AT&T HTC One X update removes on-screen menu bar

HTC One X

AT&T is pushing an update to the HTC One X that fixes one of the few flaws of the highly-rated device. The update removes the black bar that serves as an on-screen menu button. In the bar's place is a new setting that uses the recent apps button to act as a secondary menu option.

The black bar was previously displayed in some apps out of necessity. Though Google has encouraged developers to abandon the legacy menu button, not all apps have been updated to use the new Holo guidelines that put menu functions within the Action Bar. That made it difficult for the One X, which has no physical menu button, to access all of the features in apps that yet to implement an Action Bar. Facebook and Twitter were notable apps lacking the Action Bar, so HTC used the virtual menu bar to make those apps fully functional.

The One X update allows users to continue using the black menu bar. Others who prefer not to see it appear can access menu functions by holding down on the recent apps button. After installing the OTA update, take the following steps to switch to the new menu option:

1. Open the Settings app and tap "Display, gestures & buttons"
2. In the Buttons section, tap the "Recent apps button"
3. Select "Press for recent apps, press and hold for menu"