HTC M8 Dot View Case
# HTC Dot View Case Review: A Comprehensive Look at Functionality and Design
## Introduction
In this video, we take an in-depth look at the HTC Dot View Case for the HTC M8. The reviewer, floss, provides a detailed analysis of the case's features, design, and functionality while also highlighting its pros and cons. Despite being sold out online, the case is available at Verizon for $50. Let’s dive into what makes this case unique and why it might be worth considering for your HTC M8.
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## Design and Features
The HTC Dot View Case comes in multiple colors: grey, orange, green, purple, and blue. The packaging is typical of HTC, with the case itself enclosed in a sleek box. Inside, you’ll find a booklet that explains the icons visible through the case, such as notifications for alarms, emails, timers, weather, calendar, low battery, volume controls, and more.
The case itself features a plastic back and a rubber front with numerous dots, giving it a retro, Motorola StarTAC-like appearance. These dots allow you to interact with your phone without opening the case—double-tapping reveals the time, weather, and other key information. The case also includes cutouts for all essential phone components, such as cameras, microphones, and flashlights.
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## What We Liked About the Case
### Build Quality
The case is well-made, with a sturdy plastic back and a grippy rubber front. This is particularly beneficial for the HTC M8, which is known for being slippery. The build quality feels solid, though floss notes that it doesn’t quite feel like a $50 case.
### Auto-Awake Feature
One of the standout features is the auto-awake function. When you open the case, your phone turns on automatically, and closing it turns the phone off—a feature that works flawlessly every time.
### Gestures and Voice Commands
The gestures are functional, allowing you to double-tap for weather updates or swipe down to activate voice commands. While HTC’s voice assistant isn’t perfect, floss acknowledges its potential when configured with easy-to-pronounce contacts.
### Retro Look
The dot pattern gives the case a unique, vintage aesthetic that appeals to those who appreciate retro designs. It’s a great conversation starter and sure to turn heads.
### Wow Factor
Floss emphasizes the “wow factor” of this case. Its distinctive design immediately identifies your phone as an HTC M8, making it stand out in a crowd.
### Protection
While not the most protective case on the market, it offers decent scratch protection for the screen and corners.
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## What We Didn’t Like
### Price Point
Priced at $50, floss feels this is slightly steep for the features and build quality. He suggests that if the case were priced around $25–$30, it would be a no-brainer.
### Lint Attraction
The rubber front tends to attract lint, which can be a hassle to clean out. This is particularly problematic if you carry your phone in pockets with debris.
### inability to Stay Open
A major downside is that the case doesn’t stay open on its own. It snaps shut when you try to use it one-handed or hold it in awkward positions, making it less practical for quick tasks like taking photos or sending texts.
### Camera Use Restrictions
You can’t use the camera with the case closed, forcing you to open it every time you want to take a photo. This is inconvenient if you need to capture moments quickly.
### Notification Limitations
Notifications are limited to basic icons (e.g., missed call or email) without additional details like names or numbers. This makes it less functional compared to other cases like the Samsung version, which offers more detailed notifications.
### Durability Concerns
Floss notes that the back plastic is likely to get scratched over time, especially with regular use. While he’s been careful with his review unit, he predicts wear and tear in the future.
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## Comparison to Other Cases
While floss acknowledges that this case isn’t perfect, he compares it favorably to other options like the $60 Samsung case, which has more functionality but a steeper price. For now, the HTC Dot View Case is the only option available for the M8, making it worth considering if you’re looking for something unique and fun.
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## Additional Thoughts
Floss expresses hope that future iterations of this case will include improvements like better protection, additional color options, and a power version with built-in battery functionality. He also highlights the potential for more durable materials in future designs.
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## Conclusion
The HTC Dot View Case is a fun and unique accessory for your HTC M8, offering retro styling, innovative features, and decent build quality. While its $50 price tag may feel high, it’s currently the only option available for this phone. If you’re looking for something different and don’t mind trade-offs like limited protection or notification details, this case could be worth considering. However, if functionality is your top priority, floss suggests waiting to see what other brands like CaseFanatics or Loom bring to the table in the coming months.
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This article provides a detailed breakdown of the HTC Dot View Case’s features, design, and performance based on the provided video transcription.