HTC 8S

How expensive is HTC's new hardware?

Pricing for the HTC 8X and HTC 8S, which were announced yesterday at the manufacturer's Windows Phone event in New York, have been revealed by online UK retailer Unlocked Mobiles. While both handsets aren't entirely matching Nokia's Lumia line of Apollo hardware, the designs and technology powering both the 8S and 8X ensures they're not left behind in a smoke trail.

Welcome to another From the Forums, where we bring you the latest and greatest discussions from the Windows Phone Central forums. It has been a rather busy day with a lot of articles being pumped through our feed so we figured it would be a jolly good idea to wrap up the discussions that are on-going in our community.

We've opened up two new forums for the HTC 8X and HTC 8S, which were both unveiled by HTC today in New York. If you're considering purchasing one of the two new Windows Phones from HTC, be sure to head on over to the designated sections to engage with other readers in relevant discussions.

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Today HTC unveiled their new Windows Phone 8 devices, the 8X and the 8S (see our hands on). Jay Bennett and Daniel Rubino discuss both phones, whether people were impressed and what this means for the Windows Phone ecosystem. We also field some of your questions.

Listen in as we help decide which phone is the bestest. HD Video after the break...

HTC announced the 8X and 8S today at its New York Windows Phone 8 presentation. These two new smartphones are the company's Apollo entries to go up against Samsung's ATIV S and Nokia's family of Lumias. 

The HTC 8X and 8S sport new designs and implemented features that are sure to turn heads and demand attention - particularly the choice of colours and Beats Audio support. Both featuring LCD 2 displays and dual-core S4 chips, the new HTC Windows Phones aren't slouches by any means.

We've opened up two new forums -- one for the 8X and another for the 8S -- for these handsets, which can now be discussed as well as any compatible accessories. 

The black and white HTC 8S sports a unique black (on light) theme for use, according to a hands-on video by smartphoneinfos. We've taken a good look and it's definitely a new theme. The question is if this is simply an exclusive colour to HTC or we could well be seeing more colours on offer for use in Windows Phone 8.

Many (including ourselves) have been after more themes since Windows Phone launched back in late 2010, and a black theme was high in the request list. Looking at the theme in action on the HTC 8S indeed makes it seem possible that we could see more colours available to choose from when personalising a Windows Phone.

HTC 8S Windows Phone

HTC has officially entered the Windows Phone 8 arena with the announcement of the 8X and 8S Windows Phone. The announcement completes the October tri-fecta that included similar announcements from Samsung and Nokia.

We've all had time to digest the HTC announcements and here are our first impressions and thoughts on the latest Windows Phone devices to come to light.

HTC 8X and 8S both on their way to UK shores

Three UK has announced on their official blog plans to stock both HTC Windows Phones that were announced today at the manufacturer's event in New York. The HTC 8X and 8S are HTC's entries for Apollo to match Nokia's new Lumia line and the Samsung ATIV S.

Unfortunately no details have been supplied surrounding availability or pricing, but if we're to follow how AT&T will be setting bars, we wont be looking at a loan or possibility of a remortgage. EE (Everything Everywhere - Orange and T-Mobile) has taken up both the Lumia 820 and Lumia 920 to launch on its new 4G LTE network.

We'll expect more information to be published by Three on what models will be stocked, as well as colours and pricing. Now Three UK and EE have both thrown their support behind Windows Phone 8, only the likes of Vodafone and O2 remain.

Source: Three UK

Not long before their big event today in New York City, HTC has announced a new endeavor called "HTC Trade Up." As the name suggests, the Trade Up program lets you trade in your old smartphone (as long as it is in working condition) for up to $300 toward a new HTC phone.

Here's how it works: Firstly, you need to get a quote for your current device by going to the source link below. After that, you purchase a new HTC smartphone, and mail in your old one. HTC will then send you a prepaid Visa card for the amount that was quoted to you. Quotes are good for 30 days.

HTC announced a number of handsets at its Windows Phone event today, but how did it leave you? Were you impressed by the new hardware the manufacturer had to show off, or where you expecting more? It's easy to write off Windows Phone OEMs when Nokia plays such an important role in marketing and development of the platform.

The Lumia 820 and 920 set the bar fairly high and HTC had a lot to do to at least reach the heights Nokia is currently sat at in terms of quality. This is noticable in HTC's new approach to design with multiple colours available for both the 8X and 8S. 

HTC announced both the HTC 8X and HTC 8S today at its Windows Phone 8 event in New York. What was relatively unexpected by many was the inclusion of Beats Audio on both handsets. Beats Audio by Dr Dre (official website) has been coupled with an extra amplifier for audio out for large Beats headphones for a clearer sound. It's reported to be able to pump "higher treble, deeper base, greater clarity" into your ears.

HTC's Scott Croyle had the following to add on the extra amplifier in the New York presentation:

"Constantly monitors the speaker condition and adjusts to ensure the best sound quality possible"

While the 8S sports Beats Audio on-board, there's no extra amplifier - 8X only. Both HTC Windows Phones will have a pre-installed app that enables users to turn on / off functionality, and a notification is displayed when plugging in headphones that can take full advantage of Beats Audio. The company was previously rumoured to be bringing Beats to Windows Phone a year ago, it's positive to see HTC finally making the leap.

But what are your thoughts? Do you believe Beats is a good feature for Windows Phone to share with Android? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.