When old becomes new. Samsung and HTC’s Windows Phone 8 rumoured launch hardware.

Samsung GSIII WP8 Rehash?

The last few weeks have been exciting for Windows Telephone with all the leaks apropos Windows Telephone 8 hardware. The launch is almost upon us and of course, we're all excited virtually the phones nosotros're likely to see. The next gen specs, even on the rumoured low end devices, are a large jump for Windows Phone. But will high-finish devices from Samsung and HTC excite? Allow's look at the situation.

As nosotros only have rumours so far, you'll have to accept the post-obit with pinches of salt as we speculate somewhat. To beginning with, permit's bandage our eye over the proposed Samsung devices. No dubiousness on newspaper these devices look the part only delving deeper we can clearly see that their high-end device is likely along the lines of a Galaxy S3. Will a recent flagship Android device serve as the high-finish launch device for Windows Phone eight?

Samsung's Marco & Odyssey

Samsung'south Marco & Odyssey

The specifications for the Galaxy S3 look perfect for a Windows Phone eight device, no doubt virtually it.

4.8", 1280x720 Super AMOLED brandish
Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 1.5 GHz dual core CPU
Weight: 4.73 ounces
16GB and 32GB (Internal storage) versions
Expandable memory with MicroSD
2100mAh bombardment
Bluetooth 4.0
MicroUSB
NFC enabled
42Mbps HSPA +
8MP Photographic camera w/ LED Wink (4x zoom)
1.9MP Front-facing camera

The screen will just pop with those new alive tiles. The bigger question is, will Samsung exist content to only use "hand me" downwards devices for Windows Phone. They are clearly doing very well with Android and it forms the spearhead of their mobile push button. Watching the Olympics coverage, we saw Samsung pushing their Android wares heavily with no sign of Windows Phone.

For Samsung, Windows Phone could be simply another tick box, allowing them to claim diversification in their product line. As we noted yesterday, with Bada out of the picture and Tizen non coming until 2022, Android and Windows Phone is all Samsung has to offer.

Reading the comments on our post about possible Windows Phone 8 devices based on the S3 gear, it's clear well-nigh are underwhelmed both by its looks and specs. Should Samsung launch this device every bit Windows Phone 8, information technology simply may not be cutting edge enough.

HTC Rio Accord and Zenith

HTC Rio, Accordance and Zenith

HTC are too expected to denote new devices within the coming weeks, but in time for the expected autumn release. Their high-end Windows Telephone 8 devices seem likely to be a re-hash of their critically acclaimed One X devices.

These devices, whilst loved by critics appear to have bombed with consumers, so much so that HTC is now in serious trouble. Again, nosotros can enquire the question, will HTC exist content to just simply apply their previously launched Android devices for Windows Telephone viii?

WP Central

Unfortunately, HTC looks to exist going this road likewise. No ifs, ands or buts, the One X-variant volition be a fine Windows Phone 8 device, but the fact remains, its not new and it might non excite. Considering how the 1 X has done in retail, is it even wise to think of re-launching anything based on this hardware again?

The HTC Zenith, the rumored flagship of the lot, looks a lot similar the One X in terms of reported specifications:

"The Zenith will be the upper end model featuring a 4.7" 720p Super LCD ii screen, 8mp camera with 1080p video capture, 42Mbps HSPA+, and a quad-core Qualcomm processor."

With HTC at that place is a run a risk that their experience with Microsoft could see them pull out all the stops for a Windows Phone 8 launch device. The Zenith for instance could be a truthful premium telephone, even a device that is uniquely high terminate compared to their Android offerings. That is what people will exist looking for. At the very least nosotros would expect that Samsung and HTC step up the specs and designs of their previous devices on Android to launch WP8. If they don't and then that speaks volumes to how they view Windows Telephone.

Special relationships

It'southward good to have close partnerships when you're working toward a common goal. HTC in the past had a skilful thing going with Google and their Nexus line, these days Samsung fills that niche (tomorrow, Motorola?)

If nosotros look at the Windows Phone world, there is a stiff bond between Nokia and Microsoft. Without Nokia influencing Windows Phone, who knows where the ecosystem would be now. Samsung didn't manage to fully launch Mango era devices globally and HTC didn't seem to accept the attain into retail. Nokia and Microsoft collaborated to modify that, as well as some cross-pollination of technologies and a huge marketing push. Nosotros tin now come across the results of that attempt with Nokia holding stiff at 59% of all WP7 devices sold. They are likely going to erode the others market place share in short order in the coming months.

We're certainly glad that Samsung and HTC are notwithstanding behind Windows Phone. If the specs and rumours are to exist believed and both these companies are re-using Android devices for Windows Phone, I volition be disappointed. Whilst I like the newspaper specs of these devices, there is no getting away from the fact that they are yesterday'southward news. When Samsung and HTC launch their side by side gen Android flagships, those WP8 specs volition await dreadfully dated, a step behind, the uncomfortable mid-range.

WP Central

Do Samsung and HTC call back that Android'southward "old news" is Windows Phone's "new news" with WP8? How will either of these companies await to garner whatsoever interest from the existing user base at launch time with these units? Nokia devices and services will be the benchmark against which all others are judged. If either Samsung or HTC are serious about competing with Windows Phone eight, so this is not the manner to ship that message.

When we finally get to see the new hardware for Windows Phone 8, we want to meet the "cut edge", not yesterday'southward news. Bring the states Pureview, bring u.s.a. more 8MP cameras, make these devices higher end than anything from Google and Apple. We don't desire hand-me-downward hardware from months ago when we sign 2 yr mobile agreements. Windows Phone 8 deserves next gen hardware to ensure it goes head to head with the contest.

We'd love to know what you think, please utilize the comments bellow to tell us all..

Is this real life?

Watch the Large Game in 4K for cheap!

Since 4K is slowly becoming the standard for televisions, there's never been a ameliorate time to purchase inexpensive, gorgeous boob tubes. These are the best inexpensive TVs you tin purchase with 4K HDR support.