HTC: Sense 4.0 multitasking is working as designed

There has been much confusion in enthusiast circles recently when it appeared that multitasking was ‘broken’ (or modified) on HTC’s Sense 4.0 user interface, which is present on their latest Android smartphones. Instead of ‘true’ Windows-like multitasking that is present on stock Android 4.0, HTC has tweaked Sense so it has a rather aggressive memory management system.

This means that instead of seeing the real-time running of a background application you are isntead seeing a frozen screenshot of it. Going into it will then restart the application – sometimes from scratch – although some users and reporting improvements with the latest update (1.29.xxx.11). It can be better explained by watching this video.

According to HTC multitasking is working as designed in Sense 4.0

“HTC is aware of some questions in the enthusiast community about how the HTC One X handles multitasking and memory management for background apps. We value the community’s input and are always looking for ways to enhance customers’ experience with our devices. That said, right now multitasking is operating normally according to our custom memory management specifications which balance core ICS features with a consistent HTC Sense experience.”

So there you have it, multitasking on phones such as the HTC One X and One S is working as designed. Something that is bound to frustrate the elite phone geeks yet not even cause a rise of the eyebrows from others.

KitGuru says: Be sure to look out for our own HTC One X review coming in the next couple of weeks!