Sprint will begin to roll out Google's latest version of Android™, Ice Cream Sandwich, to our customers in 2012. Ice Cream Sandwich will be available via an over-the-air update to a variety of devices including Galaxy™ S II, Epic™ 4G Touch and Nexus S™ and other key products in our line-up. Stay tuned for more details and exact timing.

Tell us what you think about Ice Cream Sandwich in our discussion forum thread.

Fared Adib, vice president of Product at Sprint

“Sprint is thrilled to be the first carrier in the U.S. to offer Google Wallet. Nexus S 4G is the first to receive new versions of Android software, and today’s upgrade puts the near-field communications, or NFC, chip in the phone to work so customers can have a secure virtual wallet on their phone. NFC capabilities on smartphones open the door to a new level of convenience and security.”  

With Google Wallet, an app now available to all Sprint customers with a Nexus S 4G, you can tap-to-pay at hundreds of thousands of participating retailers including American Eagle Outfitters, the Container Store, Macy’s, Best Buy and Subway, among others.

Sprint and Google today announced the rollout of Google Wallet to all Nexus S 4G customers. Sprint is the first carrier and Nexus S 4G is the first phone in the United States to deliver this innovative service that lets you transform your phone into your wallet.

We’ll keep you posted as this app becomes available for other customers. In the meantime, here is more information about what it is, how to get it and how to use it:

What is Google Wallet?

Google Wallet is a free Android app that stores virtual versions of your credit cards, offers and loyalty cards right on the one device you always have with you – your phone. At launch today, Google Wallet supports Citi® MasterCard® credit cards and the Google Prepaid MasterCard, powered by First Data. Google plans to support additional cards in the future.

Google Wallet is designed to enable safe, secure payments. It requires users to set up a Google Wallet PIN that must be entered before making a purchase to prevent unauthorized access and payments.

Watch a video of Google Wallet in action here.

Osama Bedier, vice president of Payments at Google

“The world is on the brink of the next big shift in payments and today’s announcement demonstrates that we’re making real progress in attaining the vision we share with our partners for a new and innovative mobile payments platform. We believe this is just the beginning of a transformation that’s soon to come.”

How to Get It

Eligible Sprint Nexus S 4G customers will be prompted to download the latest version of Android software. Once this download is complete, customers can launch the Wallet app to try it.  

Where You Can Use It

To find a participating merchant, customers can use MasterCard’s PayPass locator app for Android or visit http://www.google.com/wallet/where-it-works.html.

More information:

For more information on Google Wallet on Nexus S 4G from Sprint, read the press release at http://bit.ly/o2HXDV and visit www.sprint.com/googlewallet.

Google Wallet FAQs: http://www.google.com/wallet/faq.html

You might leave the house without your wallet and make it through the day. But forget to take your phone? Definitely want to rush back for that. Especially when Google Wallet can make your phone your wallet.

That’s right. Sprint and Google announced a partnership today that will bring the innovative Google Wallet app to customers this summer. With this app, you will be able to tap, pay and save money and time while you shop.

Sprint will be the first carrier and the Nexus S 4G will be the first phone to deliver this service that uses a special technology known as near field communication, or NFC.

It’s not available yet. We promise to share more information here, on www.facebook.com/sprint and @sprint on Twitter  when more information about how to get it and how to use it is available.

In the meantime you can get some great information at google.com/wallet. 

And this post on the Google blog - "Coming soon: make your phone your wallet" - offers a glimpse of the intriguing possibilities that will be available with Google Wallet:

“Because Google Wallet is a mobile app, it will do more than a regular wallet ever could. You'll be able to store your credit cards, offers, loyalty cards and gift cards, but without the bulk. When you tap to pay, your phone will also automatically redeem offers and earn loyalty points for you. Someday, even things like boarding passes, tickets, ID and keys could be stored in Google Wallet.”

-          Fared Adib, senior vice president of Product for Sprint

“We are pleased to join Google in offering this cutting-edge capability that lets you leave the house with just your phone, and tap and pay to shop, dine out and go to the movies. We are proud that Nexus S 4G is the first smartphone with Google Wallet and pleased that our customers can be the first to experience Google Wallet.”

-          Stephanie Tilenius, Vice President, Commerce and Payments at Google

“Today, we’ve joined with the players necessary to build the next generation of mobile commerce. With Citi, MasterCard, First Data and Sprint we’re building an open commerce experience that for the first time will make it possible for you to pay with an NFC wallet and redeem consumer promotions all in one tap, while shopping offline.”

How will it work?

•          Google Wallet is expected to work initially with the fast growing MasterCardPayPass network accepted at 124,000 merchants nationally.

•          Existing Citi MasterCard holders can add their cards to Google Wallet over the air.

•          Google also will support a pre-paid card that can be funded to make payments.

•          In addition to quick payments, users also will be able to redeem offers and even scan loyalty cards - all with a single tap - with participating retailers (with no additional fees added).

More information:

Sprint partners with Google as first carrier to launch Google Wallet

Coming Soon: Make your mobile phone your wallet

What others are saying:

MobileBeat.com "Google steps into mobile payments with Google Wallet, Google Offers goes wide"

Epic 4G users: We want to assure you that Froyo for the Epic 4G is still in the works. Sprint works very closely with our manufacturing partners to ensure that we deliver the best possible customer experience on our wireless devices. We approve the release of software updates when a new software version provided by the manufacturer can bring a better overall customer experience on the device. It is our intention to bring these updates to our customers as quickly as possible but only after they meet our rigorous testing criteria.

We can't provide any guidance on an exact or estimated release date at this time, but please know we are working to get Froyo out for the Epic as quickly as possible.

Android 2.2 offers HTC EVO 4G feature enhancements including Bluetooth® voice dialing, built-in Flash, the ability to store apps to the memory card and much, much more

The award-winning HTC EVO 4G just got that much better. We are excited to announce that beginning the week of Aug. 1; Sprint will begin rolling out the Android 2.2 upgrade to its HTC EVO 4G customers.

Sprint will be the first wireless carrier to bring¹ the latest version of Android to its customers. The Android 2.2 software release provides a significant number of feature enhancements, including:

• Voice Dialing Over Bluetooth.
• Application Storage on External Memory, giving users more storage room for all their apps.
• Camera 4-way rotation allows the camera icons to rotate with the camera.
• Improved Browser Performance including a faster JavaScript engine and Flash 10x Support improving the user’s ability to view videos and available content associated with web pages.

"Sprint is thrilled with our customers' response to HTC EVO 4G and the innovative and exciting experience it offers,” said Fared Adib, vice president – Product Development for Sprint. “It is exciting for us to lead the industry in bringing the Android 2.2 update to these customers and improve on the amazing experience they receive with America's first 4G capable phone.”

Easy Downloading

Sprint will begin sending update notifications to users in waves beginning Tuesday, Aug. 3 and the upgrade should be available for all HTC EVO 4G users by the middle of August.

The notification will let the users know that the update is available and it will provide the simple two-step over-the-air download process.

1. Users will receive a notification that Android 2.2 is available for download.
2. Once the user has downloaded the update, they will be prompted to install the update. The user will be notified that their device will be disabled during the installation process. The phone will be ready to use once the process completes.

For those who just can’t wait to get Android 2.2, there will be an easy user initiated option to download the upgrade. Customers can access the software update through their HTC EVO 4G under the Settings Menu > System Updates > HTC Software Update. This will initiate the three-step process also.

UPDATE - The Android 2.2 update will not wipe your personal data (contacts, apps, settings, photos, etc.).  That said, it is always prudent to back up your device before any major software update.  There are many backup utilities available in Android Market.

Rave Reviews and Accolades for EVO

Check out what the top tech reviewers are saying about the device.

Walt Mossberg with the Wall Street Journal (sub. req.) says:
"The HTC EVO 4G, when used on Sprint's 4G network, offers the highest consistent downstream data speeds I have ever seen on a cellular network. It also has a number of other strong features: a front-facing camera for video chatting, and the ability to serve as a Wi-Fi hotspot (for an extra fee of $30 a month) that can simultaneously connect up to eight laptops or other devices to the Internet."

Chris Ziegler with Engadget says:

"Let us be crystal clear: we love this phone. Nay, we adore it. ...truly one of the best smartphones ever made..."

Sascha Segan with PC Magazine says:

"...if you live online, the EVO offers a big, beautiful, and powerful window to the world."

"The EVO starts with a world-class 3G smartphone and adds 4G as a "turbo boost" option. If you're an intensive Web user, you'll like it even without 4G."

Bonnie Cha with CNET says:

"Overall, the HTC Evo 4G is, hands-down, the best smartphone that Sprint has to offer and certainly ranks as one of the best Android phones on the market today."

Jessica Mintz with the Associated Press says:

"HTC's Evo 4G phone is fast, powerful and fun to use — as long as your heart isn't set on tapping into the speedier new network it was designed for."

Mark Spoonauer with Laptop Magazine says:

"Even if 4G hasn’t yet reached your neck of the woods, the Evo 4G is a killer device thanks to its zippy processor, huge display, and an interface that makes Android more intuitive and user-friendly. While the keyboard could be better and the battery life longer, the Evo 4G richly deserves our Editors’ Choice award. It’s a no-brainer for Sprint customers, and a tempting choice for those on other carriers."

Matt Buchanan with Gizmodo says:

"It's actually staggering how different the experience is of using a phone that has over 4 inches of display, diagonally, versus more conventional screens, which run closer to 3.5 inches. Even when you're using the same OS at the same resolution—in this case, Android 2.1 with HTC's Sense UI at 800x480, seen on their last few Android phones.

It's kind of like when the jeans you've been wearing forever start to fit a little too snugly because you've been eating a little too well, and you finally cave and buy a bigger pair of jeans, there's a mindblowing moment when you close the button for the first time of how much freedom you suddenly have to breathe. So you kind of hyperventilate."

CNET, LAPTOP Magazine and eWeek gave HTC EVO 4G awards for Best of Show when it was announced at CTIA this spring. It was also recently cited on MobileTechReview’s Best Smartphones and Best Touch Screen Phones lists.

Customer favorites on HTC EVO 4G’s long list of features include the 4.3-inch screen, dual 8MP video camera capable of capturing HD quality and front-facing 1.3MP camera. They also appreciate the HDMI output jack making it simple to start a movie for your children in the backseat of the car with the phone and then connect to an HDTV to finish it when you arrive at home.¹ Business customers highlight its super-fast 1GHz processor, simultaneous voice and data capability in 4G or Wi-Fi coverage areas enabling Web surfing and more during conversation, and built-in mobile hotspot for up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices.²

For HTC EVO 4G images visit Sprint’s image gallery.

Amazing at 3G, Unbelievable at 4G

Sprint is the first national carrier offering the next generation of broadband technology today in 43 markets. Sprint 4G delivers download speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G from any other wireless carrier³, giving HTC EVO 4G a faster data speeds than any U.S. wireless device available today. HTC EVO 4G’s exciting features and applications are compelling and powerful in a 3G world, but they become even more amazing when experienced with 4G speeds.

###

Visit www.sprint.com/newswroom or www.sprint.com/presskits for more information and images.

¹Users of Google’s Nexus One may currently use Android 2.2. Sprint is the first carrier to offer Android 2.2 to its customers.

² HDMI cable sold separately.

³ An optional charge of $29.99 per month required to access Wi-Fi mobile hotspot.

⁴ “Up to 10x faster” based on download speed comparison of 3G’s 600 kbps vs. 4G’s 6 Mbps. Industry published 3G avg. speeds (600 kbps-1.7 Mbps); 4G avg. speeds (3-6 Mbps). Actual speeds may vary. Sprint 4G currently available in over 40 markets and counting, and on select devices. See www.sprint.com/4G for details. Not all services available on 4G and coverage may default to 3G/separate network where 4G unavailable.

Shredding the airwaves...Sprint's Now Network powers the electronic signage (provided by ICG) at the ultra popular skateboarding event, the Maloof Cup.

You may not realize it. But Sprint’s Now Network is impacting many parts of your life…in many ways you didn’t think possible.

Sprint’s efforts in Machine-To-Machine (M2M) technologies – which means, using wireless and wireline technologies to make devices “talk to each other” directly – have been affecting the way people play, the way businesses deliver for customers and even the way your doctor utilizes the most modern technologies to keep you healthy.

It could be your utility meter sending your usage information to the electric company’s billing database. It could be your e-reader downloading a book from a central bookstore. It could be a digital signboard updating its message from a laptop at the advertising agency. It’s literally that broad. And there’s a reason why Sprint is the most trusted wireless name in business operations. Our partner companies trust the Now Network’s speed, power and reliability to keep their operations running smooth to make your life easier. And we’ve only just begun…the possibilities are endless…but look what we’ve done already.

Sprint’s Expanding Connected Device Relationships

• As we announced in a June 16 news release, Sprint is showcasing several newly announced customers – including Amtrak, Continental Airlines, Washington Redskins FedEx Field – putting Sprint Wireless/Connected Device technology to work in incredible ways.

Sprint's M2M Wireless Mobility Solutions Continue Helping Businesses with M2M ...

TMCnet - Raja Singh Chaudhary- ‎Jun 18, 2010‎

In the words of Danny Bowman, president at Sprint Integrated Solutions (News - Alert) Group, M2M is shattering conventional notions about what a business ...

Machines Talk Together And Transform Business Operations With Sprint's M2M ...

Field Technologies Online (press release) - ‎Jun 16, 2010‎

Device-to-device wireless connectivity enables innovative ways for companies to boost productivity and efficiencies – all while conserving valuable business ...

4G/LTE - Does 4G Have a Role in M2M ...

Light Reading Mobile – Sarah Reedy, June 17

…Sprint’s Ward didn’t get as much time to talk as the other guys, but Sprint was really…

School’s in Session…and Sprint is making it easier to manage that academic program with the HTC EVO and Blackboard Mobile Learn App!

• On June 15 Sprint partner Blackboard Inc. made a welcome announcement for many college students sporting a new HTC EVO 4G. Blackboard Inc. and Sprint now offer native releases of its Blackboard Mobile Learn apps for Android, BlackBerry and iPhone OS.

• Now any student with an Android 2.1-powered EVO, other Sprint Android phones or a Sprint BlackBerry can enjoy an enhanced learning experience at any participating institution of higher learning. Blackboard Mobile Learn is an engaging way to access course work and interactive learning for students and faculty – providing an immersive academic experience for new EVO owners and devoted BlackBerry enthusiasts alike. See it in action!

Bloggers are raving about it:

Android Guys: Blackboard Mobile Arrives for Android Handsets on Sprint Network

Android Junkies: Blackboard Mobile Arrives for Android Handsets on Sprint Network

MobileTechReview: HTC EVO as a Learning Tool: Sprint and Blackboard Team Up

BlackBerry Rocks: Blackboard Releases Mobile Learn Application For BlackBerry Users

Campus Technology: http://campustechnology.com/articles/2010/06/15/blackboard-brings-mobile-learn-to-smart-phones.aspx

And let’s not forget our powerful HTC EVO. A cutting-edge handset like this, and the powerful 4G network that it runs on (the nation’s first) isn’t just good for play. It’s set to impact the way people do business everywhere:

Sprint Exec: HTC EVO Is "Really Good" Business Device

Forbes – Elizabeth Woyke, June 16, 2010

Sprint: HTC EVO catching on with enterprise users

FierceMobileIT - ‎1 hour ago‎

"We've seen quick, early growth in both the consumer and business space with EVO," said Danny Bowman, president of Sprint's Integrated Solutions Group...

Why You May (Unofficially) Be Seeing Sprint 4G In Your City

Forbes (blog) – Elizabeth Woyke  - ‎Jun 17, 2010‎

Danny Bowman, president of Sprint's Integrated Solutions Group, has a simple explanation for the flurry of 4G reports. Clearwire, the wireless broadband...

Sprint Plans To Open Center To Foster Connected Devices -Exec

Wall Street Journal - Roger Cheng- ‎Jun 16, 2010‎

The company is looking at creating a machine-to-machine collaboration center in the San Francisco area to tap the local tech talent, said Danny Bowman...

Sprint may open M2M collaboration center in San Francisco

FierceWireless - Sue Marek- ‎Jun 17, 2010‎

Sprint-Nextel (NYSE:S) may open a center in the San Francisco area to foster the development of the machine-to-machine ecosystem. Danny Bowman, president of...

Sprint Plans To Open Center To Foster Connected Devices Executive ...

Business Week.com – June 16

Sprint plans range of embedded devices for holidays

Reuters (press release) - Sinead Carew, Tim Dobbyn- ‎Jun 16, 2010‎

Danny Bowman, the head of Sprint's integrated solutions group said he is working with partners to add embedded wireless connections for business specific...

You never know. Many of the conveniences in your every day life could be the result of Sprint’s efforts to make modern life easier for people. Spread the word.

HTC EVO™ 4G, exclusively from Sprint, is the world’s first 3G/4G Android handset, and delivers a multimedia experience at 4G speeds that is second to none, making it possible to download music, pictures, files, or videos in seconds – not minutes – and watch streaming video on the go.

Experience Android at 4G

HTC EVO 4G features the Android 2.1 platform, which can deliver a wide array of useful new features:

•    Android 2.1 with access to more than 30,000 apps on Android Market
•    Through Android Market™, get access to thousands of useful applications, widgets and games to download and install on their phone, with many more to come
•    GoogleTM mobile services including Google SearchTM, Google MapsTM, Google TalkTM, GmailTM, YouTubeTM , and syncs with Google CalendarTM
•    Google Goggles™ enables a new way to search with pictures instead of words, and works with everything from books, DVDs and barcodes to landmarks, logos and artwork3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability – connects up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices
•    World class HTML browser – bandwidth and quality that rivals that of netbooks
•    Text messaging and email composition feature built-in voice-to-text technology. Simply press a microphone button on the screen and messages can be composed by just speaking

A Device Unlike Any Other
•    Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ QSD8650 (1GHz) processor
•    4.3-inch pinch-to-zoom, one of the industry’s largest touch-screen displays
•    8.0 MP autofocus camera with dual LED flash and 1.3 MP front facing camera
•    Built-in kickstand for handsfree viewing
•    Updated HTC Sense, award winning user experience, which includes Friend Stream to integrate Facebook, Twitter and more into a single flow of updates
•    Visual voicemail
•    HD video capture and HDMI output
•    Live video sharing with Qik
•    FM Radio and Amazon MP3 Store
•    Media player with 3.5 mm stereo headset jack
•    Sprint applications including Sprint TV® and NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile(SM)
•    Built-in WiFi®: 802.11 b/g
•    Bluetooth® 2.1 with A2DP Stereo and EDR
•    Digital Compass, G-Sensor, Proximity sensor, Light Sensor, GPS
•    Expandable Memory: 8GB microSD card included; supports up to 32GB

Where to find HTC EVO 4G
Customers will be able to purchase HTC EVO 4G through all Sprint channels and through national retail partners, RadioShack, Best Buy and Walmart, starting this summer. Pricing will be announced at a later date. Pre-registration begins today at www.sprint.com/evo.

Images

Video

The Sprint Network Advantage

HTC EVO 4G offers access to the Sprint 4G network where available, and the Sprint 3G Network everywhere else.

Best of Both Worlds
•    4G data speeds (WiMAX) – peak download speeds of more than 10 Mbps; peak upload speeds of 1 Mbps; average download speeds of 3-6 Mbps.
•    3G data speeds (EVDO Rev A.) – peak download speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps; peak upload speeds of 1.8 Mbps; average download speeds of 600 kbps-1.4 Mbps.

Blazing trails with Sprint 4G
Sprint 4G offers a faster wireless experience than any other U.S. national wireless carrier, and Sprint is the only national carrier offering wireless 4G service.  Sprint 4G delivers download speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G1.

As the first national wireless carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology, Sprint made history by launching 4G in Baltimore in September 2008.  Today, Sprint 4G covers more than 30 million people in 27 markets and expects to have up to 120 million people covered by the end of 2010.

Sprint currently offers 4G service in 27 markets, including, but not limited to, Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Portland, Ore., San Antonio and Seattle. Following is a comprehensive list of markets by state where Sprint 4G is currently offered: Georgia – Atlanta, Milledgeville; Hawaii – Honolulu, Maui; Idaho – Boise; Illinois – Chicago; Maryland – Baltimore; Nevada – Las Vegas; North Carolina – Charlotte, Greensboro, (along with High Point and Winston-Salem), Raleigh (along with Cary, Chapel Hill and Durham); Oregon – Portland, Salem; Pennsylvania – Philadelphia; Texas – Abilene, Amarillo, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Killeen/Temple, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, San Antonio, Waco, Wichita Falls; Washington – Bellingham, Seattle. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G.

In 2010, Sprint expects to launch service in multiple markets, including but not limited to, Boston, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Minneapolis, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.  Sprint is harnessing the power of 4G as the majority shareholder of Clearwire, the independent company that is building the WiMAX network. Sprint is the only national wireless carrier to offer 4G services on the Clearwire WiMAX network.

Related Information

For more news and information on HTC EVO 4G follow @sprint or @sprintnews on Twitter

HTC EVO 4G Fact Sheet

1 “Up to 10x faster” based on download speed comparison of 3G’s 600 kbps vs. 4G’s 6 Mbps. Industry published 3G avg. speeds (600 kbps-1.7 Mbps); 4G avg. speeds (3-6 Mbps). Actual speeds may vary. Sprint 4G currently available in over 25 markets and counting, and on select devices.  See www.sprint.com/4G for details. Not all services available on 4G and coverage may default to 3G/separate network where 4G unavailable.

Note: Device features, specifications, services and applications are subject to change.