Announced: Windows Phone 8X by HTC – All the details

HTC have, if we’re honest, had a rough time of it recently. Today in New York it seems like there’s a new direction. HTC have suffered against the relentless and huge Samsung marketing budget. Not only that, but there’s now an endless supply of handsets with similar functionality. Having differentiators is becoming more and more difficult.

Step forward Windows Phone 8.

Say what you like about the OS, it’s different and could be the key for HTC right now. No Android phones are getting announced today.

Let me say that again. HTC did not announce any Android phones today

First up, the Windows Phone 8X. It’s name alone is interesting. HTC are clearly throwing the gauntlet down against Nokia. By calling it “Windows Phone 8X” they’re almost claiming the brand, or at least putting their stamp on it. It’ll be be available in 50 countries beginning in early November. Here in the UK HTC everyone will be ranging the Windows Phone 8X and the 8S too – Three, Orange, T-Mobile, Vodafone, O2, Virgin Media, Carphone Warehouse, Phones4u, Brightpoint and Brightstar Tech Data. Across the world both phones will be available on AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless in the USA, Vodafone, Orange and T-Mobile in Europe.

The Windows Phone 8X by HTC has a dual-core 1.5GHz CPU from Qualcomm (S4) and uses a microSIM. It’s large 4.3″ screen has a resolution of 1280×720 with 341ppi (HD 720p) and Gorilla Glass to protect against scratches. Inside there’s 16GB of storage, 1GB of RAM, NFC, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, WiFi, sensors (G-Sensor, compass, light sensor, proximity sensor) and a 3.5mm audio jack. No external storage unfortunately.

Powered by a capacious 1800mAh battery there’s also Beats Audio technology and built-in amplifiers so that you can enjoy your tunes in the best quality possible, and all day long too. Both devices will be available in a range of bright colours. The 8X can be bought in California Blue, Graphite Black, Flame Red and this Limelight Yellow. No prices as yet.

There’s two cameras – an 8 megapixel auto-focus shooter at back with great low-light shots thanks to the BSI sensor, f/2.0 and HTC ImageChip technology for fast and clear shots. Up front there’s a 2.1 megapixel camera and both do 1080p HD video recording.

Check out the full Windows Phone 8X specs here or scroll down for the main press release. We also have details of the Windows Phone 8S on-line.

Link – HTC – Windows Phone 8X Specs
Related – Windows Phone 8S Details

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, 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 favorite 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.