Reports that HTC would be reconfiguring their popular Android based One M8 for Windows Phone have been circulating for months with Verizon as the flag bearer, but details of the device – and release – are now coming into focus. Tonight, Engadget is reporting that the name of the phone is called "One (M8) for Windows," which is a little awkward, although if you drop the M8 it has a nice ring to it.
Engadget reports that they phone should launch by on "Verizon during the third quarter, or no later than the end of September" although our sources tell us that Microsoft Stores have a planning date of August 20 with a launch on the 21st. The off-contract, full price of the phone is listed at $610 with on-contract price most likely nearing $199. The name is also confirmed as "One (M8) for Windows" according to documents we have seen.
Indeed, Microsoft Stores are getting ready to take stock of numerous accessories, including the Dot View case that leverages the new 'smart cover' feature found in Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1. The One M8 for Windows comes in silver, as expected and since cases like Otterbox and Speck with the M8 designation are in the plan, it is very likely that the W8 is an exact clone of the M8. Interestingly, the W8 is the first Windows Phone to support Voice over LTE (VoLTE), which is once again yet another feature of Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1, making this phone highly likely to ship with the update on board.
There is no word, at the moment, of other carriers are following Verizon, as so far they are the only one listed as launching the phone, leaving AT&T users on the side.
Finally, the W8 is supposed to sport BoomSound and Duo cameras, with the former giving a significant boost in audio and the latter greatly improving the imaging.
More information is expected in the coming weeks. For now, you can read the full review of the Android HTC One M8 at Android Central to see what is in store.
Anyone here excited about the prospect of picking up the HTC One for Windows? Let us know.
Via: Engadget
