HTC’s return to Windows Phone has been rumoured for some time now. Reports that HTC was working on a Windows Phone version of the original HTC One went nowhere though. Then came a rumour in early June that HTC was readying the HTC W8 with both an HTC Duo camera and front-facing BoomSound speakers, two features found on the flagship HTC One (M8). Now comes word that this device could launch as the HTC One (M8) for Windows.
New information obtained by Engadget gives credence to the new Windows Phone smartphone coming with both BoomSound and the HTC Duo Camera and ads that it will support Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) support (expected to be rolled out in Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1).
According to WPCentral, Microsoft Stores are already getting stock of accessories. As for a launch, it could happen as early as August 21 with Verizon Wireless. Pricing is rumoured to fall in the US$610 (CA$660) range outright and US$199 with contract.
Further evidence that the HTC One (M8) for Windows is indeed real comes in the form of a Wi-Fi Alliance certification for a device identified as the HTC6995LVW. The HTC device sports Windows Phone 8.1 as the operating system and 802.11 ab/g/n Wi-Fi.
There is no word yet on whether the HTC One (M8) will be available at other U.S. other carriers or in other countries. It would be surprising to see HTC launch a Windows Phone device solely with one carrier though so expect wider availability.
Sources : Engadget // WPCentral // Wi-Fi Alliance