HTC exec: we didn't have much time with ICS when making Sense 4, but our skin is still better

[![HTC exec: we hardly saw ICS before releasing Sense 4, but our skin is still an 'improvement'][1] ][2]

HTC's Drew Bamford is a [long-time defender][3] of the Sense UI, but in a fresh interview he's switched tactics and rushed headlong at the competition. He told _Laptop_ that Sense 4 beats native [Android 4][4] (as seen on the [GNex][5]) on a number of fronts, possessing a more inviting look, greater personalization of the lockscreen and wallpaper, plus faster camera performance. Of course, he _would_ say that, but having spent many balmy evenings with both the [One S][6] and the [One X][7] we're inclined to agree that the latest version of the skin is lighter-footed and, actually, [pretty nice][8]. What's perhaps more revealing is Bamford's statement that HTC's software guys had "not a lot of time" with ICS before they released Sense 4, and had to build key components in isolation from the new OS. This could explain why HTC was forced to see sense (ahem) and tone down its custom layer. More broadly, if manufacturers are struggling to keep their handset launch schedules in sync with Google's in-house development, it's no wonder that Android skins seem so [unsympathetic][9] to the green robot's natural complexion.

[HTC exec: we didn't have much time with ICS when making Sense 4, but our skin is still better][2] originally appeared on [Engadget][10] on Fri, 04 May 2012 08:24:00 EDT. Please see our [terms for use of feeds][11].

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[2]: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/04/htc-sense-4-drew-bamford/
[3]: http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/12/live-from-the-engadget-ces-stage-an-interview-with-htcs-drew-b/
[4]: http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/01/android-4-0-ice-cream-sandwich-review/
[5]: http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/24/galaxy-nexus-hspa-review/
[6]: http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/02/htc-one-s-review/
[7]: http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/02/htc-one-x-review/
[8]: http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/02/htc-sense-4-0-review/
[9]: http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/03/samsung-galaxy-s-iii-software-hands-on/
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