Sprint Announces Preordering and Sets Official Release Date for the HTC Evo 4G
May 13, 2010 - By Jason Hamilton
In a GSL post published April 13, 2010 on the HTC Evo 4G and Windows Phone 7, discussion centered around whether or not either would be successful enough to gain a statistically significant share of the smartphone market. A month later, it seems that Sprint (NYSE: S) is ready to see if they can make the dream become a reality.
According to a Sprint News Release dated May 12, 2010, the wireless carrier will officially release the HTC EVO 4G on June 4, 2010. Pricing is set at $199.99. What’s the catch? Customers must also sign a two-year contract with Sprint and submit a $100.00 rebate request, via mail. In addition to the regular monthly charges, it seems customers will also have to pay an additional $10.00 for a WiMax plan, which will enable them to have access to the full, 4G stream. Those who don’t wish to purchase the plan will still be able to use the device but will be limited to speeds associated with 3G coverage. Additionally, a separate charge of $29.99 (shareable among up to eight devices, on the same account) will be included for Sprint customers who wish to use the company’s mobile hotspot capability.
HTC Evo 4G from Sprint
For now, preordering is limited to Best Buy Stores. In order to ensure they’re able to get the device on the date of its release, customers will have to visit Best Buy and preorder in person. Currently, no online preorders will be accepted for the device. After the June 4th release date, customers will be able to purchase it at any of Sprint’s retail partners, to include RadioShack, Best Buy and Wal-Mart.
What makes the HTC EVO 4G a desirable smartphone for gadget-hungry consumers? Equipped with features such as mobile video chat, simultaneous voice/data capability, and HD video recording, the device runs the increasingly popular Android 2.1 OS and will allow users access to a growing list of apps available in the Android Market. The short list of desirable features and specifications includes:
- Simultaneous voice and data capability in 4G and Wi-Fi coverage areas
- Google Goggles picture search capability for use with artwork, books, DVDs and more
- 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor
- 8.0 megapixel, HD-capable, rear-facing auto-focus camera/camcorder
- Forward-facing 1.3 megapixel camera for videoconferencing
- Built-in kickstand
- Supports Adobe Flash
- Pinch-to-zoom and automatic text reflowing within the native web browser
- HTC Sense makes the device Friend Stream capable and allows single screen access to social networking platforms like Facebook and Twitter
For complete details, as well as the complete explanation of pricing, features, and specifications, consumers should visit the official Sprint News Release page.
Additional images of the HTC Evo 4G are show below, courtesy of Sprint:
