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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.

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

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

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 the 8X today, and Rogers just dropped me a line saying that they'll have both the 8 GB and 16 GB model available. Rogers will actually have an exclusive on the 8 GB model, though I'm having a hard time believing anyone would really be itching for less storage rather than more. 

No word on price just yet, but it's looking like AT&T will be getting the HTC 8X for $199, which could very well translate to Canada as well. Now just to see if TELUS, Bell, or even WIND or Mobilicity will be offering any of the new HTC devices...  Update: Bell just let me know that they'll have the device available too, though TELUS and the other carriers were conspicuously absent from the HTC press release they sent me. 

Here's a quick reminder of the specs on the HTC 8X. 

One of the centerpiece features of the Nokia Lumia 920 is the Pureview camera and optical image stabilization. Now that the specs are official with the HTC 8X and 8S we know that HTC has scaled back the camera resolution from the HTC Titan II but kept the BSI Sensor in play. But there are a few bells and whistles in play with the 8X's camera that may make it hold its own against Nokia's Pureview technology.

Let's go ahead and get this out of the way. The 8S is an entry level Windows Phone and the camera matches that class. The 8S has a 5MP camera fitted with a 35mm f2.8 lens. It will likely produce average photos. We'll have to wait and see how the processing software performs but look for the 8S to offer decent, if not average, photos.

We managed to spend some near and dear time with the recently announced HTC 8X and the HTC 8S. What can we say besides that we love the new look for HTC--bold colors, smooth designs, excellent screens--we see a bright and popular future for the new HTC series.

The HTC 8X features a 4.3" 720p display with a whopping 344ppi and a dual-core 1.5GHz, meanwhile the 8S features a more modest WVGA resolution but in an also outstanding design.

Don't believe us? Watch the video above and decide for yourself.

Today, September 19^th, HTC finally took the veil of their 8X device featuring Windows Phone 8. The device features an array of various technologies, including a 4.3” Super LCD2 display with Gorilla Glass2 at 720P resolution. In addition, the 8X features a 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm S4 CPU, 1GB of RAM and 16GB of non-expandable storage.

But perhaps the most interesting feature besides the included NFC and 8MP BSI camera, is the Beats audio software and hardware. The software features some advanced DSP and signal correction technology but the 8X also features a 2.55v amplifier to greatly increase sound output.

And just as important, the HTC 8X will be coming to AT&T (US) for an estimated price of $199...

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We're live from New York at the HTC event where we expect to see Windows Phone love with the unveiling of both the 8X and 8S. Could we see more? Only time will tell. Be sure to join in, say hello and enjoy the show as Windows Phone Central brings you live coverage of HTC's Windows Phone 8 announcement event.