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HTC reveals cut-price One M8 Windows Phone device | HTC reveals cut-price One M8 Windows Phone device |
(35 minutes later) | |
The handset maker HTC has unveiled a new smartphone that runs a Windows Phone operating system. | The handset maker HTC has unveiled a new smartphone that runs a Windows Phone operating system. |
The modified One M8 is being sold at roughly half the price of the same handset running Google's Android. | |
This is the first time the struggling manufacturer has released a Windows smartphone in more than two years. | This is the first time the struggling manufacturer has released a Windows smartphone in more than two years. |
One analyst said the new device was "almost certainly financially supported" by Microsoft, in an attempt to gain a foothold in the US market. | One analyst said the new device was "almost certainly financially supported" by Microsoft, in an attempt to gain a foothold in the US market. |
The new phone, which comes with Windows Phone 8.1 pre-installed, is available exclusively through US network provider Verizon. | The new phone, which comes with Windows Phone 8.1 pre-installed, is available exclusively through US network provider Verizon. |
When bought with a 24 month contract, it is priced at $99 (£60), approximately 50% cheaper than the Android 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," said Jason Mackenzie, president of HTC Americas. | "Consumers love the HTC One M8 and today's introduction extends that enthusiasm to new audiences hungry for choice in their mobile experience," said Jason Mackenzie, president of HTC Americas. |
He added: "Microsoft shares our vision, and that's why we committed to bringing the Windows Phone platform to the HTC One M8." | He added: "Microsoft shares our vision, and that's why we committed to bringing the Windows Phone platform to the HTC One M8." |
Android losses | |
The Taiwanese firm, which originally made its name selling early versions of Windows phone handsets, has preferred Android devices in recent years. | The Taiwanese firm, which originally made its name selling early versions of Windows phone handsets, has preferred Android devices in recent years. |
However it has recently lost out to rivals such as Samsung, and while its flagship handset, the HTC One, received good reviews, these did not translate into strong sales. | However it has recently lost out to rivals such as Samsung, and while its flagship handset, the HTC One, received good reviews, these did not translate into strong sales. |
In April, HTC posted losses of 1.88bn Taiwanese dollars (£37m; $63m) for the first three months of 2014, compared with a profit of T$85m a year earlier. | In April, HTC posted losses of 1.88bn Taiwanese dollars (£37m; $63m) for the first three months of 2014, compared with a profit of T$85m a year earlier. |
Shares in HTC have dropped by 38% in the past year. | Shares in HTC have dropped by 38% in the past year. |
Microsoft 'desperate' | |
Daniel Gleeson, an analyst at the consultancy IHT, told the BBC the move was a "big thing for Microsoft as they want a big push for Windows phones in North America". | Daniel Gleeson, an analyst at the consultancy IHT, told the BBC the move was a "big thing for Microsoft as they want a big push for Windows phones in North America". |
"Microsoft are desperate for other manufacturers to develop Windows smartphones, and they almost certainly financially supported HTC to make this phone," he added. | "Microsoft are desperate for other manufacturers to develop Windows smartphones, and they almost certainly financially supported HTC to make this phone," he added. |
"Microsoft needs to kickstart the whole Windows Phone ecosystem. Its apps do not get updated at the same frequency as Android or iOS equivalents." | |
As for the pricing of the phone, Mr Gleeson said, this was an attempt by HTC and Microsoft to position themselves as a cheaper alternative to the upcoming new iPhone. | |
Earlier on Tuesday, HTC's chief executive Peter Chou unveiled another new phone in Tokyo, aimed at the Japanese market. | |
The updated J Butterfly model, the HTL23, features a plastic body, but is otherwise similar to the Android One M8. | The updated J Butterfly model, the HTL23, features a plastic body, but is otherwise similar to the Android One M8. |