HTC hasn't been sharing much love with Windows Phone in recent months. In fact, it hasn't actually launched a new device running Microsoft's mobile OS since WP8 launched back in late 2012 (well, apart from the very slightly refreshed 8XT for Sprint).
Back in March, a rumour surfaced suggesting that HTC was planning to launch a Windows Phone version of its newest Android flagship, the One M8. Then last month, perennial leaker @evleaks revealed the name of HTC's next Windows Phone - the W8 - along with the news that it was destined for Verizon in the US.
This is just a mock-up rather than the real deal - but the real W8 could launch as soon as next month
Today, @evleaks has added to this info with a couple of extra details. First, he reveals that the device will be launching in Q3 of this year, meaning that it could arrive as early as next month (or perhaps as late as September), and reiterates that it will be available on Verizon. It is not yet clear if the device will be a Verizon exclusive, or if HTC plans to launch it on other US carriers, or in other markets.
He also reveals that the W8 will be based on a new Android handset known currently as the A9. According to a report on Focus Taiwan from early May, the A9 is being lined up as a device with "high specifications", but with a mid-range price tag. Not much more is known about that handset, but it is expected to launch in a matter of weeks, with an announcement expected in late Q2 or early Q3.
High specs but without the high price sounds like a pretty tasty combination, but we'll of course have to wait and see just what HTC has in store. According to @evleaks, the company will bring its BoomSound audio enhancement feature to the new Windows Phone, along with the Duo camera that also features in the HTC One M8.
Source: @evleaks
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