Windows Phone 8 releases multiplying by the week
HTC and Microsoft have unveiled HTC's first Windows Phones, the Windows Phone 8X and 8S. The smartphones feature the Windows Phone 8 (WP8) operating system and are going for immersive studio quality sound with Beats Audio and strong camera capabilities as their differentiators, as the WP8 market hots up. Malik Saadi, principal analyst at Informa Telecoms & Media, noted recently that all WP8 devices are set to look the same. He explained: 'If you take a closer look at the Windows Phone 8 platform specifications, it is clear that, as far as enabled devices are concerned, differentiation on the hardware side will be difficult. This means all Windows Phone 8 devices will come with similar hardware (multicore processor, same display size and quality, similar memory capacity, etc).'
HTC is using cameras and design as its differentiator. The company designed the Windows Phone 8X and 8S using a 3D efect based on the Windows Phone Live Tiles.
For the first time ever, HTC is introducing a 2.1mp, f/2.0 aperture, 88° ultra-wide angle front-facing camera. It also supports 1080p video capture. The rear camera sports an 8 megapixel 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. The Windows Phone 8X and 8S by HTC are tapered, making them feel thin in the hand. While the 8X features a 4.3 inch HD resolution super LCD 2 screen, the 8S has a bright four inch screen. The displays are protected from bumps and scrapes by lightweight Gorilla Glass, while optical lamination reduces reflections and glare.
'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 at Microsoft. 'Together we are offering customers a simple choice and a truly unique experience.' 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.
