Because it is a Hand me down. The Phone originated as an Android Phone. It began there...it's almost like Samsung releasing the Galaxy for Windows. While the Ativ S line-up is similar it is still Windows Phone Esque. Nobody would look at an Ativ and get confused.
If i got a ONE M8 for windows, I don't want anyone to look at it and assume it is the Android version first. At least with Lumias you KNOW it is Windows Phone and that alone helps with word of mouth.
"I want that Yellow phone. That red. Etc etc"
Furthermore, what would have been better is if they would have evolved their 8X line-up....that would be less of a hand me down because it could be an evolution.
Whether people want to admit it or not, the device is awesome yes, but nonetheless still a hand me down from HTC. Meaning the next time the next android version comes, you'll STILL likely be behind and second class because the next version(if this device even does well) of the windows one will always be behind.
Even if they would have released it at the same time as the Android version(or at least announced it would be coming), it would've been better because it would feel less like a hand me down. At the very least throw some color into it to make it look somewhat different and made for windows phone.
People keep going on about the 800/801 cpu....really? Marginal difference and I'd hope so considering the M8 is the newer device.
Don't they have the same amount of Ram as the Icon?
I'll give you the Speaker and the SD card...though i couldn't care less about the first and I have the latter in my 1520 and it's not that big of a deal to me. But to each their own.
I held the icon and the M8(android) and i honestly prefer the build of Nokia's Icon over the m8.
Wow does it matter that HTC did not make a phone with windows in mind????
HTC right now financially don't have money to waste developing a new device specifically for windows phone so the smart thing was to use the same hardware and make life easier / cheaper.
Yes the HTC is a good phone spec and design wise
Yes the Ativ line from Samsung will always be last years Galaxy with a spec boost ... (S4 any one??).
YES the Lumia line is a distinctive and recognizable and durable yada yada ...
but at the end of the day its a phone which one you go with does not matter.
Ok HTC designed the phone for android but it does not matter since its a solid device with a not so solid camera.
Fact is MS and Nokia have been dropping the ball a while now ..... hence why i was Android tried windows and will go back to Android. Until MS / Nokia get back in the game.
Right now HTC has the best device in the game even with its flaws and MS is now trying to get itself back to where it was and its focus on windows ...
I would but the HTC one M8 with windows why
1) most likely i can change the OS to andriod and back to windows again (maybe dual boot) so as MS does with they need to with windows and improve it i can see if the OS has matured enough for me to use as a daily driver.
2) its stylish with nice accessories and features (Nokia should have had stereo speakers cuz they did in the past with many phones why not use those past innovations in the Lumias we will never know.
3) i love the specs
4) MS / Nokia have no premium devices coming soon and it will be a while before they do so enjoy your long wait.
Honestly i want MS to do well with windows but its shortcomings are to many for my taste its like they have gotten lazy some what. so ill be back and forth with windows phone and android.
That and the apps are no where near the quality they should be. This new CEO looks like he will change the attitude MS has that's why im looking forward to WP 9 and Windows 9.
Hand me down or not the HTC on paper is a better phone if camera is the issue that's the only downside i can see.
samsung wont even put its latest and greatest into a windows phone so i commend HTC here .
Maybe as MS and Samsung mend their issues we will see a premium WP Samsung cuz honesly the Galaxy alpha will do well with windows phone on it and maybe Samsung will bring some stuff or ideas over from Android...
If HTC does well with this device maybe they will design a phone exclusively for windows from the ground up once they are financially stable again ... its all about resources finances and logistics for HTC at this point ..