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Mon, 19th Nov 2012
FYI, this story is more than a year old

Telecom New Zealand today hosted the official New Zealand launch of Microsoft’s newest smartphone operating system - Windows Phone 8.

The launch event saw the two companies join with Nokia, Samsung and HTC to showcase the Windows Phone 8 technology.

The telco company also offered a preview of the soon-to-be-released Nokia Lumia 920, the Samsung Ativ S and the HTC 8S – all of which will be available on the Telecom Smartphone Network.

To demonstrate the capabilities of Windows Phone 8, the Telecom Place foyer was transformed into a pop-up lounge, deck and home office, all equipped with Windows Phones, Windows 8 tablets and PCs.

"We see Windows Phone 8 as an important and growing part of the mobile market and a strong offering for our customers," says Chris Quin, Telecom Retail CEO.

“The Windows mobile operating system continues to be deliberately different to others on the market, and it is great to be able to offer this sort of choice on our Smartphone Network.

“The creation of one Windows 8 ecosystem across mobile, tablet and PCs is a real strength and will have a hugely positive impact on business and consumers alike, who are familiar with Windows on their PCs and will quickly come to grips with the format on their phones.”

Microsoft New Zealand MD Paul Muckleston said:

“Windows Phone 8 is the most personal and alive smartphone and puts people at the centre.

“Windows Phone 8 brings together some stunning hardware from our partners and best consumer experiences from Microsoft – XBOX Music and games, Skype, Internet Explorer and Office.

“By closely aligning Windows and Windows Phone, Microsoft has created an unprecedented opportunity for developers to take full advantage of the new reimagined Windows family.”

Telecom said that it would be bringing more Windows Phone 8 mobile phones onto its Smartphone Network in early 2013 with details to be released in the New Year.

Details of the Windows Phone 8 mobiles that Telecom will launch on its Smartphone Network before Christmas are:

Nokia Lumia 920- Launch date: 23 November, 2012- Price: RRP $999.00

HTC 8S- Launch date: 6 December, 2012- Price: RRP $499

Samsung Ativ S- Launch date: TBC Feb 2013- Price: RRP$799

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