HTC One M8(2014) - Windows version

On August 19, HTC and Microsoft are holding a press event in New York, presumably to announce the HTC One(M8) for Windows, a new high-end phone for Verizon wireless in the US.

HTC One (M8) for Windows

• Windows Phone 8.1
• 2.3 GHz quad-core, Qualcomm Snapdragon 801
• 32 GB internal storage; micro SD (up to 128 GB)
• 2 GB of RAM
• 5-inch Full HD, Super LCD3 display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3; 441 ppi
• 2600 mAh battery
• HTC UltraPixel camera; 5 MP front-facing camera
• Nano SIM
• U-Focus
• HTC Dot View case
• HTC Boomsound

Additional specifications of the Android version should also be similar, including:

• Weight 160g
• 36 x 70.6 x 9.35 mm

In porting over the designed-for-Android hardware, the HTC One (M8) for Windows looks to keep all the major selling points as it carries over to Windows Phone. Hardware parity is important if a customer is comparing the Android and Windows Phone version as any hardware differentiation could give the edge to one OS over another. Instead, consumers for the first time – at least on Verizon – can have a choice between one phone, and two differing operating systems with no stipulations.

HTC does bring a few marketing terms over to the Windows Phone version, including their 'U-Focus' ability, which is analogous to Nokia's Re-Focus app. U-Focus works in Auto mode though and truly lets the user refocus a photo after it is taken, rather than having to select the Nokia Re-Focus app and take a photo in a unique mode first. However, U-Focus only works in Auto mode, so even in on that phone there are some conditions.T

Duo camera and Boomsound speakers 

There are two other major features unique to HTC’s smartphones. The One M8’s focus-shifting Duo Camera, and the more often seen Boomsound speaker system. Nokia/Microsoft currently rules the Windows Phone market, and impressive cameras are a major selling point of their devices.

According to @evleaks, HTC could shake this up by introducing the Windows Phone world to its Duo Camera. In case you’ve forgotten, this ingenious system uses a camera lens and a separate sensor to let you play around with the depth-of-field in your photos. Yes, it’s a bit gimmicky, but used carefully it can create some eye-catching pictures. Additionally, the new phone may also get HTC’s extra-loud Boomsound speakers and amplifier, potentially lining it up to be the best sounding Windows Phone device to date.

HTC Dot view case

HTC had a fancy trick up its phones when it launched the One (M8) – a special case  that converted the display into a superb and retro style look to give you time, weather and notification information. It will provide you all the information into a  8-bit dot display 

It's the same as Samsung's S View case in that it's an official accessory that adds something to the functionality of the phone by its mere presence, but doesn't just offer a tiny window into the phone.

This is a much more impressive option, as despite being clad in rubber and silicone, the front cover is still able to register touch for a variety of actions.

The front cover of the case is packed with hundreds of tiny holes, but only those in front of the Boomsound speakers are uncovered to make sure sound can penetrate without distortion, but the rest have a clear covering to protect the screen as you'd expect a full case to do.

The main reason to being able to register touch is the double tap to wake the device, making it easy to check the time and see the weather, which alternates between an icon to let you know whether it's sunny or raining, and the temperature in a little animation.

If you get a message, the icon below changes to an 8-bit version of HTC's message notification, and the same happens if you swipe down from the top of the cover to automatically enable voice dialling.

If you've got a call coming in you can swipe up to take it or down to reject, with the latter motion still used when you're on a call – plus you can just hold the One (M8) to your ear to take the call if you've enabled that feature too.