HTC Shows Off Two Windows Based Smartphones

At an event in New York on Wednesday, HTC introduced two smartphones featuring Windows Phone 8, the latest version of Microsoft’s mobile operating system. The phones, HTC Windows Phone 8X and HTC Windows Phone 8S, were deliberately named to raise awareness among consumers that Windows phones even exist in a market that is dominated by Apple and Android.

Terry Myerson, corporate vice president of Microsoft’s Windows Phone division, said in an interview “Generally speaking, consumers aren’t aware of Windows Phone. We wanted to increase the awareness of Windows Phone by simplifying that message.”

HTC is introducing for the first time, a 2.1mp, f/2.0 aperture, 88° ultra-wide angle front-facing camera that allows up to four people and more to be captured at once. It also supports 1080p video capture. The rear camera sports an 8mp CMOS sensor with backside-illumination (BSI) for improved low-light performance, along with an f/2.0 aperture, 28mm lens and a dedicated imaging chip.

The HTC 8X features a 4.3″ HD-resolution super LCD screen protected from everyday bumps and scrapes by Gorilla Glass 2, while optical lamination reduces reflections and glare. The other handset, the HTC 8S boasts a bright super LCD 4″ screens with Gorilla Glass.

Both models will be available beginning in November. Prices are still to be confirmed.