Sprint just announced its new superphone at CTIA.  Called the HTC Evo 3D, it pairs a glasses-free stereoscopic display similar to the Optimus 3D and WiMax connectivity on Sprint's 4G network.

Like the Optimus 3D, the stereoscopic support doesn't just end with watching 3D videos and playing 3D games on the handset.  The device also features dual 5.0 megapixel cameras (with flash) around the rear, allowing you to record 3D 720p video content right on your handset.

Details of the HTC Evo 3D include a 4.1-inch QHD capacitive touchscreen (with glasses-free 3D output), a front-facing 1.3 megapixel camera for video chats, 3G with HSPA, 4G connectivity, WiFi (with mobile hotspot for up to 8 connections), aGPS, stereo Bluetooth, DLNA, 4GB of internal storage, microSD card expansion (up to 32GB) and a 1,730 mAh battery.  A dual-core 1.2 MHz processor powers the action, paired with 1GB of RAM.  There's also an HDMI slot for outputting 1080p and 720p 3D content.

Android 2.3 Gingerbread is the OS of choice, with Sense UI, the usual roster of Google mobile services, Android Market access and the platform's robust messaging talents.  Oh yeah, it comes with Sprint's unique version of Google Voice, which lets you use the service while keeping your Sprint number.

Availability for the HTC Evo 3D is slated for sometime in the summer, with no word on pricing plans.   Expect it to fetch at the top-end, though, given that the specs run-down seems to spare no expense -- dual cameras, a dual-core 1.2GHz CPU and 4G can't possibly be cheap.

[Sprint]

Which US network has the fastest 4G?  According to a new study, Verizon takes the cake -- by a wide margin to boot.

In the extensive study, RootMetrics performed a variety of tests that sought to clock and compare different carriers' 4G speeds.  Held around the Seattle area, they used four different phones: the HTC Thunderbolt for T-Mobile, the HTC Inspire for AT&T, the HTC Evo for Sprint and the Samsung Galaxy S for Verizon.  According to RootMetrics, the smartphone model should not cause any issues in this case -- 4G performance should be almost all network-related.

As a point of reference, here are the promised speeds from each carrier on their 4G (and pseudo-4G HSPA+) networks:

• Verizon - 5 to 12 Mbps
• AT&T - 6Mbps
• Sprint - 3 to 6 Mbps
• T-Mobile - 5 to 10 Mbps

The findings look very good for Big Red.  First, their LTE network performed with a 100% data success rate, meaning the connection was stable and available throughout the duration of the tests.  Average download speeds for Verizon clocked between 4 and 14.5 times what other carriers were able to get, while uploads were similarly fast getting between 4.7 to 49.3 times better speeds than their competitors.  They also provided over 10Mbps download speeds at a close to 90% consistency, which is mighty impressive.

You can check the rest of the report (PDF) from the link below.

[4G Data Speed Study]

There aren't many 4G phones in the market right now, so we aren't exactly bombarded with too many choices yet.  As such, it's quite easy for handsets to separate themselves from the pack with just little changes and the HTC Evo Shift 4G manages to pull that off nicely.

Physically, the handset brings a high-quality design that makes you feel like you're handling a really premium phone.  The aluminum accents, soft-touch finish and beefy dimensions take it a step up the style ladder.  Display is a 3.6-inch capacitive touchscreen (800 x 480 resolution) that manages sharp and clear pictures, with plenty of bright colors.  The slide-out landscape QWERTY keyboard works great, although the lack of dedicated number keys might put off some users.  Regardless, it's one of the best keyboards for its size and makes a good case for choosing the Shift over the other keyboard-less 4G offerings from Sprint.

As a phone, the Evo Shift 4G makes for above average call quality.  Everything went through clearly on both ends of conversations, with no background noises to disrupt.  Speakerphone, however, was just average, although we appreciate the high volume level.  Battery should last you over six hours in continuous talk time.

The phone comes in at a cheaper price than other 4G handsets right now.  To allow that, it makes some compromises, such as the lack of a front-facing camera and an HDMI port.  Most notable, though, is the 800MHz processor, which is a downgrade from the 1GHz standard for other 4G devices.  For the most part, though, you'll only notice the slight drop in speed when you've got a plethora of apps open -- for regular use, it should be fine.  Plus, it plays Flash even with the lower CPU clock.

As a full-fledged Android 2.2 smartphone running HTC Sense, you get all the usual features you'll expect: a variety of calling options, basic and advanced messaging and a variety of preloaded apps (both Google's Mobile Suite, as well as HTC's own apps and widgets).  Connectivity support is full-blast, with 4G, 3G (when WiMax isn't available), WiFi, GPS and Bluetooth.  It also supports mobile hotspot capabilities for up to eight phones at a time.

On the multimedia end, it provides average playback of content.  Naturally, Sprint loaded it with their various streaming services, which you'll likely find plenty useful over the high-speed 4G network (hopefully, you have coverage in your area).   The 5.0 megapixel camera offers plenty of editing options, all while taking above average shots and very watchable 720p clips.

Overall, the HTC Evo Shift 4G is an excellent choice for an Android smartphone, provided you spend most of your time in an area with Sprint's 4G coverage.   The $149.99 price further makes a compelling case, especially if you’d like a physical keyboard to go with your Android smartphone.

Most follow-ups tend to be better-featured than their previous namesakes.  The HTC EVO Shift 4G, however, goes the other way, setting itself up as a more affordable alternative to the original EVO 4G.

Likely aimed at those overwhelmed by the original EVO 4G's price and, probably, size, the new handset is an attempt to provide the same high-speed WiMAX access in a more accessible package.  That means cheaper, smaller and just a tad less powerful, but still good enough to gut it out with today's ever-growing roster of Android smartphones.

Details of the HTC EVO Shift 4G include a 3.6-inch capacitive touchscreen (800 x 480 resolution), a 5.0 megapixel camera module (with 720p video recording), aGPS, stereo Bluetooth, WiFi, stereo Bluetooth, an FM tuner, microSD card expansion (up to 32GB) and a 1,500mAh battery (rated at up to 6 hours of talk time).   Of course, it's got access to both Sprint's EV-DO Rev. A and WiMAX networks, allowing users to stay connected majority of the time.  Core hardware consists of an 800MHz Qualcomm processor and 512MB of RAM -- a slight step down from the original EVO 4G.

One big change here is the inclusion of a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, which could be a  critical selling point for heavy messaging users who just can't wing it on virtual keys.    It's a lot more pocketable, too, sporting dimensions of 4.6 x 2.3 x 0.6 inches and a weight of 5.9 oz.

The HTC EVO Shift 4G will be running Android 2.2 at the helm, with availability slated for January 9.  Price is $149.99 with a two year agreement from Sprint.

[Sprint]



The anticipation and hype that surrounded the lead-up to the HTC Evo 4G's release was pretty heavy.  Fortunately, it doesn't disappoint, easily setting itself up as one of the best, most full-featured smartphones in the market today.

Physically, it's a large device with solid, sturdy construction.  HTC did manage to slim it down to half an inch thick, making the slate almost pocketable in a "bursting out of your pants" sort of way.  The size, of course, is due to the huge 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen, which shows sharp lines and vibrant colors.  It's quite mesmerizing to look at, apart from offering a spacious onscreen keyboard, although the colors do wash heavily under sunlight.

As a phone, the Evo 4G makes for excellent calls.  Voices came through loud and clear,  with no distortion of any sort.  Those on the other end reported the same thing.  Speakerphone calls were  also good, making for serviceable quality even in loud environments.  Battery is good for around one day of moderate use, although we'd recommend carrying a charger with you, just in case.

The handset is a veritable feature showcase, with literally every modern convenience you can find in any other smartphone and at least one (4G connectivity) that you can't.  Sure, the network isn't available in most places, but if you happen to be in one of the lucky cities, you can enjoy really fast download speeds that put current HSPA networks to shame.  Well, not that much, since when we tried it, we did run into some lags with SprintTV (yes, believe it or not).  YouTube HQ and Hulu went hitch-free though (the latter with a few seconds initial loading).  Do note that with 4G, you can use simultaneous voice and data, allowing you to keep the phone alive as a mobile hotspot even while taking calls.

It runs Android 2.1 out of the box (which you can now update to 2.2, by the way), which brings all of the platform's latest capabilities into your hands.  Suffice to say, everything is here, from the robust messaging to the Google's suite of apps.  It also runs the latest version of HTC Sense, which comes with numerous useful tools, such as  Agenda, Group Contacts and Friend Stream.

Android is notorious as a less-than-ideal multimedia phone, but the Evo 4G changes all that.  With support for 720p processing, an HDMI out and superb audio quality, it lays a strong argument for being a solid multimedia device.  It also has an 8.0 megapixel camera that shoots impressive photos and pretty good 720p videos.

Overall, the HTC Evo 4G easily finds a place in the top of the heap among Android devices.  The data charges can be expensive, but could be worth it, especially since the phone costs the same as other high-end handsets at $199.99 with a two year contract from Sprint.

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The star at this year's CTIA show also happens to be the world's first 4G Android phone. Billed as the HTC Evo, the feature-heavy smartphone will be the first handset using Sprint's 4G network in the US.

According to Sprint, their network will offer download speeds that are ten times faster than existing 3G networks, a capability that the device will competently handle. Combining HD2-style hardware, the software stylings of Sense over Android and unprecented bandwidth speeds, it's easily the most exciting phone of the year. Well, so far.

Core hardware consists of a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 512MB of RAM and 1GB of onboard storage. Details of the Evo include a 4.3-inch touchscreen (480 x 800 resolution), two cameras (a 1.3 megapixel in front and an 8 megapixel module in the rear), aGPS, HDMI out, WiFi, microSD card expansion and mobile hotspot capability. That last one allows up to eight different WiFi-enabled devices to connect to it for tethering.

As you can tell from the specs, this will be a multimedia-heavy phone, a fact reiterated with a kickstand on the back (so you can plop it down a table for viewing). Not only can it process HD video (and output it via an HDMI receiver), it can record them in full 720p too. Plus, it supposedly runs Flash seamlessly. We don't know whether that "seamless" part refers to games too, but streaming video should be a no-brainer.

The HTC Evo will ship with Android 2.1, along with the slew of Google's latest mobile software suite. Expect it to come out in the summer, although pricing isn't clear yet.

[via Gizmodo]

It is finally official, or at least, somewhat official.  Verizon Wireless has given a somewhat official date, or timeline, of their first 4G LTE mobile phone.  It appears that Verizon will be releasing their first LTE 4G phone around the middle of next year.

Verizon first expected to have their handset on the market in the last few months of 2011 or the first few months of 2012, but they’ve been able to bring that time scale down quite a bit.  Some regions will be able to latch onto these new 4G phones from Verizon at the end of this year.

Competitor and rival, Sprint Nextel Corporation has successfully launched data cards already with 4G capabilities and are in preparation of launching their first 4G cell phone summer of 2010.

Verizon is expecting to launch a mobile phone that uses Long Term Evolution technology, which is wireless high-speed technology, for their 4G phones.  They are hoping to use this integration of LTE within about six months after the launch of the 4G wireless service.  The phones that use the Long Term Evolution technology will more than likely come with dual-chip sets instead of single chip sets as the dual-chips are needed for the Verizon network and the 4G LTE phones to be compatible with each others in its fullest form.

You can expect to see broadband data cards in 4G before anything else and you can also expect that complete full coverage won’t be likely in the immediate future of the 4G mobile phone and plan launch, says Verizon.  Furthermore, Anthony Melone, a chief technology officer of Verizon, thinks that they will need to eliminate the unlimited data packages in order to fully integrate the Long Term Evolution technology and 4G handsets and plans.  Frankly, it’s not going to be cheap for this technology and 4G, and unlimited data plans simply take away a lot of their revenue, which could ultimately be used towards this new 4G service.

If Verizon decides to eliminate their unlimited phone and data plans, will they be able to survive in this heavy competitive market between cell phone carriers? In my personal opinion, if they do this and the competitors, such as Sprint and AT&T decide to allow their unlimited plans to stay intact, then there may just be a problem for Verizon Wireless.  On the other hand, who will be on top if all mobile carriers remove their unlimited plans?