HTC launches its latest, Windows-operated smartphone, One M8, in the tech market. Physically identical to its predecessor, the new One M8 debuts at Verizon Wireless. What takes us aback, however, is its retail price which is about half of its Android brethren. Repeat: it is roughly 50% off. Operating in the pre-installed Windows 8.1, the new phone costs $99 in a 24-month deal.
BBC reports that this is the first time HTC has released a Windows smartphone in more than two years. In its press release, HTC proudly notes of the iconic flagship device which is now available on multiple operating systems. While its previous version operates on the Android OS, the new One M8 presents new features smooth with Windows.
The Verge feeds that HTC has decided to create the product after being requested by users to run Windows on the One M8. This statement is supported by Jason Mackenzie, President of the HTC Americas, who expressed his thought on the target market, "Consumers love the HTC One M8 and today's introduction extends that enthusiasm to new audiences hungry for choice in their mobile experience". He shares about the OS, "Microsoft shares our vision, and that's why we committed to bringing the Windows Phone platform to the HTC One M8".
So what sets the two HTC Ones apart?
Well, it must first be known that both are physically similar: the same premium design that showcases an all-metal unibody and a curved posterior that runs with the contour of the human hand. In addition, the following features had been incorporated from the Android version: HTC BlinkFeed®, HTC BoomSoundTM, Duo Camera with UltraPixelTM, Video Highlights, a 5MP wide-angle front-facing camera, and support for the HTC Dot ViewTM case.
With regards to innovation, perhaps one of the greatest features of the new HTC One is the Cortana - Windows Phone's truly personal digital assistant. HTC describes it, "Adept at searching for sushi and setting calendar appointments, Cortana also offers the ability to proactively warn you when it's time to leave for your next appointment or remind you to pick up milk on the way home." Other features heightened privacy of user information and software application development.
The partnership with its new OS is rather symbiotic - Microsoft has been coined "desperate" by Daniel Gleeson, an analyst at IHS Technology who told BBC, "Microsoft are desperate for other manufacturers to develop Windows smartphones, and they almost certainly financially supported HTC to make this phone [the new HTC One M8]". He also provides a clean-cut explanation about the cheap pricing, "As for the pricing of the phone, this was an attempt by HTC and Microsoft to position themselves as a cheaper alternative to the upcoming new iPhone".
Smartphones switching operating systems and operating systems selling out on smartphones - will this trend work? We can only find out till competitors say so.