Sprint today unveiled a special Harman/Kardon edition of the HTC One (M8) and a new partnership with Spotify, which will see the on-demand music streaming service offered at a reduced rate to its subscribers in the US.
The new version of the HTC One (M8) is aimed at music lovers, with a couple of different audio technologies that should improve audio playback. Sprint says it will be available online from May 2 – followed by stores on May 9 – and come with a “champagne accent” to differentiate the new model. The smartphone will also come with a set of Harman/Kardon earbuds worth $149.
The @HarmanKardon edition w/ brushed black finish & champagne accents delivers fully restored audio. #SprintSound pic.twitter.com/EfP1lUFixS
— HTC USA (@HTCUSA) April 29, 2014
Harman is supporting the device with an application called ‘Clari-Fi’ that promises to restore and “rebuild” music fidelity normally lost during traditional audio compression. The technology behind this isn’t clear, but Sprint says it’ll translate into “richer, deeper and clearer” audio quality. The reworked HTC One (M8) will also reproduce FLAC tracks at 24 bit, 192kHz DAC for a music playback experience that bests both MP3s and CDs.
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Sprint also announced that come May 9, anyone on its “Framily” plans – designed for up to 10 friends, colleagues or family members – will get six months of Spotify Premium for free. After that, the service will cost $7.99 per month for one to five members on a Framily plan, or $4.99 for six to ten members. Customers on other Sprint plans will receive three months of Spotify Premium for free, before paying the regular rate of $9.99 per month.
➤ Sprint (via TechCrunch / The Verge)
Image Credit: DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images
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