Microsoft finally unveiled the forthcoming release of its smartphone platform, Windows Phone 8 (WP8), last week and now some info surrounding handsets have come to light. According to a mobile roadmap obtained by The Verge, HTC looks set to release three devices powered by Microsoft’s latest smartphone platform later this year.  

First up is the HTC Rio, which boasts a 4" WVGA (480 x 800) touch-enabled display, 14.4 Mbps HSPA, as well as a 5 MP snapper that, like the current Windows Phone 7.5 (Mango) devices, is able to capture HD-Ready (720p) videos. The Rio also features 512 MB and a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 (MSM8227) processor.

The Rio will be the entry-level mobile device in the Taiwanese smartphone and tablet maker’s Windows Phone 8 range, with the HTC Accord catering to the taste of mid-range buyers. This smartphone will sport a 4.3" 720p Super LCD 2 touchscreen, a 8 megapixel camera capable of recording full HD (1080p) videos, 42 Mbps HSPA+, and NFC support. Also onboard this mid-range device is 1 GB of RAM as well as a dual-core processor (most probably Qualcomm’s MSM8260A according to The Verge).  

Last but certainly not least is the range-topping Zenith, which is expected to boasts a One X equalling 4.7" HD-Ready (720p) Super LCD 2 as well as the same 8 MP snapper doing duty in the Accord. HTC will also equip this device with 42 Mbps HSPA+, and a blistering quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU.

The Verge stated that all three of these smartphones are scheduled for release this year, with the Rio and Accord arriving in October in the States, whilst the Zenith is expected to launch within Q4 2012.

In related news, Sony recently revealed that it would be partnering with HTC in a bid to create several Android-based PlayStation certified smartphones. The Japanese company stated that the line-up of PlayStation certified devices will includes the HTC One series of smartphones - the HTC One X, HTC One S, and HTC One V.