Sprint to launch Evo 4G phone on Friday
Mobile streaming video fanatics, take note: The first phone in the U.S. to run on a fourth-generation network launches tomorrow.
Sprint, the only carrier in the U.S. with its 4G network up and running for consumers, is launching the Evo 4G on Friday. The phone is manufactured by Taiwanese company HTC and uses Google's Android operating system.
Sprint launched its 4G network in Chicago in November and the city is one of roughly 30 markets with the technology, which is designed to deliver residential broadband-like speeds even when consumers are on the go. The 4G network is also meant to be stronger and more reliable than 3G, allowing for data-intensive activities such as streaming high-definition video and online gaming with sophisticated graphics.
So far, the only 4G-enabled devices available to consumers have been modems, laptops and laptop cards. Mobile phones are now expected to join the roster as Sprint continues to roll out its 4G network to more cities and other carriers prepare their own 4G launches. And further down the line, other gadgets such as tablet PCs and digital cameras could be embedded with 4G capability.
The Evo has a 4.3-inch touchscreen display and two cameras, a 1.3-megapixel camera on the front for webcam videoconferencing and an 8-megapixel camera on the back with the ability to shoot HD video.
The phone, which can run on both 3G and 4G networks, costs $199.99 after rebate. The device requires an additional $10 per month for 4G data on top of an unlimited data plan, which starts at $69.99 a month. The Evo can also turn into a mobile hotspot for up to eight devices with Wi-Fi capability; that service costs an extra $29.99 a month.
On Thursday, PCMag released a study of mobile broadband networks nationwide that revealed Sprint to offer the fastest network in Chicago. Nationally, AT&T topped the magazine's index. The survey focused on speed and did not test for call quality, dropped calls and coverage.
Sprint stores will be open early on Friday for the Evo's launch.
Sprint, the only carrier in the U.S. with its 4G network up and running for consumers, is launching the Evo 4G on Friday. The phone is manufactured by Taiwanese company HTC and uses Google's Android operating system.
Sprint launched its 4G network in Chicago in November and the city is one of roughly 30 markets with the technology, which is designed to deliver residential broadband-like speeds even when consumers are on the go. The 4G network is also meant to be stronger and more reliable than 3G, allowing for data-intensive activities such as streaming high-definition video and online gaming with sophisticated graphics.
So far, the only 4G-enabled devices available to consumers have been modems, laptops and laptop cards. Mobile phones are now expected to join the roster as Sprint continues to roll out its 4G network to more cities and other carriers prepare their own 4G launches. And further down the line, other gadgets such as tablet PCs and digital cameras could be embedded with 4G capability.
The Evo has a 4.3-inch touchscreen display and two cameras, a 1.3-megapixel camera on the front for webcam videoconferencing and an 8-megapixel camera on the back with the ability to shoot HD video.
The phone, which can run on both 3G and 4G networks, costs $199.99 after rebate. The device requires an additional $10 per month for 4G data on top of an unlimited data plan, which starts at $69.99 a month. The Evo can also turn into a mobile hotspot for up to eight devices with Wi-Fi capability; that service costs an extra $29.99 a month.
On Thursday, PCMag released a study of mobile broadband networks nationwide that revealed Sprint to offer the fastest network in Chicago. Nationally, AT&T topped the magazine's index. The survey focused on speed and did not test for call quality, dropped calls and coverage.
Sprint stores will be open early on Friday for the Evo's launch.
it always sounds like they are driving down the highway with their head hanging out the window.
thats the price of a new phone and than some.