BOF Posted September 20, 2012 Moderator Share Posted September 20, 2012 Let's start this thread off with HTC & Microsoft's new duo. All going well for MS, this thread might become pretty relevant ... HTC launches Windows Phone 8 duo As it continues its aggressive push in the smartphone space, Microsoft has announced two Windows Phone 8 handsets designed by Taiwanese vendor HTC. The HTC Windows Phone 8X is the premium handset of the two, with a 4.3in HD screen and a Qualcomm S4 1.5GHz dual-core processor. It has 1GB RAM, 16GB storage space and comes with an 8-megapixel camera. The HTC Windows Phone 8S meanwhile has a smaller 4in display, a Qualcomm S4 1GHz dual-core processor, 512MB RAM and 16GB storage space. According to Digantam Gurung, analyst at CCS insight, the appearance of Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer at the launch event, alongside Peter Chou, CEO of HTC, provides assurance of the strength of the HTC-Microsoft relationship. “However, this is likely to frustrate Nokia who feel they are the “lead” Windows 8 licensee. It appears Microsoft is very keen to maintain a level playing field amongst Windows Phone makers at this stage,” he said. He added that the release of the 8X at the high end of the smartphone market now presents an opportunity for HTC to reassert itself following disappointing sales of previous Android handsets that were eclipsed by Samsung’s. “HTC will try and capitalise on growing momentum behind Windows Phone 8 aligned to the impending launch of Windows 8 which will be supported by an eye-watering Microsoft marketing budget,” Gurung added. “These new devices are not an attempt to de-emphasise HTC’s focus on Android, but rather add more diversity to the HTC portfolio, particularly given the growing competitive pressure with Android.” Earlier this month, Nokia announced its Flagship WP8 products, the Lumia 920 and Lumia 820, while Samsung also launched its ATIV S device. The Windows 8 operating system for desktops is slated for launch in October this year. The Windows Phone 8X and 8S by HTC will be available beginning in November, through more than 150 carriers in over 50 countries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CVByrne Posted September 20, 2012 Share Posted September 20, 2012 So first things first. The Windows Phone 8 devices look nicer than the Android devices bar maybe the HTC One series. I'm still getting the Lumia, it has a bigger screen and some interesting new features like the camera and wireless charging. Plus this use through gloves tech. Stuff I'm interested to try out basically. The HTC phones are just quality phones running WP8. Essentially the same innards as their One series of Android phones with a sleek new design. I really hope WP8 takes off. Apple have shown that are done innovating in this sphere and Microsoft will need to take their place. Plus WP8 has the advantage of its look, far more modern and exciting than mere icons. I'm excited to see what it's like. You tempted BOF? The 8S will retail unlocked for £395, so undercuts the top Android handsets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BOF Posted September 20, 2012 Author Moderator Share Posted September 20, 2012 I definitely wouldn't go bleeding edge. I'll wait and get a lie of the land. At the moment I'd still err towards android simply because I like the open source ethos behind it plus I don't like 'supporting' companies like Apple or Microsoft. Microsoft's key advantage is their usual advantage i.e. the ubiquitousness of their PC O/S and their ability to put official MS apps on their phones. So in other words their compatibility with the machines most of the world uses most of the day. If they do this right then that it is the single biggest reason they could succeed. They're definitely not here to make up the numbers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CVByrne Posted September 20, 2012 Share Posted September 20, 2012 Well they are positioning themselves that way. First up, their new OS both Windows and Windows Phone look far far more modern than anything Apple or Google has to offer. The only problem is they are late. But, WP8 and Windows 8 share the same kernel, so it'll be easy for developers to write apps for both systems. Meaning the obvious app explosion on Windows 8 will result in many apps on WP8. Many of these could be new innovative apps, as they are written for by far and away the most popular OS. So as a result could see versions hit WP8. It's great strategy and thinking from Microsoft. Especially in the tablet sphere where you get windows in desktop or touchscreen mode. Depending on if you are sitting down using office at a desk or on the move. It's versatility is its edge over Apple with their seperate worlds of OSX and iOS. I know apples stock is high and they'll ship loads of iphones, but it's the end of the beginning for them. The iphone 5 is the beginning of the battle of stalingrad. It looks like the battle will be won based on the initial evidence (sales of the iphone) But over confidence and a reliance on old technology will result in their defeat. Apple shares are about to reach their peak. I'm sure Microsoft of about to get back in the game, big time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CVByrne Posted September 20, 2012 Share Posted September 20, 2012 Why Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 excite me so much is because of the potential for a seamlessly integrated world. A world where you can have a full laptop experience when you have a desk or lap, you can use the same device in tablet mode when you're on a bus or train, that you can work on the same files in the same apps with the same functionality on your phone. The world where X Box integration means the same game can be played on your tv or phone or tablet or laptop or your hybrid device. All you need is the same wireless controller. This is a world where Microsoft is, to my eyes anyway, innovating far beyond the reaches of Apple. Google are partially crippled by the fact Android tablets have failed, now Windows - the inventors of the device - have come along with Tablets that can do far more than an Android tablet. Google don't have a laptop/pc OS either. Microsoft are the only company that can offer a unified world, mobile, tablet, pc and games. All together in one ecosystem. I'm excited to embrace it. I'll be sitting here in 8 weeks time with a Nokia Lumia 920 running Windows Phone 8, a Samsung Series 9 running Windows 8 Pro and a Microsoft Surface running Windows RT. Lets hope by the turn of the year I'm not dissappointed by my experience. Microsofts share price is $31.33 today. I'm going to invest some savings in that stock in the coming weeks. I saw the Apple boat coming with the iPod and did nothing, I saw Samsung with its smartphones especially after the S2 and did nothing. We'll see where it goes with me "seeing" Microsoft's vision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mykeyb Posted September 21, 2012 Share Posted September 21, 2012 I used to love Windows Mobile going way back to the Orange SPV C500, then the Orange M500 finishing on the HTC Touch. In typical microsoft fashion they didnt really develop the OS back then and it cost them because by the time they had got their act together Apple had stolen a lot of their market, Android then came in and stole even more and some back from Apple. I hope they get it right and learn the lessons from the Mobile & Zune fiascos because if they do they could steal back some market share from the disillusioned Apple customers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CVByrne Posted September 21, 2012 Share Posted September 21, 2012 I think if they nail the core functionality in WP8 they can certainly tempt plenty of Apple iphone users to try something different but equally simple and intuitive to use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Rev Posted October 12, 2012 Share Posted October 12, 2012 Looks like they are having a fire sale on the Lumia 800 in Phones4U. Tempted to get one for Mrs The_Rev, and while I know they are only going to be updated to Windows Phone 7.8, they are still a really nice bit of hardware arent they? Especially for somebody who couldnt give two shits about updates. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CVByrne Posted October 14, 2012 Share Posted October 14, 2012 Yeah the 800 is a lovely looking phone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CVByrne Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 Prices revealed for Windows Surface. It's $100 cheaper than the comparable 32gb iPad. Or the same price if you include the touch cover which is $100. Not as cheap as the (illogical) rumours were saying. But still they're undercutting the iPad, which is good news. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CVByrne Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 Let's get one thing straight. Microsoft are pretty useless at selling anything. I am forced to enter a UK billing address to purchase something I want shipped to the UK. So, in the world Microsoft work in, I cannot live in London and buy something with an Irish creditcard. For the sole reason that their site wants a stupid postal address and refuses to accept an irish one. Because these idiots think ah ha we're helping people not enter invalid postal codes. No Microsoft you word removeds, you're enraging a person who's trying to preorder a Surface with a Cyan touch cover. But you have just enraged him on a Tuesday night. Say what you want about how shit apple products are. At least they're not a bunch of amatures at selling you their shit. Amazing amount of rage for a tuesday evening. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tegis Posted October 16, 2012 VT Supporter Share Posted October 16, 2012 Sounds like google for anyone but US/UK. I can still not order a Nexus device from them. Or buy a book, or use music Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CVByrne Posted October 17, 2012 Share Posted October 17, 2012 Yeah actually you're right, I never got my Play credit from Google for the exact same thing. UK Card with Irish postal address was beyond their comprehension too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CVByrne Posted October 17, 2012 Share Posted October 17, 2012 I've ended up having to get my mate to order it. But with the black touch cover. This is the final throw of the dice for me to believe that there is a legitimate place for tablet computing in my world. Personally I think a 13.3 inch laptop and an low price 8 inch tablet is the real best combination for me. But we'll see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CVByrne Posted October 23, 2012 Share Posted October 23, 2012 Can we rename this thread. Windows please, so it's a general for Win8 and wp8. Also can we have it as a sticky up with iOS and Android. Cheers Limpid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
limpid Posted October 23, 2012 Administrator Share Posted October 23, 2012 It's BOF's thread to rename, it'll get stickied if it's busy enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CVByrne Posted October 23, 2012 Share Posted October 23, 2012 Tell him windows mobile is slightly dated. I just read the verge review of windows 8, along with Techradars review We can say both really liked it. 9/10 basically. I'm looking forward to my Surface. Browsing, Video and Office. The only things I need from a device really and this delivers them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Rev Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 Been playing with this for a day or so now. It's bloody lovely, isnt it? Really like the UI, dedicated camera button is amazing and as a piece of hardware it is really really nice to hold. Satisfyingly weighty, feels really well built. It's making me think twice about jumping to the new Nexus phone when it is time for me to upgrade. At £145 on PAYG this is a **** steal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darrenm Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 For me, the UI got very old, very quickly. Good price though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CVByrne Posted October 26, 2012 Share Posted October 26, 2012 Will that get the update to wp 7.8? If it's for purpose. Then it's a fine phone. But I'd wait and see what prices are in a couple of weeks when the wp8 phones are out. I'm tempted to get my Lucia 920 with EE on 12 month contract as you can't get rolling monthly contract on EE and giffgaff 3G is dirt slow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts