HTC Announces Windows Phone 8X and 8S
|So earlier a video was posted of the new HTC Windows Phones, I have the official PR for that along with pictures of the phones. Now I’m torn between the Nokia Lumia 920 and one of these, not sure which one I want. I’ve been saving my AT&T upgrade for the new Window’s Phones, anyway here’s the official PR and pictures for you…
Here’s the 8S:
Then here’s the 8X:
HTC, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, and Microsoft today unveiled the first signature Windows Phones, the stunning Windows Phone 8X and 8S by HTC. The smartphones feature the new Windows Phone 8 operating system and boast iconic design, immersive studio-quality sound with Beats Audio™ and incredible camera capabilities.
“Pairing these beautiful new HTC phones with our Windows Phone brand is a big milestone for both of our companies and our partnership.” said Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft. “Together we are offering customers a simple choice and a truly unique experience.”
“We’ve been inspired by Windows Phone 8 to create new smartphones that give the platform the iconic design and personality it deserves,” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. “Windows Phone has clearly emerged as one of the top mobile ecosystems and is competitive against any other smartphone platform in the world.”
Iconic Design
The only phone with Live Tiles, Windows Phone has a clear, differentiated vision and the consumer experience has been widely recognised as being groundbreaking, innovative and fresh. With people as its inspiration, HTC designed the Windows Phone 8X and 8S by HTC in way to blend the virtual and the physical utilising a 3D pillow-like design based on the Windows Phone Live Tiles. The Windows Phone 8X and 8S by HTC are perfectly sculpted with a dramatic taper making them feel thin in the hand. Because colour is such an integral part of the Windows Phone experience, HTC is bringing bold, sophisticated and adventurous colours in a premium matte finish to these devices including California Blue, Graphite Black, Flame Red and Limelight Yellow for the Windows Phone 8X, by HTC and Domino Black-White, Fiesta Red, Atlantic Blue and High-Rise Grey-Yellow for the Windows Phone 8S by HTC.
Spectacular Sound with Beats Audio
Exclusively available on HTC smartphones, Beats Audio delivers the most authentic, studio-quality sound, with deeper bass and crisp vocals. The Windows Phone 8X by HTC also offers unique audio amplifiers powering the 3.5mm audio jack and the speaker, boosting the audio signal for even better sound no matter if you’re listening to music, playing a game or watching a video.
Capture and share your world
For the first time ever, HTC is introducing a 2.1mp, f/2.0 aperture, 88° ultra-wide angle front-facing camera that allows up to four people and more to be captured at once. It also supports 1080p video capture. The rear camera sports an 8mp CMOS with a backside-illuminated (BSI) sensor for improved low-light performance, along with an f/2.0 aperture, 28mm lens and a dedicated imaging chip. A physical shutter button makes it quick and easy to capture spontaneous action, even if the phone is locked.
Brilliant Display
The Windows Phone 8X by HTC features a beautiful, 4.3” HD-resolution super LCD 2 screen, while the Windows Phone 8S by HTC boasts a bright 4” screen, allowing users to see the Windows Phone Live Tiles, and every message and photo, with crystal clarity and sparkling colour. The displays are protected from everyday bumps and scrapes by lightweight Gorilla® Glass, while optical lamination reduces reflections and glare, ensuring you see every detail.
Entertainment
With the Windows Phone 8X and 8S by HTC people can carry their favourite music, movies and photos with them wherever they go. With the Windows Phone Marketplace Store and Xbox Live, it is easier than ever to enjoy the latest video, music and games on the move.
Availability
The Windows Phone 8X by HTC will be available in 50 countries beginning in early November with 126 mobile operators. The Windows Phone 8S by HTC will be available in 52 countries beginning in November with more than 146 mobile operators.
UK – HTC is pleased to announce that all HTC’s UK Operator, Retail and Distribution partners will be ranging both the Windows Phone 8X and 8S by HTC: Three, Orange, T-Mobile, Vodafone, O2, Virgin Media, Carphone Warehouse, Phones4u, Brightpoint and Brightstar Tech Data
The phones will also be ranged by a number of other operators including AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless in the USA; Vodafone, Orange and T-Mobile in Europe; and Telstra, Vodafone Australia, Singapore Telecommunications Group, Chunghwa Telecom, Smartone, Optus and Telecom NZ in Asia-Pacific.
About HTC
Founded in 1997, HTC Corp. (HTC) is the creator of many award-winning mobile devices and industry firsts. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC pushes the boundaries of design and technology to create innovative and personal experiences for consumers around the globe. HTC’s portfolio includes smartphones and tablets powered by HTC Sense®, a multilayered graphical user interface that vastly improves user experience. HTC is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE: 2498). For more information, please visit www.htc.com.
HTC certainly has flexed their carrier support muscles this time around. They are launching with a tremendous amount of availability and that bodes really well for them.
I actually like the design of the 8S better especially the Domino two-tone version. Had they packed everything they did in the 8X into the 8S body and I think that would have sold through the roof.
Can you say blatant ripoff of Nokia’s design. These phones don’t really compete with the Lumia 920. Why? The 8X doesn’t have the following.
– 4.5″ screen(subjective, yes)
– PureMotion HD+ 60FPS screen(blur free)
– Automatic color adjustment to sunlight
– Screen works with gloves
– Optical Image Stabilization
– 32GB storage
– Bluetooth 4.0
Need I go on. The Lumia also looks more premium and seems to have better build quality. About the only edge the 8X enjoys is a higher resolution FFC and it’s lighter.
I also need to mention the Lumia 920 has 3 high amplitude microphones. The 8X? No!
WOW!!!!!! I guess HTC wants to win us deserters back. I am saving up my AT&T upgrade for the next gen Windows Phone, and my only choice was the Nokia Lumia 920, but seeing these new phones from HTC, I don’t know if I should get one or the other. Although Joe makes a good point, sometimes it’s not about what the phone brings, sometimes it’s all about looks, and wow these new puppies definitely got them. WHAT TO DO!?!?! I guess I’ll convince my other family members to get other Windows Phones while I get the Lumia 920 hehehehe.
The HTC do look nice, and I like the color options. It’s just a bit shameful though to completely rip off another companies design. As for specs, the 8X really doesn’t compare. The Lumia 920 also had a bigger battery.