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What would an HTC One M8 look like running Windows Phone? We may find out soon.

Rumors have been flying that HTC is on the brink of announcing a Windows Phone version of its aluminum One M8 flagship , with the latest report pointing linking the unannounced handset with an HTC device that just passed global certification.

Other rumors suggest that the Windows Phone version of the M8 will cost around $600 off-contract and $200 on-contract, specifically with US carrier Verizon, though I'd suspect this would eventually become a globally-available device.

HTC declined to comment.

HTC rose in smartphone fame supplying Microsoft-branded devices for its Windows Mobile OS, which preceded the Windows Phone platform. If the rumor proves true, it would mark HTC's first Windows Phone in years, and perhaps signal that Microsoft's decision to buy up Nokia's device arm and start making its own phones hasn't completely scared away other partners.

An August 19 event in New York could be the phone's launch site, possibly with (or instead of) a rumored Nexus tablet or HTC smartwatch.