The new M8 Firmware 1.0.0.1 beta has been demo'd on video, and seems to be taking some new cues from Android and Windows Mobile -- along with some original and sexy UI elements of Meizu's own devising -- that really set it apart from its iPhone-aping days of yore.

ENGADGET: New Meizu M8 beta firmware looking desirable, bordering on original

Given how in-your-face HTC's new Sense 5 UI is (its BlinkFeed home page manages to be reminiscent of Flipboard, Blur and Windows Phone), we feel a bit silly kvetching about something as unobtrusive as carrier bloatware.

ENGADGET: HTC One for AT&T and Sprint: what's different? Mobile