The Windows Phone 8X from HTC hit the Verizon network in the United States last year. Delivering the Windows Phone 8 operating system out-of-the-box, the handset arrived with unique color choices, and gives smartphone shoppers a viable option to the Apple and Android operating systems. Recently Microsoft began detailing features of their upcoming GDR2 operating system update to the Windows Phone 8 OS, but they stopped short of promising that the HTC Windows Phone 8X would receive the upgrade.
The HTC 8X 4G Windows Phone Black is available for a reduced sale price now starting at $49.99.
Microsoft made the announcement that the next version of its Windows Phone 8 operating system, known as GDR2, would arrive “this summer.” The General Distribution Release number 2 for the OS was featured in a blog post recently, and according to anonymous online tipsters, a total of three GDR updates will occur on the Windows Phone 8 operating system. Described as including “a small number of improvements and upgrades,” the upcoming operating system bump will include support for CalDAV and CardDAV, and will reintroduce support for FM radio.
That was one important part of the Windows Phone 7 operating system platform, and it did not make the final cut for Windows Phone 8. Xbox Music also receives a boost, and the Microsoft blog post claimed “hundreds of other small quality improvements.” The good news is that “existing Phone 8 mobile handsets” will start receiving the GDR2 update later this summer according to Microsoft officials. Without naming the HTC Windows Phone 8X as a candidate, that provision certainly seems to include the phone in its update plans.
The Windows Phone 8X for Verizon delivers mobile hotspot service built right in, and offers the exclusive Beats Audio sound enhancement package. Sound is boosted by dedicated amplifiers through all audio-capable applications, and the handset runs on Verizon’s 4G LTE network. The Windows Phone 8X by HTC is the first mobile handset using a Windows Phone operating system that offers the unique Beats Audio sound boost.
The phone’s 4.30 inch S-LCD 2 display offers a pixel density of 342 pixels per inch, for an overall 720 x 1,280 pixel resolution. A scratch resistant layer of Gorilla Glass 2 is present, and the handset provides up to 11.3 hours of talk time from a single charge. A dual core 1.5 GHz Snapdragon processor powers the phone, and the HTC Windows Phone 8X delivers 1.0 GB RAM and 16 GB of onboard storage. A dedicated shutter key enhances the rear facing 8.0 megapixel camcorder, which provides video capture at 1,080P HD resolution.
The HTC 8X 4G Windows Phone Black can be purchased at a discounted price tag now starting at $49.99.
