htc

HTC has rolled out an update for both its Photo Enhancer and Hearing Aids apps. The former has been with us since the platform launched back in 2010, enabling HTC Windows Phone owners to easily edit (or enhance) photos saved on the device with minimal user input. It's a handy tool that's utilised by those who take regular shots and enjoy 'correcting' them before uploading to social networks.

Hold your breath everybody, we're publishing positive news about HTC and the company's finances. After a number of reports released by the manufacturer have each displayed signs of continued negativity, the November unaudited financial documentation is a different story. 

According to company numbers, there are possible signs of improvements with revenues of NT$21.2 billion ($729 million), up from NT$17.2 billion ($529) million reported in October. This boost can be attributed to the release of new hardware on the Android and Windows Phone platforms.

A few days ago we ran a story about Verizon HTC 8X being able to work on both AT&T and T-Mobile networks. Now another test carried out recently has showed the Chinese version of 8X shares the same feature.

The test was performed on a HTC 8X customized for China Telecom (CDMA carrier). The handset worked like a charm when switched to China Unicom (WCDMA carrier) using a different SIM card, on HSPA mode instead of the slow GPRS, as shown in the picture below...

Microsoft’s Windows Phone 8 has launched but that only appears to have signalled the start of a serious global assault of both device launches and advertising.

The HTC 8X has been received incredibly well, which has displayed somewhat of a return to form for the Taiwanese manufacturer (for Windows Phone anyway). Now it’s time to get those devices out there.

UK smartphone retailer Clove, who has been in business for 20 years, now has the HTC 8S in stock and ready for shipment. Available in blue, and priced at just £224, the Windows Phone is an affordable choice for those who wish to move onto Windows Phone 8, but not pay out for flagship models.

While the HTC 8S Windows Phone recently passed through the FCC with support for both AT&T and T-Mobile bands, word from HTC is that the 8S won't be heading to the U.S. Market any time soon.

HTC puts it all in a brief statement.

"The Windows Phone 8X by HTC is our signature Windows Phone available at AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless in the U.S. With our focus on the Windows Phone 8X by HTC, the Windows Phone 8S is not currently planned for distribution in the U.S. market."

While the 8S wasn't expected to set the world on fire, it was expected to be an entry level Windows Phone option for those not wanting to invest as much as they would with the HTC 8X. All may not be lost though. We may still see the 8S pop up as an unlocked option through retailers such as Expansys. Plus, "not currently planned" doesn't really slam the door closed on the 8S.

Source: Engadget

We're still not sure just how many Windows Phone 8 devices both Nokia and HTC have sold thus far, but Steve Ballmer has informed shareholders in a meeting on Wednesday that Windows Phone handsets in the month since launch were 300 percent higher than the same period last year - we have growth.

Should what the executive revealed in the meeting be accurate, Windows Phone sales are increasing with the launch of new hardware. But until we see official numbers it'll remain speculation as to just how much the platform has grown by. Unfortunately, Ballmer failed to announce how many devices have been sold.

Those of you who participate in the Bing Rewards program may have received an email recently, as I did, telling you about a new contest where you can win one of five HTC 8X phones. In addition to winning of HTC's flagship devices, the selected contestants will also receive $200 toward a contract with AT&T, Verizon or T-Mobile.

T-Mobile is currently running a Cyber Monday special that could land you a HTC 8X or Nokia Lumia 810 Windows Phone for free.  The deal is for new purchases and requires a two year contract with T-Mobile.

The deal on the 8X includes a $350 instant discount, a $149.99 web only discount and a $100 rebate.  To qualify for the rebate you'll need to sign up for either T-Mobile's Classic Talk + Text + Web plan or Classic Talk with web service of at least $20 per month.  Once you meet all the terms, just fill out the rebate form and mail it in.

The Cyber Monday deal on the Lumia 810 is a little more straight forward with $400 discount and $149.99 web only discount that drops the price to zero, zilch, nadda.  You do have to sign the two year contract and sign up for one of T-Mobile's Classic plans.

The fine print reads that these are web only offers and may not be available at retail stores.  You can find all the details here at T-Mobile.

Thanks, everyone, for the tip!