14 DAY TRIAL // HTC EVO 4G, the first mobile phone to arrive on the market with WiMAX connectivity while being powered by Google's Android 2.1 operating system, is set to make an appearance on Sprint's network on June 4, the carrier unveiled yesterday. The phone should be put on sale via all Sprint retail channels, including the company's website and partners like RadioShack, Best Buy and Wal-Mart. The price tag for the phone has been set at $199.99 upon the signing of a two-year contract agreement and after a $100 mail-in rebate.
The handset should offer Sprint users the possibility to enjoy capabilities like a new video chat service from Qik, with two-way voice and video features, fast data transfer rates, and more. “HTC EVO 4G is a fantastic 3G device, but when you use it in our growing 4G coverage area, it becomes a multimedia powerhouse,” said Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO. “The EVO 4G experience is much like going from TV to HDTV. But EVO has more than just an impressive list of features - it is also fun to use with remarkable gaming, video and web-browsing capabilities.”
The specifications list of the new phone includes data capability in 4G and Wi-Fi coverage areas, a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, an 8.0-megapixel photo snapper on the back, with auto focus and HD video recording capabilities, a 1.3-megapixel forward-facing camera, a 4.3-inch touchscreen display, HDMI port, or easy sharing of videos via the Qik Web site, Facebook, YouTube or Twitter. Moreover, the device comes with built-in mobile hotspot functionality, offering users the possibility to connect up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices to a 3G or 4G network.
The phone runs under Android 2.1 and sports Adobe Flash technology, the carrier notes, adding that “HTC EVO 4G boasts the newest version of the highly acclaimed HTC Sense user experience. With HTC Sense, HTC EVO 4G users can use Friend Stream to aggregate multiple social communication channels, including Facebook and Twitter into one organized flow of updates; a 'Leap' thumbnail view to easily switch between home screen 'panels;' the ability to download new, interactive widgets; and a 'polite' ringer, which quiets the ringing phone once lifted up.”
HTC EVO 4G will be made available for purchase on Sprint's Everything Data or Business Advantage Messaging and Data plans, which come with unlimited Web, texting and calling on the Sprint Network. The Everything Data plans begin at $69.99 per month, Sprint states, adding that a $10 per month Premium Data add-on will apply. Those willing to benefit from the mobile hotspot connectivity capabilities of the phone will have to pay an additional $29.99 per month. The wireless carrier offers interested users the possibility to pre-register for the acquisition of HTC EVO 4G.