Based on HTC's previous confirmations regarding the status of OS updates for its devices, it seems the company is planning on skipping the latest Android Lollipop version in favor of the newer and unreleased Android M for its One M9 and One M8 devices.
As confirmed by Mo Versi, the senior vice president for HTC's Product Management department, the One M8 is in line to receive the Android M update once it is released to the public.
Although the One M8 is a relatively old model, it is still covered by the company's rule regarding the roll out of updates for devices that are not more than two years old.
This means that the handset will join other HTC devices that are confirmed to get the Android M update. In May of this year, HTC's senior global online communications manager Jeff Gordon tweeted that the company's premium devices, the One M9 and One M9+, will receive the M OS upgrade.
"The HTC One M9 and M9+ will be updated to Android M, with more devices to be announced soon," he posted.
Just recently, owners of the Developer Edition of the One M9 were able to sample the features of the Android M for their devices.
Since some of HTC's devices are already in line to get the latest firmware update developed by Google, news site Yibada speculated that the company might skip the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop upgrade.
Although this is still unconfirmed, skipping the version 5.1.1 of the Lollipop will probably help HTC save time and effort in testing the update for the devices since the Android M is already scheduled to come out later this year.
In contrast, other sources are reporting that HTC is planning to roll out the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update for T-Mobile and Verizon's One M9 within the next few days.
As to when the Android M update will be seeded to HTC's devices, the company did not provide a specific release date. However, it is expected to come out 90 days after the firmware is officially released by Google to the public.
Google's latest OS comes with various new features designed to improve the device's overall performance. These include, battery saving modes, customizable settings and menus and wide-ranging support the device's other features.
For example, through Android M, consumers can use their devices' fingerprint scanners to authorize transactions through Android Pay and Google's Play Store, according to PC Advisor.
