The rumor that the HTC 8S would bring this functionality was first reported back on November 22nd and it is now 100% confirmed.

We've noticed something pretty awesome on our HTC 8S (review coming shortly, folks), something that many have been calling out for from Microsoft since Windows Phone launched back in 2010. In the Windows Phone 8 build that's loaded on the HTC 8S, we can enable the setting to allow the WiFi connection to remain active when the screen times out. Huzzah!

On the HTC we have an OS version of 8.0.10211.204, while the Lumia 920 is only on 8.0.9903.10, which makes us believe this could well be an interim build to keep us occupied for the upcoming Windows Phone Portico update (aka Apollo+). Joe Belfiore, Windows Phone Program Manager, has stated the WiFi setting will be making an appearance in the next major update, but it's interesting to see it on hardware that have just gone to market.

Our version numbers aren't hitting 8.1 just yet so it could simply be HTC pushing for more functionality to be included in its own product line. With the company refreshing its partnership with Microsoft, this isn't a farfetched possibility.

Thanks, Chris, for the heads up!