How To: Install the New Google Play Edition Camera & Gallery Apps on Your HTC One

In a previous softModder guide, I detailed how to get the Jelly Bean 4.2 Photo Sphere Camera and Gallery on your HTC One running Sense 5, but that was quickly outdated with the release of the new Google Play Edition HTC One, which has a newer Camera that works great with our hardware.

So, now I'm going to show you how to install the newest GPE version of the Camera and Gallery apps, which is actually much easier than installing the older Android 4.2 versions. You won't even have to be rooted!

Step 1: Download the APK File

First, go ahead and download the app from either here or here. You can check out WinDroidGuy's original thread over on XDA if the above links are no longer working.

Either download this file directly onto your HTC One or copy it over to your device from your computer.

Step 2: Enable Unknown Sources

You'll have to enable unknown sources before you can install apps that aren't from Google Play, so go to Settings, then tap Security, and check the box next to Unknown Sources.

Step 3: Install the APK

Next, you'll need a file manager to find the file on your device. Any file manager will work, but I use OI File Manager. Install it, open it, and navigate to the directory where you copied the APK file.

Tap on it and use the Package installer to install it, then hit Always or Just once, depending on what you want. Then just tap Done to complete it; tapping Open will open the Gallery, not the Camera app.

Step 4: Try Out the New Camera

The new camera might result in slightly lower quality photos, but the menus are much easier to navigate through than either the Sense Camera or the default 4.2 Camera app.

The best camera is the one you have with you, so the snappier experience is a fair tradeoff.

Which Camera App Do You Like Better?

The original Sense-style one, the older 4.2 one, or this new one from the GPE HTC One (which seems to be a sneak peak at what Jelly Bean 4.3 will sport)? Share your thoughts below!