HTC 8X

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.

We know that the HTC 8X Windows Phone is headed to AT&T, T-Mobile and Rogers Canada. We are now learning of additional global carriers and a hint at U.S. pricing.

According to HTC's press release posted on their UK site,

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.

There wasn't any distinction as to which carrier will be getting which HTC device but it is nice to see Verizon mentioned.  Keep in mind though, we haven't seen confirmation from several of these carriers but the 8X's global availability does look promising.

As to the hint on pricing, the press release notes that U.S. pricing for the 8X will be $199.99* at AT&T and T-Mobile. If this price holds true, it is likely after two-year contractual discounts. 

*Note: It is our understanding that the pricing point for the 8X was released in error and all involved are still scratching their heads on the final pricing point.  It could be more or it could be less.  Once we hear something from the carriers, we'll pass it on.

Source: HTC UK

HTC has just released all the juicy details about their upcoming Windows Phone 8 devices but the story certainly isn’t over yet.

It’s clear HTC is keen to get back into the game with Windows Phone 8 and prove they are more than a match for Nokia. Design and colour look to be the key differentiators for Windows Phones from now on, HTC, like Nokia are launching their devices in a spectrum of colour.  A strong focus on stand out design could be what propels Windows Phone 8 in the eyes of consumers.

You can add T-Mobile (US) to the growing list of wireless carriers who will be adding the HTC 8X Windows Phone to their shelves in the coming months.

Details on pricing and availability were not released by T-Mobile beyond availability is expected in the coming months.  While no release date was announced, T-Mobile has set up a website where you can sign up for email notifications on the HTC 8X's availability.

So just to recap, it has been confirmed the the 8X is headed to Rogers Canada, AT&T and now T-Mobile. Could Verizon be next?

Source: T-Mobile

We reported earlier that the HTC 8X Windows Phone was headed to Rogers Canada. You can now add AT&T to the list of wireless carriers who will be offering the new HTC Windows Phone.

In a short and to the point press release AT&T has confirmed plans to carry the 8X with the coming months.  AT&T did not release any information on pricing.

If everything holds true and the Nokia Lumia 920 lands on AT&T's shelves, AT&T customers may have a hard time deciding on their next Windows Phone.

Source: AT&T

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.

The recently announced HTC 8X is a colourful Windows Phone from HTC, which is a step in a new direction compared to what we're seen from the company in the past with its aluminium and dark plastic builds. Providing consumers more choice in terms of colour and design is definitely what we need to make Windows Phone stand out against competitors.

That being said, it's always a pickle when it comes to actually deciding on what colour you'd like to own. Are you white, blue, green, red, or even magnolia? Smartphone looks can be a personal preference when multiple variants of a single device are available.

HTC have finally put their cards on the table and released details of the HTC 8X, their new flagship Windows Phone 8 device. Gone are the HTC ultra-utilitarian design aesthetics and in its place we see a smooth curvy body design that comes in some cheeky colours.

HTC have been with Windows Phone from the beginning and many have eagerly awaited the pronouncement of their new devices. With a strong design heritage and deep understanding of the platform, HTC have produced some of the finest devices. The 8X is their flagship phone, but how does it compare to the Lumia 920, the hero device from Nokia?