HTC rolls out first signature Windows Phone 8 handsets

PanARMENIAN.Net - HTC and Microsoft have unveiled the first signature Windows Phone handset, the Windows Phone 8X, featuring Beats audio and a 4.3-inch high resolution screen, Digital Spy said.

The new HTC phone runs Microsoft's latest mobile operating system, Windows Phone 8, sporting the Live Tiles user interface and offering various improvements to the software.

The 8X matches the 4.3-inch 720p HD super LCD 2 display with a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, Beats Audio, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, and NFC support.

Another new handset, the mid-range Windows Phone 8S by HTC, gets a dual-core S4 1GHz processor augmented by 512MB of RAM, along with a smaller 4-inch screen and no Beats Audio.

Both smartphones feature a uni-body design based around the OS, sculpted with tapered edges to make them feel thin and comfortable in the hand.

HTC intends to offer them in a range of premium matte finishes. The Windows Phone 8X will come in California Blue, Graphite Black, Flame Red and Limelight Yellow.

The Windows Phone 8S will be available in Domino, Fiesta Red, Atlantic Blue and High-Rise Grey.

Exclusively available on HTC smartphones is Beats Audio, using the technology developed by the firm co-founded by rap mogul Dr Dre.

The Windows Phone 8X by HTC comes with the audio system and also offers an amplifier powering the 3.5mm audio jack and the speaker, boosting the audio signal for superior sound.

With the 8X handset, HTC is introducing a 2.1mp, f/2.0 aperture, 88° ultra-wide angle front-facing camera that allows four people to be captured at once using the 8MP sensor.

It also supports 1080p video capture, and a dedicated shutter button can be used even when the phone is locked. The 8S gets just a 5MP camera and is limited to 720p video capture.

The display in both phones is fitted with Corning Gorilla Glass for a crystal clear picture but toughness against scratches.

As the handsets are on Microsoft's Windows Phone platform, they have pre-installed apps for the Windows Phone Store, Xbox Live and Microsoft Office.