Without the enhancements of HTC’s Sense UI, the camera app on the HTC One Google Edition (GE) misses out on many useful features while also offering lower image quality, so it’s unsurprising that many owners of the ‘normal’ One haven’t been too keen to try out the stock Android 4.2 ROMs ported from the Google Edition device. Now, that’s an issue that has been partly rectified, as the Sense camera app has been ported to work on the Google Edition ROMs, offering as good image quality as you’ll find on the non-GE HTC One.
If you’re wondering why I said the issue has only been partly rectified, well, it’s because two of the most loved features of the Sense camera – the Zoe recording and the HTC Gallery app – aren’t working on the GE ROMs. However, it’s only because the gallery app is separate from the camera app, with Zoe also a part of the gallery, and the gallery app hasn’t been ported yet. Once that is done though, users will be enjoying the full camera experience while enjoying stock Android on their HTC One, with all the bells and whistles that the stock Android camera doesn’t have.
The camera app can be installed just like any other app, with the APK available for download at the source link. So stop waiting and go get the Sense camera experience on an otherwise Sense-less ROM.
Installation Procedure:
- Download the APK file from the source link above. If you are using a download manager on your PC, the file may have downloaded as a zip file. In that case, rename it to .APK from .zip after downloading.
- Transfer the APK to your device.
- You’ll need a file manager to access your storage and the APK file. ES File Explorer is a good free option.
- Enable manual installation of apps by checking the Unknown sources option in Settings » Security on your device.
- Open the file manager, browse to where you copied the APK.
- Tap on the file to start installation, keep clicking Next and then Install to begin installation.
- Once installation is complete, you’ll be able to access the Sense camera app from your apps menu.