Samsung introduces first Windows Phone 8 device
At the IFA show in Berlin on August 29, Samsung took the wraps off what now officially qualifies as the first publicly revealed Windows Phone 8 device.
Microsoft officials blogged about the new device -- which Tom Warren of The Verge also posted about earlier today -- on the Windows Phone blog.
The new device is called the ATIV S. There is no information from Microsoft the price or availability dates for the device.
"This is just the first in a big lineup of new hardware that’s coming with Windows Phone 8," blogged Microsoft's Smoked by Windows Phone guy, Ben Rudolph.
According to Microsoft's blog post, the ATIV S has a 4.8” HD Super AMOLED display made from Corning Gorilla Glass 2. Other Samsung ATIV S specs:
- 1.5Ghz dual-core processor
- 1GB of onboard RAM
- 8MP autofocus rear camera and 1.9MP front-facing camera
- choice of two storage capacities – 16GB or 32GB (both with MicroSD slot for expanded storage)
- 2300mAh battery
Next week, on September 5, Nokia is expected to show off its first new Windows Phone 8 Lumia devices. The rumor is AT&T will be on hand as the lead carrier for those phones.
Microsoft officials have not said publicly when Windows Phone 8 OS will be released to manufacturing, but sources of mine have said that is due to happen in September. The majority of Windows Phone 8 devices are expected to be generally available by late October/early November, my sources have said.
Microsoft officials shared early details about a number of the coming features for Windows Phone 8 in late June. The Windows Phone 8 OS will include many Windows core elements at its heart, and will add many business-focused features that had been missing from current Windows Phone releases.