Microsoft's (NASDAQ:
MSFT
) upcoming mobile operating system, Windows Phone 8, is getting two
additional handsets from a key manufacturer. HTC has unveiled two
new Windows Phone 8 devices -- the 8X and 8S. The former will be a
high-end smartphone with a 4.3-inch screen. HTC plans to release
the 8X in 50 countries starting in early November, which will reach
126 different mobile operators.
HTC's other Windows Phone 8 device, the 8S, comes with a
four-inch screen and will be sold in 52 countries. More than 146
operators are expected to offer the 8S to customers.
Wednesday's announcement comes only weeks after Nokia (NYSE:
NOK
) and Samsung unveiled initial batches of Windows Phone 8 devices.
While Samsung's device, the ATIV S, is being viewed as a weaker
alternative to its flagship Android-based phones (including the
Galaxy S III), Nokia's products are making significant advancements
in mobile computing. This is especially true of the Lumia 920,
which offers a
number of exclusive features
that cannot be found in any other smartphone, including Apple's
(NASDAQ:
AAPL
) iPhone 5.
The Lumia 920 features wireless charging, wireless docking,
PureView camera technology
, and a touch screen that is sensitive enough to be used while
wearing gloves. These are just some of the improvements that Nokia
made in building its chief Windows Phone 8 device.
HTC on the other hand, seems to be playing a game of catch-up.
The company has announced that both of its smartphones will feature
"studio-quality" sound with Beats Audio, as well as an
eight-megapixel rear camera. The 8S also features a unique
front-facing camera, which boasts a wide-angle lens that is
designed to capture a large group of people in one shot, which may
prove useful to Facebook (NASDAQ:
FB
) users that like to post directly to the site.
Both the 8X and 8S will "blend the virtual and the physical
utilizing a three dimensional, pure uni-body design based on the
Windows Phone Live Tiles," the company announced this morning. "The
Windows Phone 8X and 8S by HTC are perfectly sculpted with a
dramatic taper making them feel magically thin in your hand."
"Pairing HTC's beautiful new Windows Phone 8X and 8S with our
brand is a big milestone for both companies," Steve Ballmer, CEO of
Microsoft, said in a
company
release
. "Together we are offering customers a clear choice and a truly
unique experience. I'm thrilled to take our longstanding
partnership to the next level."
"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,
who was also quoted in a company release. "Windows Phone has
clearly emerged as one of the top mobile ecosystems and is
competitive against any other smartphone platform in the
world."
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