The Samsung ATIV S was the first Windows Phone 8 smartphone to be announced, and was unveiled earlier this year at IFA 2012 in Berlin, Germany. Unfortunately it seems the device is set to be the last Windows Phone to arrive, even after the Nokia Lumia 820 and HTC 8S. So what's going on with Samsung's latest Windows Phone?
We've already learnt that retailers in the UK will be expecting delivery of the device mid-December, but now MobileSyrup reports that Canada will also be looking at a December release. This is a real bummer for those who are eagerly awaiting the Windows Phone. Sporting impressive specifications and a sleek form factor, it's a powerful choice for any consumer.
There's still hope that the ATIV S will be available for the festive holidays that are quickly approaching. Some news websites have been looking at an early 2013 launch, but Samsung Canada has responded to enquiries about the status of the ATIV S shipment to the market, confirming a December launch.
"We are committed to launch the ATIV S nationally, on Rogers, Bell and TELUS, as well as Sasktel. We are planning to ship to carriers in early December, and should have supply at stores by mid month."
It's reassuring the company is working hard to get the Windows Phone to consumers in a timely fashion, but to jump the gun and announce the handset so far in advance only to have competition launching hardware first is leaving those who are indeed waiting for the ATIV S with some serious questions as to what's holding the production / marketing up.
Rogers has already unveiled its pricing for the ATIV S, starting at just $149.99 on a 3-year plan, while also being listed at $599.99 month-to-month. The question is - where is the Samsung device? We could be looking at a production delay or software issues. We can only expect Samsung will attempt to make up for lost time once the handset has been released to supported markets.
Source: MobileSyrup; thanks, Dave, for the heads up!
