wp8

Microsoft won't solely favor Nokia with Windows Phone 8

Microsoft and Nokia may have vowed to support one another through thick and thin, but Redmond's newfound vocal support of HTC's Windows Phone 8X device means Microsoft isn't relying on one partner to see its platform through.

Our invitation to Microsoft' official launch of the Windows Phone 8 operating system cleverly wraps event details into HTC's premier Windows Phone. It turns out that this design is one of four depicting key Windows phones that Microsoft sent to journalists inviting them to the event. Two show off HTC handsets and two depict the Nokia Lumia phones.

Microsoft … Read more

Windows Phone 8 officially launches in SF on October 29

Mark your calendars for Microsoft's official launch of the Windows Phone 8 smartphone OS. We have.

CNET will be there, fingers flexed and laptops raring to go, to cover the San Francisco launch of Microsoft's latest and most important chance yet to put Windows Phone on the map.

We'll update with more details as we have them. Until then, get ready.

HTC Windows Phone 8X vs. Nokia Lumia 920: Specs and more

Editors' note: This article originally posted September 19, 2012 and was updated November 2, 2012, after I reviewed the Nokia Lumia 920 and the HTC Windows Phone 8X, and again on November 6 after AT&T released Lumia 920 pricing .

There's no mistaking it: the Windows Phone 8 battle is heating up between the HTC Windows Phone 8X for AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, and the Nokia Lumia 920.

The resemblance between the two phones is readily apparent in photos, and more than skin deep. Like the Lumia 920, the HTC Windows Phone 8X drops the phone … Read more

Verizon gets back on board with Windows Phone

Verizon has never been a staunch supporter of Windows Phone OS, at least in deed. But now, after a long hiatus, the U.S.' largest carrier is offering its first Windows Phone device in over a year. Verizon's sale of the HTC Windows Phone 8X is a move that could give both Microsoft and HTC the dramatic bumps they both need.

The re-emergence of Verizon as a source for Windows Phone is a tremendous win for Microsoft, which has seen the spread of its OS limited by Verizon's wait-and-see attitude. The carrier's tremendous clout could help cement … Read more

Samsung unveils Ativ S, world's first Windows Phone 8 device

If you've been wondering what the first dual-core Windows Phone would look like, this is it. Today, the Korean electronics giant took the wraps off the Samsung Ativ S, the world's first smartphone running Windows Phone 8.

The Ativ S (Ativ is "Vita" spelled backward) features a slim design, a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display, and a 1.5GHz dual-core processor. There's also compatibility for HSPA+42.

In addition, the Ativ S packs in a rear-facing 8-megapixel camera with autofocus and an LED flash, and a 1.9-megapixel front-facing camera.

Taking full advantage of … Read more

Samsung and Android's loss could be Microsoft's gain

You can almost sense the glee over in the Microsoft camp after Samsung was dealt an overwhelming defeat against Apple.

That's because the jury decision against Samsung doesn't just affect the South Korean conglomerate; it's one that will ripple through to Google and the rest of the Android community. As a result, Microsoft's Windows Phone looks increasingly attractive as a third legitimate alternative -- one that's relatively unfettered by legal complications.

Microsoft may not increase its market share from this incident alone, but it can cruise under the litigious gunfire while strengthening its own position … Read more

5 most-wanted Windows 8 features for Windows Phone

Windows 8 borrows the "Metro" interface originated for Microsoft's Windows Phone OS, but there are a lot of great features tucked into the deeper operating system for desktops and tablets that could also lend power to the phone.

In June, Microsoft unveiled many new Windows Phone 8 features, but certainly not all of them. When Redmond reveals even more tricks for the new OS in its September 5 launch event, it's very likely that some of these Windows 8 goodies will make the jump from desktops and tablets to the smaller screen.… Read more

What to expect from Nokia's next Windows phone

On September 5, Microsoft and Nokia will introduce the world to the its first Windows Phone 8 devices. The form of that signature handset remains a mystery for now, but I'll venture a guess that from the outside, the next iteration of Nokia's flagship phone will look very similar to the Nokia Lumia 900 device we know now.

Why do I say such a thing? There are a few reasons. First, the form factor would be more easily produced than creating a new design in a relatively short period. After all, the Lumia 900's look already exists … Read more

Rumor Has It: iPad Mini launching in October? (video)

June was cruel to the iPad, which saw its tablet competition grow fearsome.

Microsoft showed off its Surface tablet, which is aimed squarely at stealing iPad lovers away with the lure of its keyboard case (though without pricing, launch date, or any real details, it's hard to know if the iPad has anything to fear). Not to be left behind, Google took the wraps off its much-rumored and ballyhooed 7-inch Nexus Tablet. All that excitement was enough to wake the dead; in this case, it reanimated the iPad Mini rumor, which had been laid to rest.

Not anymore! Analysts … Read more

Huawei commits to 'Ascend' Windows Phone 8 handset

When it comes to Windows Phone 8, "ascend" is exactly what Microsoft needs to raise up its smartphone share.

That's why Huawei's commitment to produce a Huawei Ascend handset running Microsoft's freshly announced Windows Phone 8 OS is so key. Although the Chinese company isn't well known in the top-tier U.S. carriers, the company has a strong partnership with no-contract carriers like MetroPCS and Cricket -- two carriers that have plenty of midrange Android smartphones but no Windows Phone.

As smartphone demand continues to grow among these smaller carriers, it's crucial for … Read more