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1Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer
At the end of October, Microsoft will introduce its Window 8 software for tablets and PCs and Windows Phone 8 software for smartphones. Taking no chances on the success of Windows 8, Microsoft developed its own tablet, the Surface. So far, it is trusting partners to create smartphones that make consumers fall in love with Windows Phone 8. “The experience on Windows Phone 8 is like the experience on no other phone,” Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said at a Sept. 19 event with HTC. He added, “We are incredibly enthused about what we can do with HTC.”
2The HTC-Microsoft Partnership
HTC and Microsoft said they plan to bring the Windows Phone 8X and 8S to market “in a big way.” They plan to position them as signature Windows Phones devices and to align the companies’ marketing messages. It will be the “biggest and most ambitious launch” that HTC and Microsoft have ever partnered on.
3Windows Phone 8X
4Windows Phone 8S
5Cameras
The 8S features a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera, while the 8X has “backside-illuminated 8MP camera that shoots full 1080p video,” Microsoft said in a statement, and a front-facing 2.1MP camera that can capture 1080p video and has an 88-degree viewing angle. Because of the viewing angle, says HTC, four people are able to be visible on a Skype call.Â
6Beats Audio
9Side View
11SuperLCD 2
12Show-Off
An HTC employee showed off a photo he snapped the night before with the Windows Phone 8X. While this photo of his photo doesn’t fully do it justice, the camera’s ability to catch such clarity in low light, and even details like the purple gleam of oil on the greasy sidewalk, are impressive.