HTC to include Beats Audio in the 8X and 8S

By Rich Edmonds
last updated

HTC announced both the HTC 8X and HTC 8S today at its Windows Phone 8 event in New York. What was relatively unexpected by many was the inclusion of Beats Audio on both handsets. Beats Audio by Dr Dre (official website) has been coupled with an extra amplifier for audio out for large Beats headphones for a clearer sound. It's reported to be able to pump "higher treble, deeper base, greater clarity" into your ears.

HTC's Scott Croyle had the following to add on the extra amplifier in the New York presentation:

"Constantly monitors the speaker condition and adjusts to ensure the best sound quality possible"

While the 8S sports Beats Audio on-board, there's no extra amplifier - 8X only. Both HTC Windows Phones will have a pre-installed app that enables users to turn on / off functionality, and a notification is displayed when plugging in headphones that can take full advantage of Beats Audio. The company was previously rumoured to be bringing Beats to Windows Phone a year ago, it's positive to see HTC finally making the leap.

But what are your thoughts? Do you believe Beats is a good feature for Windows Phone to share with Android? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Rich Edmonds
Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.

17 Comments
  • IPhone 5 who? This phone makes you forget iphone 5
  • The 8S is the real contender here vs. iPhone 5 for me, very glad to see a 4" or smaller phone with a rounded edge.
  • Sweet phone. I hope the Beats audio can upscale the sound coming from some streaming apps.
  • If SRS can do it then beats most certainly can.
  • I travel a lot so I want Nokia Maps.
    I travel a lot so I love listening to music on my AKG cans.
    The two mes are confused as to whether to get the Lumia or this.
  • Its beed confirmed that all WP8 devices will be getting Nokia Drive.
  • I hope lumias have some sound amplifier as well. 
  • I think it's huge especially those in the audio business or those who want a great sound experience. The built in amplifier is definitely a plus for many audio applications.
  • Omg 8X or 920? HTC is doin it!
  • +1 decisions decisions!!
  • It would suck if I can't take advantage of the amplifier with any run of the mill earbuds or headphones. Still, the amp is a great selling point.
  • I got an 8S couple of days ago, the beats audio activates when I use any of my buds and the sound is great!
  • Hell yeah!!! I want that!! Finally a windows phone that will sound good with my beats
  • Damn, now I'm rethinking me having bought my Nokia puritys.
  • Just to note, the Lumia 820 & 920 are both supposed to support Dolby audio enhancements. From my experience though, Beats still wins when compared to what Dolby is doing. Also remember that Microsoft announced a while back that all Windows 8 products would have Dolby sound built in at the OS level. I would assume that runs over into Winphone as well.
  • Dolby is wack compared to SRS,beats I don't know as I haven't heard it yet.
  • Awesome :)