HTC's rumored Windows Phone-based version of its current flagship smartphone will reportedly launch on Verizon's network as the "One (M8) for Windows."
For quite some time, rumors of a new HTC One M8 variant running Microsoft's mobile operating system have been making rounds, but nothing materialized so far. The rumor mill nonetheless keeps churning, and a One M8 model running Windows Phone 8.1 will reportedly make its debut later this year.
The HTC One M8 is already one of the highest end smartphones currently available on the market, boasting top-of-the-line specs and features that made it very popular among consumers. It is HTC's latest flagship smartphone and runs Google's popular Android mobile OS, but One M8 fans may soon have another interesting option on the table.
Just the other day, Tom Warren, who writes for The Verge and has founded WinRumors, revealed that a Windows Phone-based HTC One M8 will make its debut this year. A new report from Engadget now comes with some more information on the matter. The publication reveals that according to its sources the device is "tentatively" called the One (M8) for Windows, albeit the W8 codename would seem more appropriate.
Other than this purported name for the upcoming device, little new details are currently available regarding the Windows Phone-powered HTC One M8. Engadget's sources mainly confirmed what @evleaks has previously revealed, with one exception. In addition to features such as BoomSound speakers and the much-touted depth-sensing Duo camera, the HTC One (M8) for Windows will reportedly boast voice over LTE (VoLTE) support as well.
It remains unclear at this point whether the smartphone will rock VoLTE straight out of the box, but if not, Microsoft should add the support with its upcoming Windows Phone 8.1 GDR1 update.
Lastly, while Warren only said that the Windows Phone-powered version of the HTC One M8 would arrive later this year, Engadget's sources offer a more specific timeframe. According to the tipsters, the HTC One M8 for Windows is expected to hit Verizon sometime during the third quarter. While we still don't have an exact launch date, it will reportedly happen by the end of September.
Of course, it's all still in the rumor state for now, so treat these reports accordingly. As always in such cases, take everything with a grain of salt until an official announcement.
