In New York today the Windows Phone 8X by HTC was unveiled. HTC's new Windows Phone 8 flagship device has a 4.3 inch (720p HD resolution, Super LCD 2), 1.5 GHz processor with 1GB RAM, 16GB internal memory, a class leading 8 megapixel camera (f2.0 lens and a BSI sensor), and integrated Beats audio, all wrapped in a slimline polycarbonate casing.
We've summarised the key points and technical specifications in this news story, but you can read additional detail and analysis about the handset in our hands-on preview of the HTC 8X, which covers the key design, user experience and hardware elements.
HTC today announced the 8S, one of its two new Windows Phone 8 handsets, both fo which feature enhanced audio capability provided by Beats Audio. The 8S is the budget model of the pair, offering a 4 inch 800x480 Super LCD Gorilla Glass display. As expected in Windows Phone 8 devices, the 8S also has a dual-core Qualcomm S4 1GHz CPU. Memory is limited at 512MB of RAM and 4GB of mass storage. The latter can be expanded via the 8S' MicroSD card slot. The 8S has a distinctive design that will be recognisable by virtue of its various two-tone colour schemes.
At last week's launch event for the Lumia 920 and 820, Nokia was keeping pricing and availability information to a minimum, with the only official statement being that the devices would "enter into select markets in Q4". However, a number of operators, from around the world, have announced their intention to carry the device, making it possible to put together some general information around availability.
At its New York press event, Nokia announced the forthcoming Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 and also a range of new accessories. This range utilises support for Qi wireless charging and NFC 'tap to pair' Bluetooth audio. There was no word on pricing, but Nokia stated all would be released with the Lumia 920. Here's our guide to what's on offer and what you need to know (apart from prices!).
Alongside the Lumia 920 announcement in New York, at a joint event with Microsoft, Nokia announced the Nokia Lumia 820, a follow on to the Nokia Lumia 800. Key features include a 4.3 inch WVGA ClearBlack Display OLED screen, a swappable polycarbonate body, and an eight megapixel camera with Carl-Zeiss optics.
Nokia has launched its Windows Phone 8 devices today in New York, including the flagship Nokia Lumia 920. With echoes of the Lumia 900, the 920 packs a Qualcomm S4 Snapdragon processor, with 32GB and a 4.5 inch screen featuring Nokia's PureMotion HD+ technology. It's also equipped with Nokia's PureView branding, with optical image stabilisation enhancing the output of the on-board camera.
Today at IFA in Berlin, Samsung announced its first Windows Phone 8 device, the ATIV S, with 8.7mm brushed aluminum chassis and a huge 4.8” HD Super AMOLED display. Under the hood is a 1.5Ghz dual-core processor, 1GB of onboard RAM, and an 8MP autofocus rear camera, plus 16GB or 32GB mass memory and MicroSD expansion. Particularly impressive is the inclusion of a big 2300mAh battery. Some more details and photos below.
Big software house Digia has announced that it has 'signed an agreement to acquire Qt software technologies and Qt business from Nokia'. Once the acquisition is completed, Digia will become responsible for all the Qt activities formerly carried out by Nokia, including product development, licensing and service. Digia 'plans to quickly enable Qt on the Android, iOS and Windows 8 platforms'. As part of the transaction, a maximum of 125 people from Nokia will transfer to Digia, mostly based in Oslo, Norway and Berlin, Germany.
An update to Nokia Maps, version 2.5, is now available from the Nokia collection in Windows Phone Marketplace. The new version improves the ability to plan and edit routes, adds support for Groupon offers integration (currently US only), and, in select areas, will show live traffic data on the map.
The Windows Phone 7.5 Refresh update is now widely available for the Nokia Lumia 800 and Lumia 710. The software update includes both the generic "Tango" platform updates (MMS updates, SIM contacts) and a number of Nokia specific updates (Internet tethering, flip to silent). In most cases a three stage update process will be required, which takes around an hour to complete.
