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How to Install HTC's Sense Browser on Any Lollipop Device

Feb 3, 2015 05:21 PM
Smartphone displaying a collection of app thumbnails on a textured surface.

Many manufacturers add a custom skin on top of their Android builds, but none are more widely praised than HTC's Sense UI. The general consensus among Android users says that HTC's visual tweaks are done in good taste, and the features they add are both functional and warranted.

While it would be nice to experience some of these apps and elements on non-HTC devices, the underlying Sense Framework has always been required in the past. Since this is not present on phones from other manufacturers, we've never been able to test drive HTC's UI without actually having an HTC device.

But this fact seems to have changed recently with HTC's Android 5.0 builds. Well, for the Internet app, at least. And like most HTC apps, this one adds a bit of functionality in that it can automatically hide your navigation and status bars. So if you've ever wondered what all of the Sense-related fuss was about, you should definitely give HTC's latest web browser a try.

Requirements

Download the APK

Since HTC's Internet app doesn't require the Sense Framework to run on Lollipop devices, the installation process is as easy as sideloading any APK file. To get started, point your Android device to this link, press "OK" on any file type warning message, then the download should begin immediately.

How to Install HTC's Sense Browser on Any Lollipop Device
How to Install HTC's Sense Browser on Any Lollipop Device
How to Install HTC's Sense Browser on Any Lollipop Device
How to Install HTC's Sense Browser on Any Lollipop Device

Install the Sense Internet App

When the APK file is saved to your device, tap the "Download Complete" notification. From here, press "Install," and when that's finished, tap "Open."

Application installation permissions menu on a mobile device.
Internet app installation confirmation screen.
Application installation permissions menu on a mobile device.
Internet app installation confirmation screen.

You'll have to agree to HTC's terms of use when you first launch the app, so tick the box at the bottom of the screen, then press "Accept."

HTC software license agreement terms and conditions.
How to Install HTC's Sense Browser on Any Lollipop Device
HTC software license agreement terms and conditions.
How to Install HTC's Sense Browser on Any Lollipop Device

Hiding System Bars for Max Viewing Space

HTC's Internet app is quick and renders pages very well, but its main differentiating feature is an ability to hide your system bars. By default, the navigation bar at the bottom of the screen will auto-hide when you scroll down a webpage.

How to Install HTC's Sense Browser on Any Lollipop Device
How to Install HTC's Sense Browser on Any Lollipop Device
How to Install HTC's Sense Browser on Any Lollipop Device
How to Install HTC's Sense Browser on Any Lollipop Device

If you would like to reclaim even more screen real estate, there's an option to hide the status bar as well. Start by tapping the three-dot menu button and heading to "Settings," then select "General."

How to Install HTC's Sense Browser on Any Lollipop Device
Settings menu displaying options for general, privacy, accessibility, advanced, bandwidth management, and information about HTD browser.
How to Install HTC's Sense Browser on Any Lollipop Device
Settings menu displaying options for general, privacy, accessibility, advanced, bandwidth management, and information about HTD browser.

From here, tick the box next to the "Fullscreen" entry, and when you back out, the status bar will be hidden. Again, just scroll down any webpage and the navigation bar will auto-hide, leaving you with a full screen of content.

How to Install HTC's Sense Browser on Any Lollipop Device
How to Install HTC's Sense Browser on Any Lollipop Device
How to Install HTC's Sense Browser on Any Lollipop Device
How to Install HTC's Sense Browser on Any Lollipop Device

How are you liking HTC's Sense Internet app? Let us know in the comment section below or via Facebook, Google+, or Twitter.

The next big software update for iPhone is coming sometime in April and will include a Food section in Apple News+, an easy-to-miss new Ambient Music app, Priority Notifications thanks to Apple Intelligence, and updates to apps like Mail, Photos, Podcasts, and Safari. See what else is coming to your iPhone with the iOS 18.4 update.

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