T-Mobile has officially announced that it is now pushing out Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) to its LG G2x customers. The update includes the following enhancements:

Improved battery life

Improved front-facing camera operation when using Qik record and share

Improved disabling Car Home

Helps address unexpected reboots.

T-Mobile confirmed the update is rolling out over the air (OTA) now, but you should be able to manually check for the software by going to Settings > About Phone > Software Update. We heard early reports that some G2x customers were experiencing a lot of bugs with their devices so we hope this update fixes most, if not all of them.
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Google’s YouTube on Friday announced that it is rolling out its new YouTube Live beta platform located at www.youtube.com/live. YouTube will use the channel to stream live events, concerts, interviews and more. Users will be able to subscribe to partners streaming on YouTube Live and will be notified of events as they approach. The online video service said it is only working with a few partners initially, but that “the goal is to provide thousands of partners with the capability to live stream form their channels in the months ahead.” The service also allows viewers to interact with live streamers and each other during broadcasts using YouTube’s live comments feature.

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Have you been a fan of Qik, yet kind of depressed its live streaming iPhone app has fallen by the way side? Qik has just announced that it has a brand new app for the iPhone and iPod touch, and it’s called Qik Video Connect. Qik Video Connect streams live video like you’re used to, directly to your Qik.com user page, but it takes things one step further by offering live video calling (over 3G as well as Wi-Fi), video messaging and video sharing. If your friends aren’t around for a live video chat, just shoot them a video message, or even post it up automatically on Facebook or Twitter. Qik also has a premiun version of Video Connect that’s available for $2.99 if you want to access enhanced features like real-time video effects, the capability to edit your videos prior to upload, and HD video quality uploads. We have been messing witih Qik Video Connect for a little while, and well, we really love having Qik live streaming back on our iPhones. The new app is clean, easy to use, and the video sharing features are really intriguing. Both versions will be available in the App Store later on today. The full press release can be found after the break.

MARCH XX, 2011 –LUXEMBOURG – Today at South by Southwest Interactive (SXSW) in Austin, TX, Qik, mobile video software recently acquired by Skype, launched a new iPhone app called Qik Video Connect. The new app enables individuals to stay connected with friends and family through video calling, video messaging, and video sharing.

With Qik Video Connect, users can instantly share what is happening around them with friends and family through a live video call. If they aren’t able to connect live, then users can still share all the rich details of the moment by sending a video mail. They can even post a live video link to Facebook and Twitter so friends can watch the moment as it is being recorded. The new social video feed makes it easy to follow what friends are doing by receiving alerts when new videos are shared and watching those videos right from the phone.

Whether it’s capturing a greeting for your loved ones, recording a video of your child as they score the winning goal, or having a video chat while you’re away from your friends and family – Qik makes it simple to record, share and stay connected through video.
There are two versions of the application available to consumers – Qik Video Connect and Qik Video Connect Plus. The latter is available for $2.99 and offers additional features such as:

• Real-time effects: Customize and enhance video chat and live video streaming with seven effects and filters.
• Video editing: Use simple video editing tools directly from your device to share the best moments.
• HD quality: Upload and share true HD quality videos captured on your phone.

“In a world of fast and readily available 3G, 4G and WiFi connections, video allows you to transcend the current world of text and photo messages to share special and everyday moments in a more meaningful way,” said Rick Osterloh, head of consumer products for Skype. “Qik Video Connect makes the concept of ‘see what I see’ a full reality.”

Both the Qik Video Connect and Connect Plus apps enable live video chat over 3G, 4G* or WiFi between iPhones, iPod Touches with built-in cameras. Qik is integrated with your phone’s contact list so you can easily see when your friends and family are available for a live video chat. In addition, you can also send a private video mail through email or SMS if your friends and family aren’t able to talk live, no matter what device or phone network they are on.

Both apps are available for download today through the Apple App store for iPhone and 4th generation iPod Touch models with iOS 4 or later. For additional information, visit: qik.com

Remember your first Sidekick? That black and white screen… but oh, the AOL Instant Messanger. T-Mobile is back at it with a brand new Sidekick, though quite a few things have noticeably changed. For starters, this isn’t your younger cousins’ Sidekick Slide — Microsoft-owned Danger is nowhere to be found on here — Google’s Android OS powers the Samsung-manufactured device, and it’s pretty feature packed. The new Sidekick 4G rocks a 3.5″ display, support for T-Mobile’s 21Mbps 4G HSPA + network, a 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird CPU, front-facing video camera, signature Sidekick QWERTY keyboard with “pop-tilt” hinge, and is preloaded Twitter and Facebook applications. Two color choices, matte black and pearl magenta will be available from T-Mobile when the device launches “later this spring”. Pricing has not yet been announced. Full press release after the jump!

T-Mobile Sidekick Is Reborn

New Sidekick 4G is a Lightning-Fast and Stylish Communication Hub, Delivering Evolved Messaging and Entertainment at 4G Speeds

BELLEVUE, Wash., and DALLAS — March 15, 2011 — T-Mobile USA, Inc. and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the U.S.,1 today unveiled the new T-Mobile Sidekick® 4GTM by Samsung. The new AndroidTM-powered smartphone pays tribute to its heritage with its stylish good looks and a killer keyboard while redefining messaging and upgrading to 4G speeds. One of T-Mobile’s fastest smartphones running on America’s Largest 4G NetworkTM, the new Sidekick 4G is capable of delivering theoretical peak download speeds of up to 21 Mbps.

The T-Mobile Sidekick has long been known for its innovative and distinctive design, and the Sidekick 4G does not disappoint. The 3.5-inch display marks the first Sidekick to feature a touch screen and its sturdy “pop-tilt” hinge reveals the previously acclaimed, five-row QWERTY keyboard that has long been a Sidekick hallmark and the reason behind its status as an exceptional messaging device.

The new Sidekick 4G leverages its quality keyboard along with Sidekick Group TextTM and Cloud TextTM to redefine messaging. Sidekick’s Group Text feature lets customers create, name, manage and participate in reply-all group text conversations, enabling them to lead their network in conversation and social planning. Group Text breathes new life into one of the most popular forms of messaging allowing Sidekick 4G customers to initiate and share the benefit of the application with SMS-capable devices from flip phones to smartphones. In addition, Cloud Text provides the option to text with friends or groups across platforms, whether from the comfort of their PC’s large screen and keyboard, or from their new Sidekick 4G.

“Backed by the faster speeds on T-Mobile’s 4G network, the new Sidekick 4G offers customers both speed and style,” said Andrew Sherrard, senior vice president, product management, T-Mobile USA. “We’ve reinvented the messaging experience that made the Sidekick such an iconic device, and supercharged it with communication and entertainment experiences that take full advantage of our 4G network.”

Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Mobile, said, “We are proud that T-Mobile selected Samsung to help create the next-generation Sidekick and carry the iconic Sidekick brand and device to the next level. Samsung redesigned the new Sidekick 4G with our best-in-class hardware, combined with T-Mobile’s 4G network speeds, the Android operating system, and unique messaging and entertainment features, to make this a perfect match for both loyal Sidekick fans and new Sidekick owners.

The new Sidekick 4G also comes preloaded with Facebook® and TwitterTM applications, and provides easy interaction with customers’ social networks by allowing them to update their status from the notification pane and browse their feeds from the home screen. They have the ability to sync their social network contacts to the phone’s address book, which lets them post to their friends’ walls or comment on their status. And multitasking is easier than ever with the Sidekick 4G’s jump key, an easy-to-access physical button that enables customers to quickly switch between active applications, even during a phone call, or assign keyboard shortcuts to their favorite functions or applications.

In addition to a communication hub, the new Sidekick 4G is now an entertainment hub. With speeds as fast as home broadband, enjoying a favorite TV show or surfing the Web on the go is a breeze. Sidekick’s Media Room features one place to enjoy music, videos, movies, YouTube®, T-Mobile TV® and Slacker Radio, and to search for content regardless of the source. The integrated media player, also accessible through the Media Room, spans across all media including music, video and Internet radio. Customers also have the option to rent or purchase their favorite movies and TV programs directly from the Samsung Media Hub, which offers a robust collection of movie and next-day TV show titles from CBS, Fox, MTV Networks, NBC Universal, Paramount and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. Customers now have the option to place Media Hub charges directly to their monthly T-Mobile service bill.

Complementing the messaging communication features, the new Sidekick 4G is equipped with a VGA front-facing camera and pre-installed T-Mobile Video Chat powered by QikTM, to ensure you are always present with your social circle. Powered by Android 2.2 (Froyo) and a speedy 1 GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird processor, so consumers can keep up with their favorite blogs while on the move, search for the must-try dinner spots and map the way to their next destination — all at blazing fast speeds. The new smartphone will also offer dynamic media features and integrated GoogleTM services, including GmailTM, Google MapsTM and access to thousands of applications on Android MarketTM.

The new Sidekick 4G also comes equipped with DriveSmartTM from T-Mobile, a first-of-its kind service from a U.S. carrier, that helps prevent distracted driving. When initiated, DriveSmart Basic provides automatic incoming call and message management, sending a customizable note to callers and senders, letting them know that the recipient is driving and will respond when it’s safe. DriveSmart Plus offers the same functionality, with the added capability to automatically activate when the handset is in a moving vehicle, as well as advanced parental controls for enhanced peace of mind when teen drivers are behind the wheel.

Offered exclusively to T-Mobile customers, the new T-Mobile Sidekick 4G is expected to be available later this spring in two stylish colors — matte black or pearl magenta. Customers can visit http://sidekick.t-mobile.com/ for more information.

Skype announced Thursday that it will acquire mobile video software and service provider Qik. Unconfirmed rumors suggest the deal will be worth approximately $100 million. Qik specializes in mobile video broadcasting and video calling services, the latter being an area that Skype has been particularly interested in lately. Qik emerged among a group of similar services but broke out in 2010 thanks to carrier and manufacturer deals that helped net the service 4.4 million new subscribers over the course of the year. Qik’s bread and butter is currently the Android OS, though it also offers clients for other platforms including iOS and Symbian. “The Qik team has delivered exceptional video experiences for its mobile partners and millions of end users across a range of devices,” said Skype CEO Tony Bates in a statement. “Qik’s deep engineering capabilities and strong mobile relationships will be an impressive complementary fit with Skype.” Hit the break for Skype’s full press release.

Skype To Acquire Qik

Combined companies bring deeper video capabilities across devices

LUXEMBOURG, 6 January 2011 — Skype today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Qik, a provider of mobile video software and services that enable individuals to capture, instantly share and preserve great moments on video from anywhere. Qik has 60 employees, and is headquartered in Redwood City, California and has an office in Moscow, Russia. The transaction is expected to close in January 2011. Terms of the acquisition will not be disclosed.

Qik was founded in 2006 and offers innovative and flexible solutions to capture and share video with anyone across mobile devices, the web, and desktop platforms. Videos can be shared in real time or stored so moments can be viewed later, allowing for video messaging, sharing and archiving. The Qik service is available on over 200 mobile phones across the Android, iPhone, Symbian, Blackberry and Windows Mobile platforms, and comes pre-loaded on a wide variety of mobile handsets through partnerships with leading handset manufacturers and carriers.

Both Skype and Qik have a common purpose of enriching communications and sharing with video, across any device. The acquisition of Qik helps accelerate Skype’s leadership in video by adding recording, sharing and storing capabilities to Skype’s product portfolio. Through this acquisition, Skype will also be able to leverage the engineering expertise that is behind Qik’s Smart Streaming™ technology, which optimizes video transmission over wireless networks.

“The Qik team has delivered exceptional video experiences for its mobile partners and millions of end users across a range of devices,” said Tony Bates, Skype’s Chief Executive Officer. “Skype’s software enables an estimated 25 percent of the world’s international long distance voice calling minutes*, and approximately 40 percent of those Skype-to-Skype calls are happening over video. Qik’s deep engineering capabilities and strong mobile relationships will be an impressive complementary fit with Skype.”

Together, Skype and Qik will focus on providing a richer, more integrated experience that will allow people globally to share experiences in real-time video across different platforms, as well as, store those moments so they can be viewed anytime later.

“Qik has worked very hard to solve complex problems that allow millions of people everyday to take advantage of sharing their lives with those people who are most important to them,” said Vijay Tella, Chief Executive Officer of Qik. “Joining Skype allows Qik’s team to unite with Skype’s talented team to develop new and innovative products for our customers and partners.”

* 2010 TeleGeography Research issued on January 6, 2011; 24.7% of total international PSTN and international Skype-to-Skype calling minutes.

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Qik, the mobile video company that is often most closely associate with Sprint’s Evo 4G, will be playing a serious roll in T-Mobile’s Android lineup. A press release, fresh out of the oven, reports that:

The integrated T-Mobile Video Chat powered by Qik will be the first to offer integration into the native Android™ address book with the benefit of indicating live presence allowing customers to connect with friends and family through live video conversations and video messaging over T-Mobile’s network and Wi-Fi.

The integrated video chat service, which will be available on the upcoming myTouch 4G handset, will “allow users not only to conduct live two-way video conversations from their mobile device, but also will allow users to leave video messages.” Video messages are supported on over 200 phone models.

“T-Mobile Video Chat powered by Qik is the ideal showcase for the capabilities of our network and is an example of our focus on providing innovative new solutions to enrich the lives of our customers,” said Andrew Sherrard, T-Mobile’s VP of product management. Hit the jump for the full press release.

First to Offer Native Android Address Book Integration with Video Chat including Presence, and Industry-Leading Performance through Deep Hardware Integration

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Nov. 3, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Qik and T-Mobile USA, Inc. today announced details of the next generation live video communications, sharing and messaging service to be available to consumers across with the U.S. through the upcoming availability of the T-Mobile® myTouch® 4G.  The integrated T-Mobile Video Chat powered by Qik will be the first to offer integration into the native Android™ address book with the benefit of indicating live presence allowing customers to connect with friends and family through live video conversations and video messaging over T-Mobile’s network and Wi-Fi.

The deployment of new higher speed networks, like T-Mobile’s 4G mobile broadband network, together with the introduction of devices like the new T-Mobile myTouch with 1GHz CPU and 720p video capability, now makes possible a new social video experience providing consumers with new ways to communicate and share using video with their friends, family, and through social networks.

T-Mobile Video Chat powered by Qik offers dramatically improved video quality and frame rates compared to other video calling solutions on the marketplace through deep hardware integration.  Further, this is the first video communications service that is integrated directly into the native Android address book including live presence indication.  From the device address book, users can view if their contacts are available to engage in a live video session, and can directly initiate a session from the native device user interface.

Unlike existing video calling solutions, T-Mobile Video Chat powered by Qik allows users not only to conduct live two-way video conversations from their mobile device, but also allows users to leave video messages.  Similar to leaving a voice message when a recipient is not available for a voice call, users are demanding the ability to leave video messages when they attempt to share an irreproducible moment with their friend or family member.

The service also allows friends and family members to receive video messages on over 200 supported phone models, and also allows users to share moments through social networks, to stream live to the web, and to archive their important memories through a dedicated video management site at www.qik.com.

“Qik is proud to bring this game-changing new service to market specifically for T-Mobile customers,” said Vijay Tella, CEO of Qik. “We have answered the need for both live and asynchronous capabilities, which is the hallmark of any complete consumer video communications service, and we have done it at a level of quality and performance that simply needs to be experienced to believe.”

“T-Mobile Video Chat powered by Qik is the ideal showcase for the capabilities of our network and is an example of our focus on providing innovative new solutions to enrich the lives of our customers,” said Andrew Sherrard, vice president, product management, T-Mobile USA.

More information on Qik can be found at www.qik.com or www.qik.com/blog. For press inquiries please email press@qik.com or call +1-650-279-8619.

Customers can visit http://mytouch.t-mobile.com for more information about the myTouch family of smartphones including the myTouch 4G.

T-Mobile and the magenta color are registered trademarks of Deutsche Telekom AG.  myTouch is a registered trademarks. Android is a trademark of Google, Inc.

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We’re at T-Mobile’s intimate myTouch event right now (we’re currently snuggling up with all four colors — white, black, red and purple), and here are our first-hand impressions:

• It feels good in the hand. The device is pretty slim, has a slight Android chin at the bottom, and all in all seems to be very solidly-built.
• The screen is beautiful, sharp and bright — but not as good as an AMOLED in our opinion.
• It rocks the myTouch UI that first appeared with the myTouch Slide, though it seems a bit more refined now.
• We’re currently watching Vincent from SlashGear and Sascha from PC Magazine try to establish a video call. It was unsuccessful at first, but it seems like they’re having way too much fun now that it’s working. Never mind, Sascha is yelling at the phone now.
• Watching a demo of the phone streaming video to a TV set was pretty cool. After some quick initial buffering, movies, photos and YouTube played effortlessly on the HDTV.

We’re pretty excited for the launch of the new myTouch. It’s packed with features and it nicely compliments T-Mobile’s stock Android G2 device as a younger-focused counterpart. Hit the jump for our full gallery, ok?

Click on over to our T-Mobile myTouch hands on gallery!

Happy EVO 4G Day Sprint lovers. Remember that whole thing about Qik video chat being $4.99/month, and then hours later it not being $4.99/month? Well, the folks from Qik have officially announced exactly what the free versus premium service offerings are for Qik streaming video. We’ve got the features matrix, a PR video, and the press release locked and loaded for you after the break.

Let’s start with the support matrix, shall we?

As you can see, higher resolutions, video archiving, computer syncing, and priority support are some of the features that $4.99 will get you. Now, time for the official Qik PR hype video:

And last but not least, the official press release…

Experience the new Qik. Now available on the Sprint 4G Network.

Today we are introducing an exciting new version of Qik Video, which will be available on the new Sprint HTC EVO 4G. Qik Video brings a powerful set of video capabilities to your mobile phone so you can share and experience events as they happen, even if you can’t be there. With Qik, you can attend a meeting across the country and feel like you are truly there, watch your child’s performance live on your mobile phone, or pick up a video mail message from a friend who wants to share an exciting adventure.  

You can download the new Qik for the Sprint HTC EVO 4G directly from the Android Market.  Keep reading for an exciting launch offer of the new Qik Video.

Here’s what’s included in the all new Qik:

New! Mobile video chat without boundaries
Video chatting with Qik is amazingly simple. Just start Video Chat from the Qik app, select the person from your phone address book and that’s it! If the person you are inviting has the Qik app on their phone, their phone rings and with a single click both of you are video chatting away. If the other person does not have the Qik app on their phone, they’ll receive an SMS with a link to watch the video live on their mobile browser.

Cool tips:
You can toggle between the front and back camera within the same session. So, with a single tap, you can go from showing your face to showing the world around you.
Every video is also automatically archived as a private video on your Qik account so now all your conversations are available at your finger tips.

New! Send video mail to anyone – right from your phone
Sometimes you just want to leave a video message for someone and have the peace of mind that they’ll be able to view the message no matter what device or phone network they are on. If the person you are sending to is a Qik user – they’ll see the message in their inbox and their activity feed. If they are not a Qik user, they’ll receive an SMS with a link to the video mail

Qik video camera – record, share, go live
This is the Qik functionality you are used to. This enables you to record, share and go live to your favorite social networks (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Myspace), video sites (e.g. YouTube, Livestream, Brightcove, VMIX), blogs (e.g. Blogger, WordPress, TypePad, Tumblr, Posterous) and very soon to your favorite IMs.

Cool tip: You don’t have to always go live! You can record to your local device memory just by clicking the indicator button on the top-left corner.

New!  My Videos – all your mobile videos in a single place
Go to “My Videos” in the Qik app to view both the local videos taken with your phone as well as your Qik videos in a single place. From here you can upload your local videos to Qik and even share any of the videos to your favorite social network or via email and SMS.

New features for all Android Qikkers
Today we also released an updated version of Qik in the Android Market for all the non Sprint HTC EVO 4G users that provides a number of new features including Video Mail and My Videos. For now, you’ll need to get the Sprint HTC EVO 4G to take advantage of Video Chat.   

Launch offer for the new Qik Video!
For all the Qikkers on Android, we have a special offer for you to experience all the features for free until July 15 after which the Premium options will be available for a subscription of $4.99 / month.

There have been a plethora of EVO 4G stories circulating the interwebs today, so we thought we should combine all the tidbits into one post for your reading pleasure.

First, the use of Qik’s video chat. The Qik video chat feature — which is really cool — will not be something included in your Simply Everything Plan…or the $30 tethering plan…or that $10 4G fee…wait, WTF? If you are an HTC EVO owner, and would like to use the Qik’s video chat coolness, you will have to fork over an extra $4.99/month. That’s right, it is a for-charge service from Sprint. Lame.

Second, the use of your EVO’s mobile hotspot capabilities will be free, on 4G, until July. Engadget has published some of Sprint’s EVO pre-launch materials that indicate the Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities will work without the $30 Mobile Hotspot add-on. The loophole will work: “Only in 4G markets and only on our 4G network […] you won’t have access to our 3G network mobile hotspots. A resolution is expected to be in place in the July timeframe, at which time the device will require activation of the Sprint Mobile HotSpot add-on to utilize the hot spot feature.” Do us a favor and take your time with that one Sprint.

Lastly, Sprint stores will be opening early on launch day; June 4th. No real surprise here, but apparently Sprint store managers have been told to open the gates early, at 8AM, for the EVO, Android, 4G, fanfare that may or may not ensue.

UPDATE: Qik has published a blog post to clarify the literature attained by Android Guys, the post reads: “the core capability of doing 2-way Qik video chat will be FREE for Sprint EVO 4G users. The subscription fee will be for some advanced premium features that we are working on, which we will be announcing on June 4th – the day the amazing HTC EVO 4G phone launches.”

Read – Qik

Read – 4G & Stores

We just got back from Sprint’s HTC EVO 4G event in NYC, and besides messing around with the device and seeing it for the second time first hand, we finally got a release date and price. As reported earlier, you’ll be able to get Android’s finest for $199 with a new two year agreement on June 4th. To recap the new data pricing, Sprint’s adding a $10 “4G” add-on feature to their $69.99 unlimited voice, data, and SMS package. Tethering (mobile hotspot) will run you an additional $29.99 monthly. All in, it tops out at $109.98 — still a pretty good deal if you think about it, especially considering the handset will support up to 8 simultaneous devices and even better, there’s no bandwidth cap at all. Check out our awesome gallery from the event complete with some HTC EVO 4G hotness sprinkled in.

Click on over to our Sprint HTC EVO 4G Event gallery!

We’re at the HTC EVO 4G event in New York City and Dan Hesse just let it be known that the HTC EVO 4G will drop June 4th for $199.99. As awesome as this all is, we should caution you that you’ll need the $69.99 Everything Data plan and up to use an EVO 4G. And if you live in a market that has WiMAX, you’re kindly asked to hand over an extra $10 per month as a “premium data add-on”. If you were planning on taking advantages of the EVO’s ability to act as a Wi-Fi hotspot for 8 extra devices, you’ll be dinged an additional $29.99. Don’t get us wrong because we’re not criticizing — when you think about it, this is really in line with what you’d pay for an Overdrive Mi-Fi from Sprint — we’re just letting you know what’s up with no BS. Feeling let down? What if we told you that Sprint has managed to find a way to let you make voice calls over 4G opening the door simultaneous voice and data connections in addition to making video calls via Qik over its EV-DO and WiMAX networks? Yeah, we thought so. Rock on, Sprint. Rock on.

We’ll be back later with more information — including a bunch of pictures — from the event.

Click on through to check out the press release!

NEW YORK, May 12, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — If you were creating your dream wireless device what would it look like? Two cameras and video chat so you can say goodnight to your children when you are away on a business trip? Simultaneous voice and data, so you can call in your take-out order while you look at their menu on the Internet? The ability to plug your phone into your HDTV, so you can let your children finish the movie they started watching in the car’s backseat when you get home? And a huge screen for watching the videos you download in seconds – not minutes – with the fastest wireless data speeds available in America today? Stop daydreaming and get ready for Sprint (NYSE: S) to make your dreams come true on June 4 when the highly anticipated HTC EVO 4G debuts.

The critics agree that HTC EVO 4G is this summer’s must-have wireless experience as it continues to win their accolades and endorsements. CNET, LAPTOP and eWeek gave HTC EVO 4G awards for Best of Show when it was announced at CTIA this spring. Engadget said, “It’s easily the best specced phone we’ve ever witnessed.” The Financial Times cooed, “The first 4G phone in the U.S., the HTC EVO … ticks just about all the boxes for my ideal phone.”

“HTC EVO 4G is a fantastic 3G device, but when you use it in our growing 4G coverage area, it becomes a multimedia powerhouse,” said Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO. “The EVO 4G experience is much like going from TV to HDTV. But EVO has more than just an impressive list of features – it is also fun to use with remarkable gaming, video and web-browsing capabilities.”

With the launch of HTC EVO 4G, Sprint customers will be able to enjoy capabilities they have never experienced before with a new video chat service from Qik. The two-way voice and video capability will be available as an upgrade to the preloaded Qik app on HTC EVO 4G to enable conversational, interactive, real-time sharing between mobile devices or from mobile-to-desktop.

Amazing Features, Beautiful Design

HTC EVO 4G features the latest version of the increasingly popular Android platform, Android 2.1, offering more than 35,000 apps, as well as a mind-blowing list of features, including:

• Simultaneous voice and data capability in 4G and Wi-Fi coverage areas, enabling Web surfing and more while the conversation continues.
• Offering a new way to search with pictures instead of words, Google Goggles works with everything from books, DVDs and barcodes to landmarks, logos, artwork and wine labels.
• Superfast 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, ensuring a smooth and quick movement within phone menus.
• Two cameras – an 8.0 megapixel auto-focus camera with HD-capable video camcorder and a forward-facing 1.3 megapixel camera.
• Built-in mobile hotspot functionality allowing up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices to share the 3G or 4G experience on the go with a laptop, camera, music player, game unit, video player, or any other Wi-Fi enabled device.
• Integrated HD video capture with the ability to capture and share live video via the Qik Web site, Facebook, YouTube or Twitter.
• Ability to easily watch video with the device on an HDTV via an HDMI cable (sold separately).
• Custom Web browser optimized for the 4.3 inch display and Sprint 4G speeds to deliver a full, no-compromise Internet experience.
• A handy kickstand built into the back, making it easy to watch videos on-the-go.
• Adobe Flash technology ensures that rich Internet content, such as embedded video and animation, are displayed the way they are meant to be seen.
• Pinch-to-zoom and automatic text reflowing provide easy Web page views.

HTC EVO 4G boasts the newest version of the highly acclaimed HTC Sense user experience. With HTC Sense, HTC EVO 4G users can use Friend Stream to aggregate multiple social communication channels, including Facebook and Twitter into one organized flow of updates; a “Leap” thumbnail view to easily switch between home screen “panels;” the ability to download new, interactive widgets; and a “polite” ringer, which quiets the ringing phone once lifted up.

While the performance of currently available Android applications will be enhanced by access to 4G data speeds, a Sprint 4G developer guide is available today from the Sprint ADP Web site at http://developer.sprint.com. The Sprint 4G developer guide provides details on developing for an Android 2.1 handset and how to take advantage of HTC EVO 4G’s unique hardware and software capabilities and the Sprint 4G network. The Sprint Application Developer Program has been providing tools for third-party developers since Sprint first launched the Wireless Web on its phones in 2001.

HTC EVO 4G will be available in all Sprint retail channels, including Sprint.com and national retail partners, RadioShack, Best Buy and Wal-Mart. Sprint will price the award-winning device at $199.99 with a two-year service agreement and after a $100 mail-in rebate (taxes excluded) with a new line activation or eligible upgrade. Pre-registration is available now at www.sprint.com/evo.

In order to provide the best experience, HTC EVO 4G will use Sprint’s industry-leading Everything Data or Business Advantage Messaging and Data plans that include unlimited Web, texting and calling on the Sprint Network to every mobile in America with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM. Everything Data plans start at $69.99 per month. A $10 per month Premium Data add-on will apply allowing customers to take advantage of a richer data experience than ever before.

Additionally, an optional pricing add-on will turn HTC EVO 4G into a mobile hotspot connecting up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as laptops, gaming devices and digital cameras, simultaneously at 4G speeds where available and at 3G speeds anywhere on the Sprint 3G network for just $29.99 per month – half the monthly cost of the current Mobile Broadband plan (pricing excludes surcharges and taxes).

With the Sprint Free Guarantee, customers can take advantage of HTC EVO 4G for 30 days and if not completely satisfied, may return the device within 30 days to get reimbursed for the device purchase and activation fee, get both the early termination and restocking fees waived, and receive a full refund for the monthly service plan charges.

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 today in 32 markets. Sprint 4G delivers download speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G2,giving HTC EVO 4G the fastest data speeds of any U.S. wireless device available today.

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 41 million people and expects to have up to 120 million people covered by the end of 2010.

Sprint currently offers 4G service in 32 markets: 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 – Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Reading, York; Texas – Abilene, Amarillo, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston, 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 4G service in multiple markets, including but not limited to, Boston, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Denver, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Miami, Minneapolis, New York City, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, St. Louis and Washington, D.C.

Our favorite live video-broadcasting service just upped the ante last night. Qik has gone ahead and introduced not only support for Android 2.0 and the Motorola DROID, but the capability to stream 720×480 video live right from the handset. Because the camera supports that resolution, dummies. We’ve taken it out for a spin and have been pretty blown away by the video quality and also the updated interface and UI. If you want to download the DROID-specific version, you’ll need to shoot an email over to Qik. Sample video and the email address along with press release is after the break.

Droid Does Qik!

Our eyes popped a few weeks back when we first learned about the powerful Motorola Droid and the potential it has with its amazing camera. We set out to enhance our Android client to not just have the basic Droid and Android 2.0 support – but also showcase the power of the device. Today we are really excited to announce that no only can you download the Qik client from the Android Marketplace that supports Droid, but also request early beta access to a high-res Qik client for Droid that can capture videos in DVD resolution.

Share your experiences in DVD resolution

With this device we are raising the bar on quality – yet again! Qik for Droid can now capture of DVD resolution (720×480) video – first ever by any live mobile video provider. If you are interested in giving this beta version a try send an email to droidbeta@qik.com

Droid and Android 2.0 support

We have reworked our UI to support Droid’s amazing new high resolution screen.

Sharing gets more personal with improved Speed Sharing Ribbon
The Qik Speed Sharing Ribbon(TM) makes it easy to share what you are seeing with your friends. You can create shortcuts to select contacts from your phone and place them in the Speed Sharing Ribbon so that the next time you Qik you can share your Qiks with them with just a tap on the screen. You can even record your Qiks as private and share them privately just by selecting a person from the Speed Sharing Ribbon. Also, you can setup your sharing preferences for your favorite social networks like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube right from the phone and have them appear on the Speed Sharing Ribbon enabling you to share your Qiks with ease.

So, equip your new Droid device with Qik by downloading it from the Android Marketplace and let us know what you think by sending an email to android@qik.com.

In the ongoing drama that is the App Store approval process, Qik scored a half victory last night when its updated iPhone app gained approval. The new version supports video uploads via 3G whereas previous versions were only able to upload videos over Wi-Fi. We say half victory because the features paramount to Qik’s app/service combo — the ability to stream live video and see viewer comments pop up on your display — is still notably absent from Qik’s iPhone offering. In a word: garbage. As the FCC continues to crack down on Apple’s App Store shenanigans, we can only hope that the company eventually begins to allow apps like Qik and Sling Player to implement the core functionality that makes them great. That is, instead of crippling them to the point of near-uselessness where their intended functionality is concerned.

[Via The iPhone Blog]

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A Qik video posted to YouTube shows off the many sides of the Nokia 6790 Surge, codenamed Mako, headed soon to AT&T. The unusually shaped handset has already been spec’d and exclusively photographed in detail of course, so the only real takeaway beyond the release name of the handset is the fact that it will allegedly drop around the middle of this month. The author of the video also claims the Surge will be well-priced, though he notes that pricing details are not yet finalized. Hit the jump if you just can’t resist checking out this little budget messaging machine on video.

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