AT&T HTC 8X available tomorrow, Verizon accepts 8X and Lumia 822 pre-orders
AT&T accepted pre-orders for the Nokia Lumia 920 earlier this week and my own cyan one should arrive tomorrow. AT&T also just announced that they will have two HTC Windows Phone 8X devices available starting tomorrow. Verizon also announced that their Windows Phone 8 pre-orders start tomorrow so now we just need to hear when T-Mobile will launch their WP8 devices.
AT&T HTC 8X
As you know I paid full price for the Nokia Lumia 920 on AT&T since it was so competitive. HTC's Windows Phone 8X is coming in at two price levels due to different internal storage capacities. You will be able to purchase the 8GB HTC 8X in California Blue or Limelight for $99.99 or the 16GB California Blue 8X for $199.99, with a 2-year contract. I don't know what the no-contract price is, but it is likely over $500. The Nokia Lumia 920 surprised me with a $450 no-contract price so maybe HTC will as well.
The HTC 8X is a superbly designed smartphone and I love carrying it around in my pocket. The Beats Audio makes an already great sounding device, Windows Phone rules in audio IMHO, even better too. It's a tough choice for AT&T customers and it will be interesting to see what people buy. I would probably buy the Limelight model if it came in at least 16GB capacity. The Lumia 920 comes with 32GB so that is a differentiator.
Verizon HTC 8X, Nokia Lumia 822, and Samsung ATIV Odyssey
Verizon has not been an active Windows Phone supporter with just a single device provided over the past two years. The HTC Trophy was a very nice device though and I think people have been reasonably pleased with it. Starting tomorrow you can pre-order the HTC Windows Phone 8X or Nokia Lumia 822 on Verizon with a delivery date prior to Thanksgiving (22 November).
These Verizon devices will launch with the exclusive Data Sense app that helps you manage the data you use. During the WP8 launch event Microsoft said people actually ended up browsing MORE when using Data Sense. I understand this will come to other carriers in the future. Verizon customers will also get access to VZ Navigator, Backup Assistant Plus, and NFL Football.
The Windows Phone 8X will be available in blue, black, and red for $199.99 with a 2-year contract while the Lumia 822 will come in black, white, or gray for $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and contract. The ATIV Odyssey won't be revealed until later in the year. I am going to a Verizon launch event in Seattle tonight and hope to see these devices and get some answers to questions I have on more specific details. Please let me know if there is anything you want to know about Verizon's launch.