Sprint

[slideshow]

Notes from the event:

– Narrator introduction: Sprint was the first carrier with nationwide 4G, first with 3G, and it unveiled the first 3D phone.

Sprint CEO Dan Hesse takes the presentation stage floor:

– He talks about Sprint’s successful partnership with HTC and Evo.
– Showcases network vision, which is an initiative designed to give customers a better network coverage and experience.
– He mentions that Evo is an HD voice- capable phone. Mobile voice quality is crystal clear. Enhanced voice quality for Sprint stems back to fiber optic network days of Sprint’s heritage.

HTC President Jason Mackenzie takes the stage to unveil new Evo One:

– It has only been two years since both companies originally launched the HTC Evo flagship device.
– It was the first 4G smartphone to launch in the United States. This year represents a turning point for HTC, because it is delivering true hero products with beautiful designs, amazing cameras, and an authentic sound.
– HTC is not just all about specs; it believes experience is key.
– Evo One’s Sense 4 is faster, cleaner, and more intuitive than ever before for delivering a premium experience.
– Evo One boasts an amazing camera and awesome sound experience.
-Design is something HTC has always been serious about, and it is doubling down this year so phones look and feel great.

HTC Lead Designer Jonah Becker takes the stage to discuss the Evo One’s design:

– The Evo name stands for the very best. It features authentic material with meticulous attention to detail.
– The Evo One is crafted from aluminum, first given a black finish, and then the edge’s surface is cleaned of edge to bring a highlight to the device’s look.
– Design process discussed next (video demo): Red kickstand gives the Evo One an HTC look, but it also serves a purpose.
– The Evo One has a soft touch finish and blasted aluminum for texture, and then it undergoes a chemical etching process to create something new to industry without painting or coating.
– About 100 different machine cutters are used to create all the features and geometry needed in the HTC Evo One—and people notice. A much-better designed product. “It’s what I want in my pocket.”
– New Evo is also a high-end camera like an SLR, and the red ring around lens mimics high-end cameras, while the red band on the back reinforces the HTC brand.
– The aluminum gives the Evo One a precise feel, and an actual camera button gives it a real feel.
– It is also a multimedia powerhouse; hardware is just a passage to content.
– Crisp, rectangular phone mimics TV, and its kickstand lets you go hands free.

Sprint Product Chief Fared Adib takes stage to talk about camera features:

– The camera: True digital SLR in phone.
– The Evo One sports HTC image sense technology and dedicated imaging chip, with super fast camera startup and auto focus to allow four frames per second in a continuous shooting mode.
– Image sense f/2.4 lens with HDR and smart flash makes sure every picture is perfect, i.e., not too dark or too light.
– The Evo One takes videos and photos simultaneously without switching between modes. While shooting video, just click shutter button to snap a picture.

Sprint CEO and HTC President are back on stage to conclude presentation:

– The HTC Evo One has a focus on sound: Rich, authentic sound with Beats Audio by Dr. Dre.
– Evo One has a media manager to get sound from computer to phone, but the music hub also gives access to a user’s music in apps and all other places. Streaming options to car and TV are also available.
– HTC voice: In 2012, Sprint will serve 500 million voice minutes. Sprint’s beloved HD voice is the future of phone calls. It is possible through a combination of dual microphones, decoders, encoders, and networks for a richer sound.
– Demo video depicts reduced background sound very well. “Hearing is believing.”
– Key features: 2,000 mAh batter, 4.7-inch HD screen, and Snapdragon dual core processor, Beats Audio by Dr. Dre, Ice Cream Sandwich OS with Sense 4.0, and a 8-megapixel shooter and 1.3-megapixel camera.

The HTC Evo One will be available in the second quarter for $199.99. Pre-sale starts May 7.

Demonstration area opens:

– I played with the phone. It looks cool—feels sturdy and valuable, yet the screen is huge. I had trouble handling it, because I am use to the smaller iPhone. Snapping photos while recording video was excellent. The fast startup and auto focus was also impressive. Camera features are cool too: built-in vignette, panorama, HDR, face detection for group shots, and more. The HD voice demo was amazing, as well. It highlighted absolutely no background sound despite the noisy area. I think the HTC Evo One is a quality phone. There is nothing that stands out when it comes to the user interface, though, as it looks like a typical Android smartphone.

The full-sized pictures are below:

Report: HTC EVO 3D Getting Rebranded as ‘EVO V 4G’ for Virgin Mobile in 2012

Jordan Kahn Apr 2 2012 - 1:38 pm PT

Virgin Mobile is getting ready to introduce the HTC EVO 3D rebranded as the “HTC EVO V 4G” later this year, according to a report from PocketNow citing a “reliable source.” The report noted the device originally launched almost a year ago with its plum color variant exclusive to Best Buy. Both shades including the plum and grey will apparently be available on Virgin sometime in 2012 and, like Sprint, the carrier will also offer 4G hotspot support. The glasses-free EVO 3D can capture 3D images and video with its two 5-megapixel cameras, and it packs a dual-core 1.2GHz processor and qHD resolution display. The EVO V 4G variant for Virgin will presumably have similar specs.

Sprint’s LTE Galaxy Nexus launching April 22 according to leaked docs

Jordan Kahn Apr 2 2012 - 8:28 am PT

We knew it was coming since January when Google confirmed the Galaxy Nexus would launch on Sprint after first releasing exclusively on Verizon. According to a document sent to The Verge from an anonymous Walmart employee, the device will launch April 22 at Sam’s Club. There will not be many surprises when it finally does launch, as leaked ads in January revealed a 1.5GHz processor, opposed to the 1.2GHz packed in Verizon’s variant. Other than that, we will likely see a device that is identical to Verizon’s Galaxy Nexus, but Sprint—unlike Verizon—will support Google Wallet.

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Google in talks to integrate Voice with carriers other than Sprint

Jordan Kahn Mar 26 2012 - 2:31 pm PT

Up until now, only Android users on Sprint had the luxury of integrating Google Voice into their main cell service. Due to a partnership with Google last year, users can enable Google Voice on their existing Sprint number providing them with access to better rates on international calling, visual online voicemail, personalized greetings, and the ability to use one number across all devices. According to a report from Cnet, Google’s Group Product Manager for Google Voice Vincent Paquet confirmed the company is in talks with other carriers about integrating the service:

“We are having discussions with other carriers about this.. Sprint integration has worked really well.. We have, since Day One, had a steady stream of people signing up for it.“

Google’s new Wallet plan: Share the take with carriers

Jordan Kahn Mar 21 2012 - 1:48 pm PT

Google’s mobile payment system, known as Google Wallet,” has not received the kind of warm welcome that the company might have hoped. First, there were issues with Verizon blocking the service on the new Galaxy Nexus as the carrier prepped its own rival service, known as “ISIS.” Wallet then had a few roadblocks with security concerns related to prepaid cards, which the company apologized for with complimentary $5 deposits to Google wallet users. Today, a report from Bloomberg citing “people with knowledge of the project” claimed, despite being “enthusiastic” about progress, Google is considering sharing revenue with carriers to get them to support the technology:

Nexus S 4G reportedly to get Ice Cream Sandwich update tomorrow

Jake Smith Feb 15 2012 - 11:00 pm PT

Attention Nexus S 4G users: The moment you have been waiting for is finally hitting tomorrow. Android Police reported that the Nexus S 4G would receive the long-awaited Ice Cream Sandwich update tomorrow, according to a screenshot of Sprint’s internal systems (seen after the break). The over-the-air update should hit any time now, so get ready. Let’s hope nothing goes wrong in the process.

Sprint’s $100 ZTE Optik 7-inch Android tablet launches Feb. 5

Jordan Kahn Feb 2 2012 - 12:37 pm PT

Sprint announced today it will make the budget-friendly 7-inch ZTE Optik 3G tablet available starting Feb. 5 from Sprint Stores and online for $99.99 with the usual two-year agreement. You will also be able to grab the Android 3.2-powered tablet without a contract for $350.

If you are not familiar with the ZTE Optik, expect a 7-inch capacitive WXGA 1280-by-800 resolution display, a 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor, 1GB of RAM, Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g), and 16 GB of onboard storage. It also packs in Bluetooth v2.1+EDR, a microSD slot, a 5-megapixel main camera, 2-megapixel front-facing camera and a 4000 mAh Lithium-ion battery. The full press release from Sprint is available after the break:

Sprint offering up to a $100 discount to select upgrade eligible customers

Jordan Kahn Feb 1 2012 - 7:20 pm PT

Sprint is showing its loyal customers some appreciation in the coming weeks with SprintFeed informing us that starting Feb. 5 select customers will receive a discount up to $100. The discounts will come in $25, $50, and $100 and will be offered to select “upgrade eligible customers that are at high risk of leaving Sprint” through email and snail mail. So the deal does apply to eligible upgrades, but it will require a new two-year commitment. Yes, this is a great way to get you sorted with a less expensive iPhone.

The promotion is running from Feb. 5 to March 18, so you might want to check if your account is flagged for the discount.

Google posts official sign-up page for the Sprint Galaxy Nexus

Jake Smith Jan 29 2012 - 3:46 pm PT

After leaked advertisements and many rumors, Google finally announced on Jan. 9 that Sprint would be the second carrier to host the Galaxy Nexus. Roughly close to a month has passed, and we have not heard anything out of Sprint or Google in terms of launch. However, finally this weekend, Google posted the official sign-up website for those looking to order the Galaxy Nexus on the Now Network.

The Sprint version of the Galaxy Nexus is unlike the Verizon version due to it Google’s Wallet technology and a faster processor. Last month, we exclusively told you that Verizon would not have Wallet because of its own wallet-like technology in development.

As some background, the Galaxy Nexus should be the first LTE device on the Now Network. It will rock 32GB of storage, along with a 4.65-inch 720P HD screen, 5-megapixel camera, 1GB of RAM, and Android 4.0. There is no word on a launch date, but if you are interested—we suggest going ahead and signing up. (via Android Central)

Sprint removes Carrier IQ, issues OTA updates to several Android devices

Élyse Betters Jan 25 2012 - 1:15 pm PT

Sprint issued over-the-air updates last week that removed Carrier IQ and provided various bug fixes and enhancements to a few devices, and now the Samsung Epic 4G Touch is receiving a similar software update.

The OTA update starts today and will completely rollout within 10 days. According to Android Police and Sprint’s Community website, the Samsung smartphone update includes Carrier IQ removal, multiple calendar alerts dismissal, and Commercial Alert System activation. Users should visit the Samsung Epic 4G Touch Software Update blog for complete install instructions.

More information is available below.

Sprint ad for the Galaxy Nexus appears, boasts LTE, 1.5GHz processor; launch coming soon?

Jake Smith Jan 5 2012 - 5:17 pm PT

An advertisement for the Galaxy Nexus popped up on Cnet (via Engadget) showing off the Galaxy Nexus, which was rumored to launch on Sprint for months. The ad shows off the Galaxy Nexus as having LTE, which Sprint debuted today. The ad also revealed that the Sprint version would boast a 1.5 GHz processor, rather than the 1.2 GHz processor that the HSPA+ version currently sports. Sprint will be holding a press event at CES Monday, Jan. 9.

A listing for the Sprint Galaxy Nexus appeared on Ebay yesterday. We posted it, but quickly retracted it —thinking that it was most likely a mistake. With today’s developments, however, that listing could have certainly held some truth.

We will probably hear more official news from Sprint next week.

Samsung announces white Samsung Galaxy S II, available Jan. 8 for $199

Jake Smith Jan 5 2012 - 4:04 pm PT

After waiting for months, Sprint customers were finally graced with the white Galaxy S II. Samsung announced the news in a press release today (available after the break), and said the device will be available online and in-stores Jan. 8. The white variant will be priced the same as the black for $199 on a two-year contract. Man, she is gorgeous…

Sprint offers early upgrades to good customers on all CDMA phones

Jordan Kahn Dec 22 2011 - 1:22 pm PT

Leading up to the New Year, Sprint is running a limited time promotion that allows customers of the soon-to-be discontinued Premier service to access an early upgrade, according to internal documents obtained by SprintFeed.

The promotion is not advertised, but according to the report – all Sprint CDMA devices are eligible. Sprint will apparently check to make sure your account is in good standing, and this will of course replace your next available upgrade. The promotion is already available now through Sprint brick-and-mortar stores and will expire before the end of the year on Dec. 31.

Sprint releases manual Android 3.2 Honeycomb update to HTC EVO View 4G

Jordan Kahn Dec 22 2011 - 11:18 am PT

Sprint just announced that HTC EVO View 4G users would be able to access a manual Honeycomb update today. The update is available now and full instructions on how to install it are posted below.

Sprint warns that your home screen setup and widgets will return to default, but that is expected due to Honeycomb’s unique layout. Sprint also announced that the update will be available over-the-air sometime in 2012. In addition to Honeycomb, the change log mentions “a new virtual and holographic user interface.” Read below the break for full instructions on how to install the manual update.

Galaxy Nexus reportedly runs on Sprint’s network, could roll out soon

Jake Smith Dec 20 2011 - 11:54 pm PT

PhanDroid wrote an interesting report this evening, claiming the roll out of the Sprint Galaxy Nexus might be a reality and that it could be coming soon. The information comes from several Sprint customer representatives (seen after the break) who confirm that the Galaxy Nexus can be activated on the Sprint network and that it was given the green light.

When it comes to the radio bands that the Galaxy Nexus supports (CDMA 800/1900, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO), PhanDroid pointed out how both Verizon and Sprint are supported under the current hardware. Sadly, Sprint would not be able to use the 4G side of things with its WiMAX network, but things could always change for the company. (See: Samsung’s Epic line.)

We gave the Galaxy Nexus a good score during our testing, and reviewed it as the best Android phone on the market. Let us hope the phone will see a few other United States carriers in its day. Current rumors point to a 60-day exclusivity for Verizon, though, if today’s news is true, you can theoretically buy a Verizon GN and take it over to Sprint to be Flashed. Moreover, you can buy an international GSM version that works on both T-Mobile and AT&T’s network.

Video of Carrier IQ backs up researcher’s claims of tracking capabilities in Sprint phones

Jordan Kahn Nov 30 2011 - 11:46 am PT

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=T17XQI_AYNo]

Last we checked in on the Carrier IQ situation, XDA-Developer member Trevor Eckhart, the researcher who exposed the tracking software being deployed on various Android devices from Sprint, was receiving legal threats from the company behind the software. Eckhart didn’t back down, however, with the Electronic Frontier Foundation issuing a response to Carrier IQ on his behalf. Now, to further solidify his claims that Carrier IQ described as “false allegations”, Eckhart has put together the video above (via TechCrunch) showing how the software could theoretically track, record, and transmit user input.

While the video in no way proves that Carrier IQ or Sprint is actually collecting and recording the data, it’s clear IQ does have access to log user keystrokes with unique identifiers, track phone numbers dialed, record unique codes for SMS messages, and log secure data over WiFi unencrypted. While Carrier IQ and Sprint both deny actually transmitting and recording this data, it doesn’t seem necessary that the software would have these capabilities for its intended purpose– to improve the quality of their customer’s (Sprint’s) network and “understand device issues”.

More troubling is the fact that users are not informed of the software at any time and, according to TechCrunch, some are even reporting increased battery life and improved overall performance when the software is removed. Eckhart’s video ends by posing four questions to Carrier IQ and Sprint:

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Review: Sprint EVO Design 4G World Phone – the budget device you’re looking for

Jake Smith Nov 14 2011 - 11:23 am PT

I’ve been playing with the EVO Design 4G for the better part of a month now, after showing off the hardware and software quickly in October. Today, we’re back with our full review of the device to answer a few questions. Is this the premier mid-range Android device on Sprint? Does it live up to its EVO name? Is this the world phone you’re looking for? But first, let’s go over some specs.

The Design 4G is packing Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) HTC Sense, a 1.2 GHz processor, 4-inch qHD display, 5-megapixel rear-camera, 1.3-megapixel front-camera, Wi-Fi, and World Phone capabilities. So how does this hardware hold up with the software? Head on after the break for our full review.

HTC EVO Design 4G hands on (video)

Jake Smith Oct 26 2011 - 4:19 pm PT

Sprint’s HTC EVO Design 4G just landed at my house to review, but first I thought I’d do a quick hands on for our lovely readers. Just as a reminder, the device packs Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), HTC Sense, a 1.2 GHz processor, 4-inch qHD display, 5-megapixel rear-camera, 1.3-megapixel front-camera, Wi-Fi, and World Phone capabilities. Full video hands-on after the break:

Sprint announces the Motorola Admiral, landing October 23rd for $99

Jake Smith Oct 20 2011 - 2:20 pm PT

Sprint has announced the Motorola Admiral this afternoon, a 3.1-inch device running Android 2.3 with a design to withstand rugged environments. The device features a 3.1-inch VGA display (Gorilla Glass), full QWERTY keyboard, 1.2 GHz processor, 4GB of internal memory, 5-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, and Android 2.3. That Gorilla Glass and full QWERTY keyboard are definitely a selling point for some.

The Motorola Admiral launches October 23rd for $99. We’ll have a full review then, so stay tuned.

Sprint announces the EVO Design 4G: $99 world-phone available October 23rd

Jake Smith Oct 19 2011 - 10:42 am PT

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Sprint has announced the fifth device in their EVO lineup this morning: the EVO Design 4G. The EVO Design 4G is a world-phone available for $99 October 23rd, and actually has a pretty nice spec list under its belt. Specs for the device include Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), HTC Sense, 1.2 GHz processor, 4-inch qHD display, 5-megapixel rear-camera, 1.3-megapixel front-camera, Wi-Fi, and World Phone capabilities. Pretty cheap for a nice device.

Localytics: One-third of the U.S. Android ecosystem is 4G-enabled

9to5 Staff Sep 27 2011 - 6:53 am PT

A Localytics study issued today helps understand why Verizon Wireless recently sided with Samsung in the ongoing Apple vs. Samsung legal saga. Per Localytics’ data, 4G is one of Android’s key differentiators: More than one in three Android phones in the United States take advantage of fourth-generation cellular networks. In the third quarter of this year, some 36.6 percent of Android handsets in the United States were 4G-ready, a notable increase over the 22.6 percent in the first quarter of 2011.

This number is increasing rapidly – since the beginning of the year, the percentage of Android devices that are 4G-capable has grown by over 50 percent, culminating at a full third of the Android ecosystem. It will be interesting to see whether the iPhone 5 supports any type of 4G network. The drawbacks – bulkier antenna and a much shorter battery life – may outweigh the benefits in speed. Regardless, with the growth in 4G-capable handsets Android has seen, it appears that smartphone users are buying into the value of speed. We’ll see how this continues.

The nation’s most popular 4G handsets in the third quarter were the HTC Thunderbolt (Verizon), the HTC Evo 4G (Sprint), the Samsung Epic 4G (Sprint), the Samsung Droid Charge (Verizon), the myTouch 4G (T-Mobile USA) and the Motorola Atrix (AT&T). A few caveats and the full list of most popular 4G devices in the country right below the fold…

Motorola Admiral gets YouTubed

Seth Weintraub Sep 23 2011 - 2:06 am PT

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wwrf5GMAZWw

This upcoming device on Sprint is a slightly-modified Droid Pro with what looks like a much nicer keyboard and Sprint features such as a push to talk button. Other notables on this Blackberry to Android transition device are 3.1-inch display, 5 megapixel camera and a light touching of Motorola Blur mixed Santorum-style with Sprint’s own ID overlay.

For those Crackberry addicts that are looking for some Android methadone on Sprint, here you go!
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Google launches Wallet with new promo clip and $10 free bonus

9to5 Staff Sep 19 2011 - 4:03 pm PT

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsaJMhcLm_A]

First they made a video testimonial featuring a bunch of excited developers. Last week brought us a promo clip they first played back to journalists who attended presser in May. Then came the first official Google Wallet commercial featuring Seinfeld’s George Constanza and his exploding wallet. Today, the search company has officially rolled out Wallet, a mobile payment service.

As you can see from the clip we embedded above, it features Google engineers highlighting the many benefits of paying simply by tapping your phone to a terminal. One thing immediately captures attention: The “hundreds of thousands” of points of sale which support Google Wallet, all MasterCard PayPass terminals. Google promised at the May unveiling they would support more smartphones with an NFC chip in the future, not ruling out a next-gen iPhone. Today, the company wrote in a blog post:

Today, Visa, Discover and American Express have made available their NFC specifications that could enable their cards to be added to future versions of Google Wallet.

If you’re a Sprint customer with a Nexus S 4G device, the Google Wallet app will be delivered as an over the air update. Just tap the Wallet app on your home screen, add your Citi MasterCard credit card or set up a Google Prepaid Card and transfer some funds to it from any of your credit cards and off you go.

Early adopters who set up a Google Prepaid Card before the year’s end also get a $10 free bonus. When you see the Google Wallet logo on a poster, simply scan it with your phone to add the advertised offer or coupon to your Google Wallet account. The below walkthrough by TechCrunch lays out everything you need to know about Google Wallet in Layman’s terms. Good-bye wallet, the phone will take it from here and another from ThisIsMyNext…
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Review: Sprint Epic 4G Touch. Keeps getting better.

Seth Weintraub Sep 16 2011 - 10:39 am PT

If you are on Sprint and you love huge, beautiful screens on your smartphones, you can pretty much stop reading here and go get yourself the Galaxy S2 varient dubbed the Sprint Epic 4G Touch. The WiMAX candybar flagship phone is $199 on a 2 year 4G contract or $149 at Amazon.

But if you care about everything else an Android phone has to offer, keep reading, it mostly just keeps getting better…