The race is on to see which smartphone manufacturer will be the first to release this year’s flagship. We already told you guys about the Samsung Galaxy S5 pre-orders opening up for AT&T, with T-Mobile’s opening on Monday. Although the all new HTC One 2014 isn’t officially scheduled to be unveiled until Tuesday, March 25th, it looks like we might see the device launch much sooner than we originally thought.

We were left scratching our heads as to why HTC would wait so long into the month of March to announce their HTC One followup. With all the leaks from signage to brochures, we were wondering what exactly could be the hold up. Well, it appears that, similar to its launch in London, HTC could be planning on making the device available the same day as its March 25th unveiling. Why do we think that?

AT&T has just begun officially teasing the launch of “an amazing new HTC device,” with a nondescript image of the HTC One 2014 we’ve seen leaked countless times (minus the front facing camera, light sensor). According to the promo, AT&T will be giving away 1 of these new HTC devices (valued at $639.99), every day until March 25th — starting today. All you have to do is enter in your email, and you’ll be entered to win. There’s also the option of posting AT&T’s “secret” on Twitter or Facebook for additional entries. That contest end-time has us wondering if that will be the day the HTC One 2014 will be officially available in stores.

Earlier this week we saw some marketing materials already make their way to Verizon retail stores, cluing us in on its imminent release. Today, we’re getting a look at some additional signage, this time in a leaked promo box showing a date peeking through the HTC One’s upcoming Lite Brite flip cover. It reads, “Get ready to hit refresh, 3.25 at 1PM ET.” According the leaker, a demo unit is also said to be arriving.

Pricing and color options for the Verizon Wireless HTC One 2014 were also confirmed from the in-store computer system. Expect the phone to run $200 with a 2-year agreement ($600 full retail) and be available in Amber Gold, Glacier Silver, and Metal Grey (black). Once again, no release date was given, leaving us to wonder if the promo box could, in fact, be hinting at a same-day release.

Thanks, Captain_D!

[AT&T Share the Secret | AC Forums]