HTC One Rumors: Verizon Version Running Android 4.2.2 Spotted As Network Prepares For CITA Conference

HTC enthusiasts are anxious for two things to happen: for the HTC One to be released on Verizon, and for the smartphone to update to Android 4.2.2. These two rumors have been circling the 2013 flagship smartphone for many weeks; and the latest news suggests that the HTC One has been spotted in the wild, powered by Verizon and running Android 4.2.2.

A user at the xda-developers forum claiming to be a Sprint employee reports that he has seen the Verizon HTC One running Android 4.2.2 and expects that the device release and software update for other carriers will happen soon.

“HTC rep is at my location showing off the one. Asked about the 4.2.2 update and he pulled out a verizon one running it with notification controls in tow,” the user wrote in a post that has since been deleted from the xda-developers forum. Android Authority was able to get a screen capture of the cached post; however, which notably has no photographic proof.

As per the law of pics of it didn’t happen, we expect this sighting should be taken with a grain of salt. Both rumors have circulated since the early days of the HTC One release in April, and many enthusiasts may simply be anxious as rival flagship smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S4, appears to be besting the HTC One in several ways. Not only did the Galaxy S4 ship running Android 4.2.2 natively, it will also be available on Verizon starting Thursday, after having its May 30 release date bumped up by a week.

The HTC One released in mid-April, sporting Android 4.1.2 natively with availability on U.S. carriers AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile. Currently, the official word from HTC is when the HTC One is ready to release on Verizon, fans will know.

“When we announce our next product with Verizon, we'll make a big deal about it so you're all aware,” Tom Harlin, PR chief for HTC North America, recently said in a statement.

While most consider this neither a denial nor admission, if we take a moment to decipher Harlin’s comment, he said “when” not “if,” and may have ousted Verizon’s plans to release the HTC One sometime in the future.

Other recent rumors suggest that a new version of the HTC One has received Wi-Fi certification, while HTC leakster and developer @LLabTooFeR has been heavily discussing the prospect of a Verizon HTC One release and Android 4.2.2 update on Twitter. According to the developer, Android 4.2.2 should be available for the HTC One in two to three weeks. He also suggests that Verizon’s recent giveaway of its current flagship smartphone, the DROID DNA, may be an indication that the network is ready to update its product availability.

Verizon plans to make a special announcement at the CITA conference today, which many believe will be where the network announces the HTC One; these rumors have not been confirmed by Verizon, however.