The Windows Phone-based HTC One M8 smartphone will not be exclusively available on Verizon as AT&T confirmed that it will offer the handset on its network in the future.
AT&T, the second largest wireless carrier in the U.S., brought some great news to Windows Phone enthusiasts on Wednesday. The big blue carrier confirmed that it will launch the Windows-based HTC One M8 on its network, allowing an even larger subscriber base to the HTC's flagship.
The HTC One M8 running Microsoft's Windows Phone 8.1 created quite a buzz among the Windows fans but its availability was limited to Verizon subscribers earlier.
In an official blog post on Wednesday, AT&T announced that the Windows Phone 8.1-based HTC One M8 will arrive on its network at a later date. No details on pricing were revealed. Interested AT&T subscribers can register for more information when it is available.
HTC officially unveiled the new non-Android One M8 smartphone running Windows Phone 8.1 during a press conference in New York, Tuesday. The Taiwanese smartphone giant became the first company to offer its flagship device in multiple operating systems. But the handset went on sale exclusively through Verizon's network for $99.99 on a two year contract or for $29.99 per month under its Edge program.
"Consumers love the HTC One (M8) and today's introduction extends that enthusiasm to new audiences hungry for choice in their mobile experience," Jason Mackenzie, president of HTC Americas, said in a statement. "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)."
Specs-wise, Windows-based HTC One M8 is similar to its Android counterpart inside out, complete with HTC BlinkFeed, HTC BoomSound, Duo Camera with UltraPixel, 5MP wide-angle front-facing camera, and support for HTC Dot View case among other features. But the Windows Phone platform activates Cortana, Microsoft's smartphone digital assistant, among other WP-exclusive features found in Lumia flagships like the Live Tiles.
By convincing HTC to use Windows Phone as a mobile platform, Microsoft is aiming to take a bigger share in the mobile OS platform. Android powers 84.7 percent of all smartphones around the world and Microsoft's new move will barely scratch the surface as Google has several prominent smartphone makers under its network. But it is certainly a first step toward getting new smartphone makers to try the mobile OS.
