HP's enterprise-focused Windows 10 phone, the Elite X3 coming to Canada

HP has responded to a need that Microsoft itself seems to have failed to address, which is the need for a true flagship Windows 10 smartphone that's powerful enough to be considered for the enterprise.

HP is bringing the HP Elite x3 Windows Phone to Canada in time for the upcoming Windows 10 Anniversary Update (SP1), this is a premium mobile productivity device designed for business users who want simple and seamless access to the people, apps, and data they care about without the burden of switching from one device to another.

They can start a task on the go, and finish at their desk or another location without saving, synching or restarting when using the Elite x3 with Microsoft Continuum, HP Workspace, and the optional HP Elite x3 Desk Dock and HP Elite x3 Lap Dock.

Availability of the Elite x3 and accessories is planned for later this month. In Canada, the Elite x3 solution bundles are planned to begin shipping on August 28, 2016. The Elite x3 starting pricing is US$699, with bundles including the desk dock, premium headset and lap dock expected to start at US$799. Pricing and availability will vary by region. Pricing for the desk dock is US$129 while the lap dock standalone, which emulates an Ultrabook setup is US$599. This is pretty pricey for what is a proof of concept play since Continuum and Windows 10 on phones is still very niche, but this could be the product that sparks some interest at least in the enterprise market where it is aimed at.