AT&T HTC One M8 updated with Extreme Power Saving mode

Update adds Extreme Power Saving mode to AT&T HTC One M8 smartphones, adding the feature which has been missing from most US versions of the device.

Omar Qudsi, Published 05/14/2014

Smartphone Android

Upon launching the HTC One M8, the smartphone was lauded for its Extreme Power Saving Mode with claims of up to 14 days of battery life upon activation. Unfortunately, US carriers launched the device before the mode became fully functional and they're now having to catch up with OTA updates.

Sprint kicked things off shortly after the smartphone's launch with their own update and now AT&T is joining the party. An HTC employee first tweeted about the update yesterday, and now reports of customers receiving the software have begun trickling in. Unfortunately, the power saving mode seems to be the only feature included, but it is definitely a welcome one.

The Extreme Power Saving Mode works by limiting the phone to essential functions, while shutting down background data, decreasing brightness and closing certain applications. Thanks to the update, AT&T customers can now survive those extra hours till they reach a charger, but Verizon and T-Mobile owners still aren't as lucky.