HTC Sense Home 8 comes out in open beta

HTC has released a beta version of its own launcher for Android that is suitable for all Android 4.4 phones and above. HTC Sense Home 8 is therefore no longer available exclusively for HTC 10 devices.

To install the open beta, users who already owned the closed beta must uninstall it first. Then version 8.01.788149 can be installed. Also, closed beta users will need to uninstall the HTC feedback tool as it is no longer functional.

The skin functions from Android 4.4, but to use all options, you must have at least Android 5.1 installed. To participate in the beta program, you must click ‘join beta’ at the end of the Play Store page.

Offering the launcher skin through the Play Store makes it easier for HTC to do software updates. The new skin consists of ‘freestyle layouts’ on which apps, widgets and stickers can be placed.

The free format version works with stickers that can be moved freely on the image. Adding shortcuts to the stickers and even omitting labels makes the homescreen seem to have no shortcuts.

That HTC would bring the Sense interface to other Android devices, it was already known at the end of June from an email to participants in the beta program.