2 M8 release date, specs and new features were all revealed at last week's special unveiling event in New York City.

The company's CEO Peter Chou started off the event by discussing the success of the original HTC One M7 and commented on the strategy used to create the latest version.

"People are still saying the HTC One is the best, most beautiful smartphone," said Chou.

The device features a refined version of the all metal design found on the original One.

For the new HTC One M8 Chou stated that its "design is so pure and honest" and that "HTC has pushed the use of metal further than anyone in the industry." He also took a cheap shot at some of his company's competitors who use "too much plastic."

Some of the new features on the HTC One M8 include a dual camera, the updated Sense 6, and a new version of BlinkFeed that can be customized to bring in feeds related to just about any particular topic.

The battery life has been greatly improved on the new model as it is said to last 40 percent longer than the original and can work for up to 2 weeks without being charged on standby mode. The speakers on the new model are 25 percent louder and new sensors that run in low power allow for single gesture unlocking. Users will be able to check the time without having to hit the power button and unlock, and to answer a call all one must do is hold the device up to their ear.