HTC has just launched a Windows Phone version of the HTC One (M8).
“Consumers love the HTC One (M8) and today’s introduction extends that enthusiasm to new audiences hungry for choice in their mobile experience. HTC fills a gap in the market for unique devices that put a premium on form and function. Microsoft shares our vision, and that’s why we committed to bringing the Windows Phone platform to the
HTC One (M8).”— Jason Mackenzie, President of HTC Americas
An HTC Windows Phone Makes Sense
It’s no secret that the WinPho operating system is not a popular choice among mobile consumers. With a meager 2.49% market share, even Nokia’s now-defunct Symbian platform has more active users. So why would an Android flagship device like the HTC One (M8) want to cater to such a small number of customers? The answer is simple: HTC needs them.
The majority of the world uses either Android (44.62%) or iOS (44.19%) to power their smartphones and tablets. Unfortunately for HTC, most of these consumers also use a device manufactured by either Samsung or Apple. And as these two companies have seen steady growth in smartphone sales, HTC has been losing customers. The addition of the WinPho operating system to the HTC One (M8) is an attempt to attract consumers who want some variety when shopping for a new mobile device.
WinPho isn’t nearly as popular as Android or iOS.
The HTC One (M8) is Probably Better Than Your Phone
The HTC One (M8) is a beast of a phone that can match (or beat) many of the specs offered on most flagship devices. With a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processer, up to 32GB of storage, and a Full HD 1080p display; there’s no denying it’s one of the best Android phones ever created. But even these high-end specs combined with rock-solid construction haven’t been enough to convince people to buy it instead of an iPhone or Galaxy.
Owners of the HTC One (M8) agree that their phone is better than the upcoming iPhone 6 and the recently-launched Samsung Galaxy S5. But having essentially only two operating systems to choose from seems to sway consumers into purchasing what’s popular instead of what’s better. Relying on this logic is how HTC thinks they can convince dedicated Android and iOS users to make the switch to a WinPho device.
Despite having a small percentage of the smartphone market share, many WinPho users have stuck with the operating system since the beginning. Their reward is a flourishing app store that rivals the competition and now a flagship smartphone that’s better than the rest. The addition of the WinPho operating system to the HTC One (M8) not only makes the phone more powerful, but it also adds a new feature called “choice” to the consumer.
Some consumers believe the HTC One (M8) is better than the upcoming iPhone 6.
Competition is Always a Good Thing for the Consumer
Similar to the cable television industry which only has a handful of major players, lack of competition in mobile operating systems has caused lesser-known platforms to go by the wayside. The WinPho operating system could be just as good as Android or iOS, but it has remained mostly ignored by consumers because nobody has had a real chance to experience it at its full potential. The HTC One (M8) is the first time the WinPho operating system has been available on a phone that’s better than the competition and it could potentially shake up the mobile industry.
Having the WinPho operating system on something that’s more powerful than most Android or iOS devices means consumers will have a legitimate third choice when it comes to selecting their next phone. If enough consumers decide to make the switch, then Android and iOS devices will have a new platform to compete against and it could mean lower prices (and better phones) for mobile users. It could also mean a cheaper phone bill because the HTC One (M8) WinPho edition is a Verizon exclusive and Sprint has already begun slashing prices to entice customers.
The only difference between the Android and WinPho versions of the HTC One (M8) are their operating systems – everything else is exactly the same. All the hardware that makes the HTC One (M8) competitive against Samsung and Apple smartphones has remained untouched, and the addition of Windows 8.1.1 makes the phone a perfect companion for anyone running the same operating system on their desktop or laptop. It may even convince some Windows desktop users to upgrade to Windows 8.
Stiff competition has led Sprint to lower their prices.
Key Features of Windows 8.1.1 on the HTC One (M8)
- Cortana, Windows Phone’s truly personal digital assistant, makes her HTC debut in this phone. 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.
- Action Center provides one swipe access to all your recent notifications and messages, as well as programmable quick settings.
- Apps Corner sandboxes apps and folders into a protected area of the phone.
- Small business owners can use their HTC One (M8) for Windows as a point of sale device without making personal information available.
- Users can separate personal and professional information, creating distinct experiences for work and pleasure in a single device.
- Windows Phone takes on the chores of battery, data and storage management, and keying in passwords for known Wi-Fi networks, allowing users more time to explore the phone’s innovative functionality that truly puts consumer needs first.
Will People Make the Switch?
The HTC One (M8) was developed for the sole purpose of helping the company compete against Samsung and Apple – and it has succeeded to a certain extent. HTC recently reported they made a $65.06 billion quarterly revenue with a net profit of $2.76 billion. While this is an impressive turnaround from the losses they reported in previous quarters, it’s still not enough to compete with Samsung or Apple. A WinPho edition of the HTC One (M8) could be the catalyst that propels HTC into relevance in the smartphone wars.
It’s impossible to predict if longtime Android and iOS users will make the switch to a WinPho device, but the HTC One (M8) makes a very convincing argument. Who wouldn’t want better hardware, sturdier construction, and a familiar operating system? HTC has managed to combine the best of both the mobile and desktop worlds and if Microsoft plays their cards right, then WinPho can be the next great mobile platform.
The HTC One (M8) WinPho edition is a major milestone in the smartphone industry because it proves that a flagship device doesn’t have to rely on one single operating system. The success of the device will not only help HTC remain competitive, but it can also convince other manufacturers to do the same. Until we have an iPhone running KitKat 4.4 or a Nexus 5 running iOS 7, however, we’ll have to settle for an HTC One (M8) running Windows.
