HTC One finally hitting Verizon on August 22nd

It’s been a long time coming, but it’s finally happening. Verizon Wireless has just confirmed that the HTC One will finally be hitting Verizon on August 22nd after first announcing that the device would be heading to the carrier all the way back on June 2nd. Verizon made the announcement via their official Twitter account, bringing with it the first official press shot of the Verizon branded device.

As a reward for their patience, Verizon faithful will have at least one differentiating factor distinguishing it from other versions of the One. Verizon’s somehow managed to get access to an Android 4.2.2 update for the HTC One whereas all other US versions of the handset are still running Android 4.1. Experience wise, you’re getting the same HTC experience on Verizon as you would on any other carrier version of the handset, complete with BlinkFeed, Sense, and the controversial UltraPixel camera.

The HTC One will run Verizon customers $199.99, in line with other carriers’ pricing. Verizon is releasing the handset at a peculiar time, as the carrier is also gearing up to release their new lineup of DROID handsets and the Moto X within the next couple of weeks, not to mention the rumored next-generation iPhone in September. It’ll be interesting to see how the One competes against such intense competition, or if the delay will simply hurt HTC more then it helps.