HTC releases its first Windows Phone 8 devices locally

The first Windows Phones for 2012 from HTC are hitting stores, as the brand responsible for the One series of handsets makes two models available with the next generation of Microsoft’s mobile operating system.

Announced in September and initially planned for release in November, HTC’s two handsets Windows Phone 8 handsets will be hitting Telstra and Optus from the beginning of December.

From December 4, keen buyers will be able to grab the flagship Windows Phone 8X from exclusively from Telstra’s online presence, with retail receiving it a week later.

The top-end HTC Windows product, the 8X features a 4.3 inch HD screen protected by Corning’s scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass 2, support for Telstra’s 4G LTE network, an 8 megapixel rear camera, a 2.1 megapixel from camera with a wide-angle lens, GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi, and 16GB storage, as well as improved sound from Beats Audio.

We played with it a couple of months ago and found it to be light, comfortable, and reasonably speedy, which should grab the attention of customers after a fast 4G phone in a svelte body.

HTC’s second phone is the 8S, a Windows Phone with a smaller 4.0 inch 480×800 screen, 3G, WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth, 5 megapixel rear camera, but no front camera. You’ll also find 4GB storage here, as well as a microSD card slot, something the 8X lacks.

The HTC Windows Phone 8S will be landing on Optus from December 1 on plans.