So there are NO new handsets coming to the U.S. to debut WP 8.1

[bilzkh]

To be honest, I think as far as North America is concerned, Microsoft should sell Windows Phones unlocked and unbranded (i.e. carrier-free) directly), at least the high-end ones. I'm sure AT&T, T-Mobile, etc. are fine with the low and medium-end WP handsets, but the high-end stuff should be direct across the board, i.e. availability, updates, band compatibility, etc.

Since the prospective market for high-end WPs in the US is small, I don't see AT&T or Verizon making much of a fuss about approving unlocked WPs for use on their networks. On the other hand, it'll make life easy for the 1-2% of US smartphone users seeking a high-end Windows Phone.

Things are pretty dry up here in Canada as well, i.e. no Lumia 1520, no Lumia 930, not even 630/635 or even 525. I would much prefer paying the full retail price if I could just buy the bloody handset from Microsoft unlocked and unbranded.

 

[Kacey Green]

To be honest, I think as far as North America is concerned, Microsoft should sell Windows Phones unlocked and unbranded (i.e. carrier-free) directly), at least the high-end ones. I'm sure AT&T, T-Mobile, etc. are fine with the low and medium-end WP handsets, but the high-end stuff should be direct across the board, i.e. availability, updates, band compatibility, etc.

Since the prospective market for high-end WPs in the US is small, I don't see AT&T or Verizon making much of a fuss about approving unlocked WPs for use on their networks. On the other hand, it'll make life easy for the 1-2% of US smartphone users seeking a high-end Windows Phone.

Things are pretty dry up here in Canada as well, i.e. no Lumia 1520, no Lumia 930, not even 630/635 or even 525. I would much prefer paying the full retail price if I could just buy the bloody handset from Microsoft unlocked and unbranded.

yes this. At least the Nokia phones after the deal is completed

 

[Kacey Green]

Mistake me if I'm wrong, but this is in fact what I am seeing...Why would this ever be seen as a viable marketing strategy?

the 6 series, and only after the rest of the world

 

[angusdegraosta]

We'll probably all be happier if carriers give the 8.1 updates to existing devices within like a month of the release. I'm thinking something similar to the 930 might be announced for AT&T in late spring. They take their time... hopefully not too much this time!

 

[erzhik]

I think it's clear that Verizon has exclusivity dibs on Icon/930 design and will not allow AT&T to get the 930. Also, the only reason why 930 looks like Icon is because it's a money saving move before complete Microsoft take over. Why spend millions into designing a new phone, when you already have it? $100 says that AT&T is getting a new, exclusive flagship (that we don't know about) sometime after summer.

 

[hopmedic]

LTE will FOR A FACT not work on At&t, there's no may or may not.

The reason for my first sentence was my second sentence. Chill.

 

[Sagar Limaye]

You folks in the US are getting Cortana first so you guys can wait for new phones now :evil:

 

[Blu3V3nom07]

Unless Sony or HTC come out with a new WP flagship, I'm just gonna wait until the Icon comes to T-Mobile this year. I set countdown that says that the supposed 6-month exclusive for Verizon, ends August 20th.. I've been stubborn in not getting a new phone, i.e. iPhone, Galaxy, for 2 1/2 years now. I suppose I could wait a little longer...

I really don't want that 630. No flash. :/