Jan 10, 2011 14:35 GMT  ·  By

Mobile phone carrier Sprint has made available for purchase on its airwaves a new device that would put together the Android mobile operating system from Google and support for the WiMAX-based 4G services the company offers to its customers, namely the HTC EVO Shift 4G.

Announced officially last week, the new smartphone hits the shelves as the successor of the first 4G Android device at Sprint, the HTC EVO 4G, while adding a sliding QWERTY into the mix.

Various retailers in the United States already picked up this smartphone, and Sprint themselves listed it on the carrier's website, with a price tag of $149.99 attached to it.

The price offering includes the signing of a two-year contract agreement with the wireless services provider. The full price for the new device is of $399.99.

The HTC EVO Shift 4G sports a large display, complemented by a sliding physical QWERTY keyboard, a wide range of preloaded applications, and more.

Some of the main features of this device include: - Brilliant 3.6-inch capacitive display provides a rich Web and multimedia experience - Friend Stream integrates Facebook, Twitter and more into a single social networking feed - Access to 4G speeds that are up to 10x faster than 3G - Dual-mode 3G/4G device, access to dependable 3G speeds and accelerated 4G speeds where available - Mobile Hotspot capable

The new mobile phone arrives on shelves with preloaded software like Kindle reader and MP3 player, as well as with support for Sprint TV, and more. It would also enable users to download and install applications from the Android Market.

The specifications list of the handset also includes Android 2.2, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, GPS Navigation, 5.0MP camera/camcorder, memory card slot, or a 1500 mAh Li-ion battery, all packed in a device that measures 4.6" X 2.3" x 0.6" and weighs in at 5.9 oz.

“Surf the Web at 3G/4G speeds and fire up the optional Mobile Hotspot capability to share a connection with up to 8 Wi-Fi devices,” Sprint notes on this handset, adding: “Create your own arsenal of fun and productivity by selecting from more than 100,000 apps.”

The new HTC EVO Shift 4G is available on Sprint's website here.