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HTC EVO 4G offers one of the most robust multimedia experiences on a wireless phone today; features Android(TM) 2.1, one of the industry's largest touch-screen displays, 8.0 MP camera, HD video capture, HDMI output, Mobile Hotspot capability and HTC Sense(TM)

LAS VEGAS, Mar 23, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Sprint (NYSE: S) and HTC Corporation today announced summer availability of the world's first 3G/4G Android handset, HTC EVO 4G exclusively from Sprint. HTC EVO 4G delivers a multimedia experience at 4G speeds that is second to none, making it possible to download music, pictures, files, or videos in seconds - not minutes - and watch streaming video on the go with one of the largest pinch-to-zoom displays, at 4.3 inches, in the wireless industry.

Sprint 4G offers a faster wireless experience than any other U.S. national wireless carrier, and Sprint is the only national carrier offering wireless 4G service today in 27 markets. Sprint 4G delivers download speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G¹,giving HTC EVO 4G the fastest data speeds of any U.S. wireless device available today.

"Sprint continues to lead the 4G revolution as we introduce HTC EVO 4G to give our customers an experience that is unlike anything available in wireless to date," said Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO. "Not only is this feature-rich device incredible on our Sprint 3G network, but Sprint 4G speeds will take mobile multimedia, including live video streaming, gaming and picture downloads, to a whole new level."

Customers will be able to purchase HTC EVO 4G through all Sprint channels and through national retail partners, RadioShack, Best Buy and Walmart, this summer. Pricing will be announced at a later date. Pre-registration begins today at www.sprint.com/evo.

A device beyond compare

HTC EVO 4G delivers a robust list of features, including a 1GHz Qualcomm^(R) Snapdragon(TM) processor ensuring a smooth and quick user experience. With dual cameras - an 8.0 megapixel auto-focus camera with HD-capable video camcorder and a forward-facing 1.3 megapixel camera - HTC EVO 4G unleashes the ability to create, stream and watch video that far surpasses expectations of what is possible on a phone today.

With built-in mobile hotspot functionality, HTC EVO 4G allows up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices to share the 4G experience. Users can easily share an Internet connection on the go with a laptop, camera, music player, game unit, video player, or any other Wi-Fi enabled device.

With integrated HD video capture and 4G speeds, HTC EVO 4G makes slow uploads and grainy video a thing of the past. Now, it is possible to post high-quality video to YouTube(TM) or Facebook, or share moments in real time over the Internet live, via Qik. After these videos have been captured, it is easy to share them on an HDTV via an HDMI cable (sold separately).

The custom Web browser is optimized for HTC EVO 4G's large display and Sprint 4G speeds to deliver a full, no-compromise Internet experience. Adobe Flash technology ensures that rich Internet content, such as embedded video and animation, are displayed the way they are meant to be seen. Pinch-to-zoom and automatic text reflowing provide easy Web page views.

HTC EVO 4G features the newest version of the highly acclaimed HTC Sense user experience. Along with all of the HTC Sense features first introduced on HTC Hero, HTC EVO 4G adds a number of new features, including Friend Stream, which aggregates multiple social communication channels including Facebook and Twitter(TM) 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 and Sprint have a strong history of working together to bring consumers technologies and advancements that make their lives easier," said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC. "We believe that the HTC EVO 4G represents the best of Sprint and the best of HTC working together to bring an unmatched device to the U.S. This combination of HTC and Sprint innovation will allow people to do even more while on the go, faster than ever on the Sprint 4G network."

Experience Android at 4G

HTC EVO 4G, the world's first 3G/4G Android handset, features the latest iteration of the increasingly popular Android platform. Leveraging the Android 2.1 platform, HTC EVO 4G can deliver a wide array of useful new features:

• Android 2.1 enables a new way to search with pictures instead of words. Google Goggles(TM) works with everything from books, DVDs and barcodes to landmarks, logos, artwork and even wine labels. A picture taken of the Golden Gate Bridge returns all of the information anyone would need to know about the structure. By just taking a picture of several restaurant options, HTC EVO 4G will provide restaurant reviews to ensure the best choice.
• Text messaging and email composition feature built-in voice-to-text technology. By simply pressing a microphone button on the screen, messages can be composed by just speaking, making keeping in touch faster and easier than ever.
• Through Android Market(TM), HTC EVO 4G users have access to thousands of useful applications, widgets and games to download and install on their phone, with many more to come.

In addition to today's Android apps, the performance of which will be enhanced by 4G speed, application developers will be introducing new apps that take advantage of 4G power in new ways - games and communications tools and other apps that bring together video, presence and location simultaneously, and capabilities that haven't yet been imagined. For example, an application developer might create an app that allows a customer to simultaneously watch a streaming sporting event while pulling down stats and conducting a video chat with a friend.

A Sprint 4G developer guide is available today from the Sprint ADP Web site. The Sprint 4G developer guide explains how to develop on an Android 2.1 handset and how to take advantage of 4G and unique hardware/software capabilities, including how to use a forward-facing camera in an app; how to use HDMI output; and how to build in network detection (3G, 4G or Wi-Fi) to optimize quality of data in an app. The Sprint 4G developer also will include sample apps and source code that highlight these features. It will supplement the Android 2.1 SDK. As a charter member of the Open Handset Alliance(TM), Sprint is actively engaged with the Android community. Sprint has employed an open Internet approach, and the Sprint Application Developer Program has been providing tools for third-party developers since Sprint first launched the Wireless Web on its phones in 2001.

"Sprint and HTC have come together to propel the Android platform into the 4G world with the introduction of HTC EVO 4G," said Andy Rubin, vice president, mobile platforms at Google. "The Android platform was developed to give people unmatched mobile connectivity to the Internet. By combining this vision with the promise of Sprint's first-to-market 4G technology, HTC EVO 4G makes accessing thousands of applications from Android Market, using Google(TM) services like Google Goggles, Google Earth(TM) and the all-new Gesture Search, or simply browsing the Web faster, easier and more enjoyable than ever before."

Blazing trails with Sprint 4G

As the first national wireless carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology, Sprint made history by launching 4G in Baltimore in September 2008. Today, Sprint 4G covers more than 30 million people and expects to have up to 120 million people covered by the end of 2010.

Sprint currently offers 4G service in 27 markets, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Portland, Ore., San Antonio and Seattle. Following is a comprehensive list of markets by state where Sprint 4G is currently offered: Georgia - Atlanta, Milledgeville; Hawaii - Honolulu, Maui; Idaho - Boise; Illinois - Chicago; Maryland - Baltimore; Nevada - Las Vegas; North Carolina - Charlotte, Greensboro, (along with High Point and Winston-Salem), Raleigh (along with Cary, Chapel Hill and Durham); Oregon - Portland, Salem; Pennsylvania - Philadelphia; Texas - Abilene, Amarillo, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Killeen/Temple, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, San Antonio, Waco, Wichita Falls; Washington - Bellingham, Seattle. To check coverage in your area, visit 3Gstore.com/coverage

In 2010, Sprint expects to launch service in multiple markets, including but not limited to, Boston, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Minneapolis, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Sprint is harnessing the power of 4G as the majority shareholder of Clearwire, the independent company that is building the WiMAX network. Sprint is the only national wireless carrier to offer 4G services on the Clearwire WiMAX network.

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Related Links

• View the HTC EVO Fact Sheet
• View Sprint 3G and 4G coverage
• Discuss the HTC EVO on the 4G Forums

Sprint 4G Expansion Plans to Stretch Coast-to-Coast from Los Angeles to Miami

Sprint extends its lead in making 4G technology a reality for millions of customers by announcing more planned coverage across the country

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Mar 23, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- On a path to equip an expected 120 million Americans by end of the year with a mobile Internet experience that is turbo-charged, Sprint (NYSE:S) today announced plans to bring 4G technology to several additional markets, including Los Angeles and Miami. With 27 markets already equipped with 4G and more being planned for this year, Sprint is fulfilling its promise to light up major metropolitan areas with speeds that are up to 10 times faster1 than 3G.

Newly announced markets that will see 4G in 2010 are Cincinnati, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Miami, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City and St. Louis. Earlier this year Sprint announced that it planned to launch 4G in Boston, Denver, Kansas City, Houston, Minneapolis, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., in 2010.

And unlike "concepts" and "lab tests" from other wireless companies, Sprint is the first national wireless carrier to actually test, launch and market 4G technology. The strength of Sprint 4G lies in its all-IP backbone, common architecture and 4G spectrum depth, which give the company considerable flexibility to ensure that customers have a top mobile experience and the most advanced 4G services available well into the future.

With Sprint 4G, the mobile Internet potential is virtually limitless, especially for those using a Sprint 4G-powered product, such as Overdrive(TM) 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot and Sprint 3G/4G USB Modem U301 by Franklin. This year, Sprint plans to introduce several 4G devices, including a single-mode 4G data card, embedded laptops and a 4G phone. 

Sprint is harnessing the power of 4G as the majority shareholder of Clearwire, the independent company that is building the WiMAX network.

SOURCE: Sprint

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Related links:

• Purchase the Sprint 3G/4G Overdrive from 3Gstore
• Purchase the Sprint Franklin u301 from 3Gstore
• Read more about Transitioning to 4G
• Discuss Sprint's 4G Expansion Plans on the 4G Forums

Sprint has been running commercials recently demonstrating how to take advantage of their super-fast 4G WiMAX network on an iPhone, by connecting it to the Overdrive 3G/4G hotspot. Check out the commercial below:

Right now, AT&T does not have a 4G network built - they only offer 3G service (the "G" in 3G and 4G stands for "Generation" - so 4G is simply the "4th Generation" of mobile broadband. As you'd expect, 4G is much faster than 3G!).  4G is available, though, through CLEAR and Sprint. CLEAR, which is 51% owned by Sprint, has been deploying a 4G WiMAX network that is in 30 major markets right now, with service in new cities launching every quarter; Sprint and CLEAR use the same network, but offer different plans and devices. As the Sprint commercial explains, just because the iPhone doesn't have 4G capabilities built into it doesn't mean you can't take advantage of 4G. The Overdrive is one option to accomplish this, but it's not the only one:

#1  Purchase CLEAR Internet USB Modem and add a Battery-Powered Router.

This will work in any of the 4G/WiMax supported markets*.  This method gives you the ability to not only have an iPhone on a 4G network, BUT also creates a WiFi hotspot FROM the 4G network.  Multiple devices can be sharing the network at the same time, such as iPhone, iPod Touch, BlackBerry (w/WiFi) and any other device that supports WiFi. If you have an ethernet-only device, you can add a Pepwave Surf Mini to get those to hook up. Plus, CLEAR's service is super-affordable and unlike 3G service, it's unlimited (so no need to worry about using too much data and incurring overage charges!).

If you are only using this in a 4G area, you are good to go.  But, what if you are not always going to be in a 4G area?  That is where a solution from Sprint will do the trick.


#2  Purchase Sprint U301 3G/4G USB Modem and add a Battery-Powered Router.

This works exactly like #1, except that it also fails back to 3G when you are not in a 4G area. This option works best if you travel a lot one of the areas you frequent is not yet on 4G.  The same rules apply - you can easily share multiple WiFi devices. It also gives you the most for being "future proofed", meaning you can get a device today and not have to worry about it becoming outdated when a whole new faster 4G network comes into town - you would have everything you need for 3G now and 4G tomorrow. Sprint's 3G/4G service is a great deal right now, too: they charge just $59.99/mo (the SAME price that AT&T/Verizon/Sprint charge for their 3G-only plans!) and you get unlimited 4G access and 5GB of 3G access.



#3  Purchase Sprint Overdrive 3G/4G Hotspot.

This is the works similarly to #2, but instead of being two separate devices (an aircard and a router), the Overdrive is an all-in-one unit. Like the U301, the Overdrive also fails back to 3G when you are not in a 4G area. This option works best if you travel a lot one of the areas you frequent is not yet on 4G.  The same rules apply - you can easily share multiple WiFi devices. It also gives you the most for being "future proofed", meaning you can get a device today and not have to worry about it becoming outdated when a whole new faster 4G network comes into town - you would have everything you need for 3G now and 4G tomorrow. Sprint's 3G/4G service is a great deal right now, too: they charge just $59.99/mo (the SAME price that AT&T/Verizon/Sprint charge for their 3G-only plans!) and you get unlimited 4G access and 5GB of 3G access.

There are a plethora of benefits to opting for a 4G or 3G/4G modem in a router for your iPhone instead of relying on WiFi from other sources or AT&T's 3G service:

• 4G WiMAX service from Sprint or CLEAR is much faster than AT&T's 3G service (WiMAX can provide average download speeds of 3 to 6 Mbps and bursts over 10 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 1Mbps; AT&T's 3G service provides real-world speeds of 700-1700kbps download and 500-1200kbps upload)
• Unlike relying on other WiFi sources and only being able to use your iPhone when you're near a hotspot, you can be your OWN hotspot
• These options all allow you to share the 3G or 4G connection with other devices, too - not just your iPhone! Get your other devices online, too!
• Multiple router options - the PHS300 is certainly the most portable option (since it has a built-in battery), but other routers are also available if other features are desired (the other routers don't have built-in batteries, but external batteries are available)
• Flexibility - if you ever replace your iPhone for any reason, you won't have to also worry about replacing or transferring your internet service. Your CLEAR or Sprint USB modem and router will work with any computer or WiFi device you get!

* For a complete list of US cities with CLEAR or Sprint 4G WiMAX, see 4Ginfo.com/wimaxmarkets. To view 3G or 4G coverage by zip code or address, visit 3Gstore.com/coverage

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Related Links:

• Purchase CLEAR Internet from 3Gstore.com
• Purchase Sprint 3G/4G Overdrive
• Purchase Sprint 3G4G U301 from 3Gstore.com
• Check 3G/4G Coverage

As we discussed earlier this week, the FCC has announced a plan to make high-speed internet available to more people. Today, in a video posted on the broadband.gov website, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski reiterated the broadband teams' plans to make higher speed access a reality: "we must lead the world in creating opportunity and affordable broadband." He goes on to make several points regarding the importance of broadband access and the FCC's goals:

• America needs to have all the tools to be able to compete in the 21st century economy
• 1st responders must have access to broadband in order to ensure safety
• A broadband network can aid in lowering costs of education and healthcare
• Goal: Children must be digitally literate by the time they leave high school
• Goal: Lower costs of investment into broadband networks
• Goal: Unleashing and allocating additional spectrum for unlicensed use
• Goal: Create jobs
• Goal: Accelerate online learning by removing barriers to entry

Genachowski concluded his passionate appeal by letting us know that this broadband mission must not end with a public appeal. He says, "It is now time to act and invest in our nation's future by bringing the power and promise of broadband to us all." Amen to that!

Discuss the FCC's broadband plans on the 4G Forums

 

Did you know Sprint and CLEAR have 4G coverage on their WiMAX network in 27 cities now? They're also launching in new markets every quarter and are the only carriers that currently have 4g WiMax service.

We know this may not affect you now - but why not prepare yourself for the future?

3Gstore.com (4Ginfo's "sister site") can help you if you are thinking about your transition from 3G to 4G, or starting your mobile broadband service with 4G. In addition to 4G-only devices, both Sprint and CLEAR also offer dual-mode 3G/4G devices, which is great for folks who travel outside 4G areas (or aren't even in a 4G area at all yet but want to be prepared for when 4G arrives!). CLEAR's and Sprint's modems can even be used with a variety of Cradlepoint routers, which allow you to share your connection with multiple computers or devices.

Click here to learn more about whether 4G or combined 3G/4G service is an option for you and how 3Gstore can help you make the transition to the world of 4G!

Read our full "Transition to 4G" article on EVDOinfo.com

 

 

 

Sprint is expected to announce the first phone compatible with their 4G WiMax network at CTIA next week. The device is made by HTC and is being dubbed the Supersonic. Sprint is hoping to gain a new customer base with new 4G devices,  and they currently have the lead in 4G as they have built a large 4G network, while other carriers don't have any 4G coverage currently.

The device is expected to be the centerpiece of a Tuesday presentation made by Chief Executive Dan Hesse during the CTIA Wireless trade show.

 

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Related Links:

 

• Discuss First WiMax Phone Coming to Sprint on 4GForums.com