HTC’s 1-Year ‘Uh Oh Protection’ Offers Free Replacement For Your Busted One M9
You have to hand it to HTC, the first company to build an Android handset (HTC Dream, otherwise known as the T-Mobile G1), for which it was handsomely rewarded. Samsung and Apple have stolen the smartphone show in recent years, but rather than pack it in and call it quits, HTC continues to build solid Android devices, the newest of which is the HTC One M9. And should you purchase one, HTC will provide a year of accidental damage protection at no cost.
It's part of the HTC's new "Uh Oh" program, and as described, it's nothing short of awesome. Should you drop your One M9 onto the pavement and crack the screen or accidentally sustain water damage (like dropping it in a toilet, which is the example HTC uses) within 12 months of purchase, HTC will send you a replacement.
That's not all. HTC will also take care of you if you decide to switch carriers within the first year. That's a pretty big deal, considering that wireless carriers are tripping over themselves with new promotions designed to lure customers away from their competitors, such as Sprint offering to pay all costs associated with switching.
What if you don't end up needing a replacement? HTC will pat your back with a $100 towards the purchase of a future HTC One handset.
"While other smartphone companies look at uh-oh moments as a way to profit off of you, we are focused on adding value to owning an HTC One. If you don’t need Uh Oh Protection, we are going to give you $100 off your next HTC One," said Jason Mackenzie, president of HTC Americas. "If something does happen, we’re going to take care of you – quickly."
By "quickly" he means the next business day, if you agree to a $299 credit card hold until HTC receives the damaged phone. So, should your handset suffer a cracked screen or water damage, or you switch carriers (the three things Uh Oh protection covers), you simply need to call HTC's customer service or chat live online. If you don't want to put a hold on your card, you can send your damaged phone using a prepaid label and receive a replacement within two days of HTC's receipt.
Uh Oh protection is sure to win over fans, especially those who have been shelling out for warranty protection through their wireless carrier or third parties like SquareTrade.
HTC will discuss its Uh Oh program in more depth today, as well as talk about the One M9. You can catch the live stream on HTC's website at 9 AM Pacific / 12 PM Eastern.
