HTC One M8 for Windows retail package
I reviewed the HTC One (M8) running Android back in March and gave it an 8 out of 10. HTC just launched the exact same hardware running Windows Phone in the device known as the HTC One (M8) for Windows.
It has been a couple of years since HTC had a Windows Phone device and the 8x was one of the most impressive Windows Phone devices at the time.
The new HTC One (M8) for Windows, I am going to just write WP One from here on out, is also a fantastic piece of hardware and if you like Windows Phone then you should definitely consider it.Hardware
When people think of Windows Phone, they think of Nokia Lumia devices and not much else. I personally enjoy using Nokia devices and find their use of plastic to be an excellent choice, not to mention their use of colors. However, Lumias are starting to look much the same as each other and we need more hardware competition to continue to push them forward.
The WP One has the exact same hardware as the awesome One (M8) for Android, even including the BoomSound stereo speakers, Duo Camera, tap to unlock, and IR transmitter in the power button. I heard HTC worked very closely with Microsoft to put together this device and it is clear there was some close collaboration since HTC pushes the limits of Windows Phone just like they did with Windows Mobile back in the day.
I was never given any NDA information on this device and was personally a bit shocked when Iheard that an HTC One was coming out with Windows Phone. Microsoft's smartphone OS is having trouble gaining any traction with the latest estimates still showing they have less than three percent of the smartphone market share.
After hearing the Windows Phone version was the same as the Android version, my first thoughts were to those HTC enhancements as I listed above. The infrared remote control feature was great to hear about and I thought this was the first Windows Phone to get it, but learned the Samsung Ativ SE also had it. I enjoy using my phone IR port in hotel rooms and around the house when I don't feel like hunting for a remote. HTC makes it very easy to setup and use with the HTC One.
The Duo Camera integration also surprised me and I imagine HTC had to work hard to get it to function with Windows Phone. The speakers sound awesome, the front facing camera takes great wide angle shots with everyone in the family fitting in the shot.
I actually found the LED indicator light on the front to be much bright on the WP One than on the Android One. The light on the Android One is sometimes difficult to see unless you are looking straight at the speaker grille.
Like the Android One, the WP One hardware cannot be beat and still remains one of the best designed smartphones I have ever tested.
Software
The WP One runs Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1, which is a bit unusual to see Microsoft including a beta update on a device being sold to consumers. This latest update provides support for folders on the Start screen, Apps Corner hub for sandboxed mode, and more. The folders are done in a way that makes them better than Android and iOS.
In addition to the latest Microsoft update, HTC includes a few new things in the software. One thing you should notice immediately is that there are no permanent capacitive buttons along the bottom like we have seen on most Windows Phones. You simply swipe up to show the back, Start, and search icons. A quick tap of the small left down arrow hides these three again. This is a great way to get more viewable screen on the device and I appreciated this nice touch.
A major feature of the Android One, associate with their Sense UI, is BlinkFeed. HTC does provide BlinkFeed on the WP One, but it comes in the form of an app and a Live tile. You simply tap it to open BlinkFeed and enjoy the same experience as on Windows Phone, even including Google+ content which was a real shocker. I don't see Instagram as a supported service though.
It is fun for people to see my life experiences capture with my phones as highlight videos with music, effects, and transitions. While the WP One doesn't support short Zoe videos or the newZoe beta service you can select photos and videos to create and then share highlight videos.
Verizon includes a few apps, such as My Verizon Mobile, NFL Mobile, and VZ Navigator, but like all Windows Phone devices carrier apps can be uninstalled. While the default GPS program launches as VZ Navigator, there is no reason to pay for this service when you can get the free HERE Maps and HERE Drive+ services from the Windows Phone Store.
Usage and experiences
The HTC One (M8) hardware is tough to put down once you starting using it. It isn't even as expensive as the lowest capacity iPhone, yet feels like an extremely high end piece of tech with superb fit and finish, beveled edges, and serious attention to detail. HTC didn't compromise at all on the Android One to bring it to the Windows Phone platform.
Cortana blows away Google Now and Siri so having it on an HTC One device almost makes me want to go out and pick up the device just for this functionality. It is very cool to put the WP One into one of my Dot View cases and launch Cortana with a gesture down the Dot View.
I read that battery life is longer on the WP One than on the Android One and my subjective experiences over the past week match that statement. I don't conduct scientific battery testing and if a phone goes through one of my heavy days then it is a winner and both the WP One and Android One can do that.
I complained about the camera like many others and I think much of that disappointment came from unrealized expecations. Honestly, the camera is fast and takes great photos. Most of us do not print photos any longer and simply share them on social networks and for that the UltraPixel camera is perfectly fine. After more time with the Android One, I have come to appreciate the camera and its low-light capabilities.