After months of rumours and some high-profile image leaks earlier today, HTC has finally pulled back the curtain on the HTC One M8 for Windows, a revised edition of its flagship One M8 Android handset powered by Microsoft's Windows Phone 8.1 operating system.
HTC was one of only a few companies outside of Nokia to launch a Windows Phone handset, but hasn't released a new model since the 8X and 8S in 2012. That changes today, as the One M8 for Windows arrives exclusively on the Verizon mobile network in the US. Essentially identical to the existing M8 in terms of hardware, the Windows edition has the same all-metal construction that set its Android counterpart out from the plastic crowd, although it will only be available in gunmetal grey - there are no silver or gold versions available with Windows Phone.
Inside, the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor runs at 2.3GHz and is paired with 2GB of RAM. As well as 32GB of internal storage, you also get microSD card support for up to 128GB cards. The 5in display has a Full HD 1,920x1,080 resolution, taking up almost all of the front of the handset but still making room for HTC's trademark BoomSound stereo speakers.
On the back, Verizon and Microsoft have added their logos to HTC's existing one, but even they can't distract from the 4-ultrapixel camera sensor, secondary depth-sensing camera and LED flash. The handset will be compatible with HTC's Dot View case cover, with extra integration with the Cortana voice assistant added in the first major Windows Phone 8.1 update.
As well as all the standard Windows Phone 8.1 features, including more sizes of Live Tile, folder organisation and the quick access panel, HTC has ported some of its Sense UI apps to the new M8. Blinkfeed, Sense TV and the Duo Camera interface have all been given the Windows Phone treatment, although certain features like Zoe film clips and dual-capture aren't included.
HTC made the announcement in the US, and has signed up Verizon as a launch partner, so it's unclear if the handset will be getting a release on this side of the Atlantic, but it already looks as though Nokia's Lumia 930 has some serious competition as the ultimate Windows Phone handset.
