After countless rumors, leaks and endless speculation, the HTC 8S was unveiled this morning by HTC. The Windows Phone 8 device features an impressive array of specs which should finally allow HTC’s WP devices to compete directly with their Android counterparts. The HTC 8S is powered by a 1GHz dual-core Qualcomm S4 processor and features a 4-inch WVGA (800×480) display, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, microSD card slot and a 1700mAh battery all wrapped up in a deep blue polycarbonate unibody shell which measures 120.5 x 63 x 10.28mm and weighs 113 grams. Other features include Beats Audio, 5 megapixel camera with LED flash paired with a f/2.8 35mm lens capable of 720p HD video capture and dedicated camera button.
The naming of the new phone was a partnership with Microsoft to deliver a clear and simple message to consumers that the Windows Phone HTC 8S and Windows Phone HTC 8X delivered the best WP8 experience possible. The design of the HTC 8S was envisioned by the 2D tiles within the new OS, transforming them into a real-world representation on Microsoft’s new operating system. Like the HTC One family, HTC has micro-drilled the speaker holes on the front and back of the device. If you were hoping for bold color options, the HTC 8S has exactly what you are looking for with 4 two-toned color options . Check out the press release below for more details on the HTC 8S.
Pricing details were not revealed, but HTC has plans to launch the HTC 8S in Europe, Asia and North American in November. In the UNited States, the HTC 8S will be available from AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon.
HTC AND MICROSOFT UNVEIL FIRST SIGNATURE WINDOWS PHONES
New Windows Phone 8X and 8S by HTC to be available through more than 150 mobile operators globally
NEW YORK, 19th September, 2012 — 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, studio-quality sound with Beats Audio™ and incredible camera capabilities.
“Pairing HTC’s beautiful new Windows Phone 8X and 8S with our brand is a big milestone for both companies,” said Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft. “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. “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 recognized as being groundbreaking, innovative and fresh. HTC created the Windows Phone 8X and 8S to blend the virtual and the physical utilizing a three dimensional, pure uni-body 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 magically thin in your hand.
Because color is such an integral part of the Windows Phone experience, HTC is bringing bold, sophisticated and adventurous colors in a premium matte finish to these devices. The Windows Phone 8X will come in a variety of colors including California Blue, Graphite Black, Flame Red and Limelight Yellow. The Windows Phone 8S by HTC will be available in Domino, Fiesta Red, Atlantic Blue and High-Rise Gray.
Capture and share your world
For the first time, 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 sensor with backside-illumination (BSI) 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.
Spectacular Sound with Beats Audio
Exclusively available on HTC smartphones, Beats Audio provides authentic, studio-quality sound that delivers the spirit of the original recording. The Windows Phone 8X by HTC featuring Beats Audio also offers a unique audio amplifier 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.
Brilliant Display
The Windows Phone 8X by HTC features a beautiful, 4.3” HD-resolution super LCD 2 screen protected from everyday bumps and scrapes by lightweight Gorilla® Glass 2, while optical lamination reduces reflections and glare, ensuring you see every detail. The Windows Phone 8S by HTC boasts a bright super LCD 4” screen with Gorilla® Glass, allowing users to see the Windows Phone Live Tiles, and every message and photo, with crystal clarity and sparkling color.
Entertainment
With the Windows Phone 8X and 8S by HTC people can carry their favorite music, movies and photos with them wherever they go. With the Windows Phone 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 and 8S by HTC will be available beginning in November. Available through more than 150 carriers in 50+ countries, the Windows Phone 8X or 8S by HTC will be available from the world’s top carriers including: United States: AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless.Europe: Orange, O2 Telefonica, MTS, Three UK, T-Mobile, and Vodafone Asia-Pacific: Chunghwa Telecom, Optus, Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (Singtel), Smartone, Telstra and Vodafone Australia.
Only windows phone? I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR ONE X + FOR MY WHOLE LIFE!!!,
Lol. we were a bit shocked at how short the event was. The new Android devices should be right around the corner.
Also extremely disappointed…I was really pumped for the unveiling of a quad-core Android-based phone today. I want nothing to do with Windows/Microsoft. Guess I’ll settle for the One X this time (that is if I don’t turn to the Samsung Galaxy!)
HTC can’t churn out a new flagship every couple of months, it takes time to create a truly incredible device. Owning a One X, I’m glad that they took as long as they did to make it the best it could be. I also think it’s a good thing that HTC is still supporting Windows Phone. It gives them a more diverse catalog, which is good. Even though I’m an avid Android fan, and I don’t see myself switching anytime soon, it’s not about appealing to me. It’s about appealing to as many potential customers as possible, and for some people, WP8 may be a better option than Android. If these Windows phones do well, it means HTC has a better budget to make better phones in the future, both Android and Windows.
I’m glad HTC is going back to making MS phones. I hope WP8 will be as successful in time as the Android and iOS have been. It would be so much easier to have a simple yearly OS update like iOS. This would help HTC & other manufacturers.