Sprint Launches First 4G Phone in U.S. Market
Sprint Nextel Corp. has launched the first phone in the U.S. based on next-generation wireless technology, marking a significant advancement in mobile communications. The Evo phone from HTC Corp. runs on Google Inc.'s Android operating system and utilizes the so-called fourth-generation wireless network co-owned by Sprint and Clearwire Corp. This innovation promises to revolutionize the way people use the Internet, enabling faster downloads, better graphics, and higher-resolution video.
Key Takeaways:
- The Evo phone, priced at $199.99 with a two-year contract, is the first device in the U.S. to utilize fourth-generation wireless technology, which allows for downloads 10 times faster than third-generation technology.
- The phone can watch live World Cup matches, make video calls, and download movies like The Karate Kid or Shrek Forever After, offering users a more immersive experience.
- As more 4G devices hit the market, developers will create software programs to take full advantage of the higher speeds, enabling applications like location-based information and high-resolution video games.
- Jim McGregor, chief technology strategist at In-Stat, emphasized that the real significance lies in the applications and content that can be used on these devices, not just the devices themselves.
- Sprint CEO Dan Hesse stated that the company has no plans to change its pricing, despite AT&T's decision to stop offering unlimited wireless data plans to new customers.
Statistics:
- The Evo phone allows for downloads 10 times faster than third-generation technology.
- The phone's camera can recognize landmarks for location-based information.
- The phone can support high-resolution video games with better graphics, such as Guitar Hero or Prince of Persia.
- Sprint closed down 17 cents to $4.78 (U.S.) on the New York Stock Exchange Friday.
Sources:
- Bloomberg News
- In-Stat (no date specified)
- Sprint Nextel Corp. (press release, no date specified)
- AT&T (no date specified)