HTC's One M8 cozies up with Windows Phone (pictures)

Currently available for $99.99 with a carrier contract and $599.99 without, the One M8 for Windows Phone is HTC's newest remix on its marquee handset. Though it sports the same hardware as the Android original, this variant runs Microsoft's mobile OS instead.

On the outside, the handset looks the same as its original counterpart. It sports a 5-inch, 1080p display, dual front-facing speakers, and a brushed-alumnium aesthetic.

The device measures 5.76 inches tall, 2.78 inches wide, and 0.37 inches thick. It tips the scales at 5.4 ounces, however, which is heavier than other flagships like the LG G3 (5.28 ounces) and the Samsung Galaxy S5 (5.1 ounces).

Powering the device is a 2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor. Built by dominant mobile chip maker Qualcomm, the company says the 801 offers 25 percent faster graphics than the Snapdragon 800 that powers devices like the Nokia Lumia Icon and the Lumia 1520.

Of course, what makes this One M8 unique is that it runs Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1.1. An animated, clean, and colorful OS, WP is denoted by its live tile home screen grid, and deep integration with Microsoft ventures like Skype, Xbox, Office, and Outlook.

Some essential apps to get you settled in are Facebook, an FM radio, the Bing Health and Fitness app, OneDrive cloud storage, Bing Maps, a weather app, OneNote, Slacker Radio, and a digital wallet app. HTC also threw in a handful of its signature software tools.

The device also has Cortana, a digital voice and search assistant that can schedule appointments, look up businesses, identify music, and fetch news stories. It can also set up reminds for you in relation to your contacts, like bidding someone happy birthday the next time they call.

Undoubtedly the wildest feature about the phone’s camera and imaging system is the two camera lenses on its back, as well as a dual-LED flash array. While the larger of the M8's eyes supports its main camera and handles traditional photo duties, the smaller lens (which is on top) tackles depth perception.

The phone also works with HTC's Dot View case, which displays the time and weather information through its pixelated cover. You can also  access Cortana through the case by swiping down when the device's display is sleeping.

As of now, Verizon Wireless is the only carrier offering the One M8 for Windows Phone. AT&T reported plans to carry the device too, though no pricing or release date has been announced.