In a previous softModder tutorial, we installed CyanogenMod on our HTC Ones to approximate the look and feel of the Google Edition HTC One. Unfortunately, this rendered Beats and HTC’s ImageChip (among other things) useless.

This is no longer an issue, though, thanks to Android developer bigxie, who created a ROM based on the software taken directly from the Google Play Edition. This is an AOSP ROM that has been optimized for the HTC One (minus the IR blaster, although that’s coming soon according to HTC).

Note

You will not be able to get over-the-air updates with this ROM, so if you’re looking for the complete factory-fresh Google Play Edition package, check out our other guide, which gives you the official bootloader, recovery, and OTAs.

Step 1: Root Your HTC One

For this mod, you’ll have to be rooted, so check out my previous guide on rooting the HTC One for instructions on that, if you’re not already.

Note on Device Compatibility

Unfortunately, this only works for the unlocked, the AT&T, and the T-Mobile versions of the HTC One. Sorry, Sprint users! Although I’m sure a modified version of this software is coming your way soon enough!

Step 2: Download the ROM

Now that you’re rooted, download the ZIP file from bigxie and transfer it to your HTC One via USB or over the air.

For updates on the ZIP file, check out bigxie’s thread over on XDA.

Step 3: Back Up Your Data

If you’ve read our rooting tutorial, you’ll already know how to do this. Otherwise, head on over and check out Step 4 for instructions, and check out our guide on backing up your apps and app data, too.

Step 4: Wipe Your Device

If you created a backup, you’ll already be in the recovery, so just go back to TWRP’s main menu. Otherwise, press and hold Power and Volume Down, then select RECOVERY and press Power.

Tap Wipe and swipe to confirm using the default settings.

Step 5: Install the Google Play Edition ROM

Go back to TWRP’s main menu once again, and tap Install. Navigate to the directory where you saved your ROM. Tap the file you want to install, and swipe to confirm. Finally, Tap Reboot

Step 6: Enjoy Stock Android, Beats, & Better Pictures

The stock aAndroid experience is, in my opinion, much more cohesive than HTC’s Sense. Now you can have that without sacrificing some of the phone’s popular features.

Note that the camera is actually easier to use than the stock 4.2 camera because you can navigate by tapping, instead of having to tap and hold.

Hopefully an IR transmitter fix is coming soon, along with the camera fixes coming in the Sense ROM’s 4.2 update. Keep checking the source for updates.

And don’t forget to check out our other guide on installing the official factory-fresh Google Play Edition software on your HTC One, complete with bootloader, recovery, and OTAs.