Sprint on Wednesday announced that its upcoming flagship Android smartphone, the HTC EVO 4G LTE, will become available on May 18th for $199.99 on contract. While Sprint doesn’t yet have a nationwide 4G LTE network to support the new One-series smartphone, subscribers will find plenty of cutting-edge technology to tide them over until Sprint begins flipping the switch on LTE. Key features of the new phone include a 4.7-inch 720p HD display, a dual-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon processor, an 8-megapixel camera with HTC’s Image Sense technology, and Sense 4 atop Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. BGR took a hands-on look at the EVO 4G LTE last month and called it an impressive smartphone with an aesthetic that may be a deal-breaker for some. Sprint’s full press release follows below.

Sprint Debuts HTC EVO 4G LTE on May 18 for $199.99

HTC EVO 4G LTE is now available for pre-order at www.sprint.com/evo4glte

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), May 09, 2012 – Sprint (NYSE: S), the only national wireless carrier offering truly unlimited data for all phones while on the Sprint network1, and HTC, a global designer of smartphones, announce the Friday, May 18, availability of the next evolution of the award-winning HTC EVO™ family, HTC EVO™ 4G LTE.

It will cost $199.99 with a new line of service or eligible upgrade and two-year service agreement (excludes taxes). Pre-order began May 7 at www.sprint.com/evo4glte.

“HTC EVO 4G LTE sets the benchmark for Android devices this year with its incredible 4.7-inch screen, advanced camera features and future HD voice capabilities when combined with the speed of Sprint’s upcoming 4G LTE network,” said Fared Adib, vice president-Product Development, Sprint. “Its cutting-edge technology pairs perfectly with Sprint’s unlimited data plans to let our customers enjoy their wireless experience without worrying about overage charges or throttling.”

HTC EVO 4G LTE is built on Android™ 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, integrated with HTC Sense™ 4. It focuses on exceptional improvements in camera technology, audio and voice quality on both the network and device.

HTC ImageSense™ brings improvements to every part of the amazing camera experience featuring a superfast autofocus to enable continuous shooting, the ability to capture still images while taking video, and increasing the quality of photos taken in adverse conditions such as low light, no light or with bright backlighting.

HTC EVO 4G LTE is Sprint’s first device with HTC’s Authentic Sound experience integrating Beats Audio™. The technology enables customers to hear music the way the artist intended with unique audio tuning that delivers thundering bass, soaring midrange and crisp highs. Beats Audio is enabled across the entire phone experience, including playing music stored on the device, streaming from a favorite service, watching a movie or YouTube™ video, or playing the latest hot game.

HTC EVO 4G LTE boasts brilliant features, including a vibrant 4.7-inch HD display, future HD voice capabilities2, 2000mAh embedded battery and 8-megapixel rear-facing and 1.3-megapixel front-facing cameras. It is powered by the Snapdragon™ S4 processor by Qualcomm, delivering best-in-class performance and a power efficient platform for exceptionally long battery life. HTC EVO 4G LTE brings back the fan-favorite kickstand built into the smartphone’s refined, slim design.

“With the HTC EVO 4G LTE, we’re launching a true successor the original EVO, bringing a focus on innovation, design and industry-leading consumer experiences,” said Martin Fichter, vice president, product management, HTC America. “The millions of current and new EVO fans will appreciate our amazing camera that’s superfast, easy-to-use and takes video and photos at the same time as well as our enhanced audio experience that you need to hear to believe.”

Respected device critics are buzzing with excitement for HTC EVO 4G LTE. Here are a few of the praises that poured in when it was announced earlier this month:

“The HTC EVO 4G LTE is a good looking phone and will make fans of Sprint’s EVO line very, very happy. It packs every spec anyone could possibly ask for: dual-core Snapdragon S4 processor, 8-megapixel camera, 4.7-inch HD display, and the latest Android 4.0 operating system, enhanced by Sense 4.0. Oh, let’s not forget the kickstand!” – Eric Zeman, Phonescoop

“The original superphone has been reborn.” – Mark Spoonauer, Laptop Magazine

“As for first impressions, I was shocked when I finally got to hold an EVO 4G LTE. In the presentation videos the phone looked thick and bulky. In person, it’s anything but. It is thin, deceptively lightweight and absolutely beautiful.” – Gary Krakow, TheStreet.com

“Yesterday Sprint and HTC made a joint announcement, unveiling the brand new EVO 4G LTE. It’s an impressive device. Thin, light, fast, powerful, the whole package.” – Steve Kovach, Business Insider

HTC EVO 4G LTE customers can enjoy an unlimited data experience with Sprint Everything Data plans. Sprint’s Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM includes unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, starting at just $79.99 per month for smartphones – a savings of $40 per month versus Verizon’s comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and 2GB Web, or $10 per month savings versus Verizon’s 450-minute plan with unlimited text and 2GB Web (excludes taxes and surcharges).

HTC EVO 4G LTE is one of the first devices available with Sprint Professional Grade, a new designation for select smartphones that deliver enhanced security, device management and Exchange Active Sync capabilities to business users. Click here to learn more about Sprint Professional Grade designation.

As part of the HTC EVO 4G LTE launch, Sprint will be giving customers a chance to share their LOVE on Facebook. To learn how you could enter for the chance to win UNLIMITED LOVE, make sure to visit Sprint’s Facebook page on May 18 for details.

Sprint recently announced Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City and San Antonio are expected to have 4G LTE and enhanced 3G service in mid-year. The anticipated launch of these large metropolitan areas demonstrates the continued commitment by Sprint to invest in its network through Network Vision. Sprint customers in these areas will soon enjoy ultra-fast data speeds and improved 3G voice quality. For the most up-to-date details on Sprint’s 4G LTE rollout, please visit www.sprint.com/4GLTE.

Samsung and AT&T on Monday announced the Samsung Focus 2, a budget-friendly Windows Phone launching on May 20th for just $49.99 on contract. The handset features a 4-inch Super AMOLED display, a 5-megapixel camera, Windows Phone 7.5 and 4G LTE connectivity. “AT&T offers our customers the broadest Windows Phone portfolio of any carrier, with three 4G LTE Windows Phones – the only 4G LTE Windows Phones in the U.S. – now at a variety of price points and form factors,” AT&T SVP of devices Jeff Bradley said.  “The Samsung Focus 2 brings the people-first Windows Phone interface together with AT&T’s fast 4G LTE network for an unbeatable experience.” Samsung’s full press release follows below.

AT&T TO LAUNCH SAMSUNG FOCUS 2; OFFERS CUTTING-EDGE CAPABILITIES AT AN ATTRACTIVE PRICE

Samsung’s First 4G LTE Windows Phone Offers AT&T Customers User-Friendly,

Affordable Windows Phone in a Slim, Stylish Design

DALLAS, May 7, 2012 –

Key Facts

·         The Samsung Focus® 2, an affordable Windows® Phone on AT&T’s 4G LTE network, will be available from AT&T beginning May 20 in pure white for $49.99 with a two-year service agreement.

·         With the launch of the third Windows Phone smartphone on its 4G LTE network, AT&T continues to offer customers the most robust Windows Phone portfolio of any carrier.

·         As Samsung’s first 4G LTE Windows Phone, the Focus 2 is sleek and stylish.  Measuring 10.98mm thin and weighing only 4.3 ounces, it fits perfectly in your hand, purse or pocket.

In April, AT&T launched the first 4G LTE Windows Phones in the world with the Focus 2 marking the carrier’s third 4G LTE offering on this operating system.  AT&T customers have access to the nation’s largest 4G network, covering over 260 million people. As 4G LTE expands, AT&T customers are able to enjoy a widespread, ultra-fast and consistent 4G experience on their compatible device as they move in and out of LTE areas. AT&T has two 4G networks that work together for customers, LTE and HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. With other carriers, when you travel outside of their LTE coverage area, you’re on a much slower 3G network.

Beginning May 20, customers can purchase the Focus 2, available in a glossy pure white, from AT&T for $49.99 with a two-year contract.

Like AT&T’s other new 4G LTE Windows Phones, the Samsung Focus 2 features the Windows Phone 7.5 operating system which makes it easier to do everyday tasks faster.   Only Windows Phone has Live Tiles, providing real time updates on your Start Screen including calendar appointments, emails or social media feeds. With Bing Search built-in, you’ll never be lost, as finding directions or a highly rated restaurant nearby is quick and easy. Microsoft® Office Mobile and SkyDrive® also allow you to create, save and access documents anywhere from the cloud to help maintain productivity while on-the-go.

The Samsung Focus 2, the latest addition to the Focus family (following the Focus, Focus Flash and Focus S), comes with a 4-inch Super AMOLED™ screen and 5-megapixel camera that makes taking pictures or shooting video in HD 720p a breeze.  The front-facing VGA camera provides the ability for video chat.  Hands-free messaging is available through speech-to-text and text-to-speech features that make it easier to stay in touch safely while out and about.

“AT&T offers our customers the broadest Windows Phone portfolio of any carrier, with three 4G LTE Windows Phones – the only 4G LTE Windows Phones in the U.S. – now at a variety of price points and form factors,” said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T Mobility.  “The Samsung Focus 2 brings the people-first Windows Phone interface together with AT&T’s fast 4G LTE network for an unbeatable experience.”

“Samsung is the unmatched leader in offering smartphones across a variety of platforms and the Focus 2 is a powerful example of our continued commitment to Windows Phone,” said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Mobile. “As our first 4G LTE Windows Phone, the Focus 2 is a fast and versatile device for productivity, entertainment and social networking.”

For more information, customers can visit http://www.att.com/samsungfocus2  or http://www.samsung.com/us/focus2.

We have seen a number of leaked images showing a variety of handsets said to be the Galaxy S3 trickle out over the past few weeks. According to reports, this is by design — Samsung reportedly housed test versions of its next-generation Galaxy smartphone in a number of decoy cases in order to prevent the actual design from leaking ahead of the phone’s unveiling. On Tuesday, however, Samsung blog SamMobile.com published photos of what it claims to be the final release version of the Galaxy S3. The unannounced handset shown features a sleek design, a unique rounded glass face and a 12-megapixel camera, and a screenshot shows handset model number GT-i9300 and Android version 4.0.4. The site’s source says Samsung also plans to unveil a second device at its upcoming press conference, the GT-i9800, however no additional information was made available. Samsung’s next Galaxy smartphone will be unveiled on Thursday during a press conference in London. A second leaked photo of the purported Galaxy S3 follows below.

UPDATE: Images removed at owner’s request.

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It appears that Samsung’s purported efforts to mask the launch version of its upcoming next-generation Galaxy smartphone have once again paid off. A new image of the Galaxy S III has emerged on a Chinese forum, though the look (and name) of the device will likely be different when the new flagship phone is finally unveiled next week. Few new details can be gleaned from this new leak, though it appears that Samsung may have taken some liberties with the stock on-screen navigation buttons in Ice Cream Sandwich. Samsung’s next-generation Galaxy phone is expected to feature a quad-core 1.5GHz Exynos processor, a high-definition Super AMOLED display, 4G LTE, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and a ceramic case available in either blue or white. Samsung will unveil the Galaxy S III next week at a press conference in London.

[Via The Verge]

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HTC’s flagship One X smartphone is now available for pre-order from AT&T for $199.99 on contract. The handset finds itself at the top of HTC’s new lineup of One-series smartphones, which the Taiwan-based vendor hopes will help it turn its sliding smartphone business around. The flagship smartphone features a dual-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, a 4.6-inch 720p HD display, an 8-megapixel rear camera, a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, 16GB of internal storage, 1GB of RAM and Sense 4 on top of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The HTC One X is available from AT&T in either gray or white, and it will launch on May 6th, three days after Samsung unveils its next-generation Galaxy S III smartphone.

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New images and video of the unannounced next-generation Galaxy S smartphone were published on Friday morning. The source, Vietnamese blog Tinhte, has a solid track record of publishing images, videos and other details surrounding unreleased devices, and the smartphone shown off by the blog is believed to be authentic. In an interesting twist, however, this may not be the Galaxy S III we see announced on May 3rd during Samsung’s “Unpacked” event in London. Read on for more.

The smartphone pictured carries the model number i9300, which a trusted BGR source has confirmed belongs to the next-generation Galaxy S smartphone. According to Tinhte, the phone features a quad-core 1.4GHz processor, a 4.6-inch 720p HD display, Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich, 16GB of internal storage, 1GB of RAM, an 8-megapixel camera, NFC and a 2,050 mAh battery. These specs vary in several instances with the numerous details reported earlier by BGR, and Tinhte may have the explanation why.

According to the blog, this device is likely close to the final version of the phone, however Samsung has taken measures to prevent the finished design from leaking ahead of the vendor’s upcoming announcement. Loosely translated from Tinhte’s post, which has since been removed, ”Samsung has used a fake outer shell designed to ensure the machine is not exposed until it is unveiled.” The blog’s video has vanished along with its original post, however Engadget managed to download a copy that is still available on its site.

The launch version is expected to appear in a ceramic and metal or metal-look case, and two color options will be blue and white. BGR has also been told that there will be 16GB and 32GB models available at launch, and Samsung is planning a massive marketing blitz that will see the Galaxy S III become the official handset of the 2012 Olympic Summer Games.

Several additional images of the incognito Galaxy S III can be viewed below.

[Via Gizmodo]

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Images of an unannounced Samsung smartphone were published by Gizmodo Brasil on Wednesday evening, and they may reveal the South Korea-based vendor’s next flagship handset. The quality of the leaked images is very poor, but the basic look of the device can be made out along with the presence of a wide home button and a unique oval-shaped glass panel covering the display. Gizmodo Brasil’s source states that the model number of the phone is i9300 — which a BGR source has previously stated is indeed the model number of the Galaxy S III — and the device pictured reportedly features a 12-megapixel camera. The Galaxy S III is expected to feature a 4.8-inch 1080p HD Super AMOLED display, a quad-core 1.5GHz Exynos processor, 4G LTE, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and an ultra-thin case made of ceramic, and Samsung will likely announce the new flagship smartphone during a press conference on May 3rd. Another image of the handset follows below.

[Via Gizmodo]

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Amazon’s affordable Kindle Fire tablet shook up the industry when it launched last year. Tablet vendors were already having serious difficulties competing against Apple’s iPad, and these companies would now have to find a way to cut costs as well. While Samsung announced last week that it will soon launch lower-priced Galaxy tablets, a new off-brand device has the potential to make waves if the firm behind it can manage to successfully fight for attention in an increasingly crowded market. Read on for more.

The “My Tablet 7,” a new effort from New York-based software and hardware developer Xtex, is one of the most affordable tablets available in the United States. The entry-level 7-inch slate is already available for order direct from Xtex, and it costs just $149.99 despite specs that, in some areas, compete with several devices currently available at much higher price points.

Xtex’s My Tablet 7 features a 7-inch 800 x 480-pixel display, a 1.5GHz processor, 16GB of internal storage, up to 32GB of additional SD storage, 1GB of RAM, a 2-megapixel front-facing webcam, an HDMI-out port that supports 1080p video playback, a full USB port, a miniUSB port and Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich.

The low-resolution display is the biggest down-side here, and it remains to be seen how Ice Cream Sandwich will perform with a 1.5GHz single-core chipset running the show. At $150, however, this affordable device has the potential to appeal to a number of budget-conscious consumers on the lookout for a cheap tablet.

The company’s press release follows below.

MY TABLET, 7-INCH HIGH PERFORMANCE AND AFFORDABLE ANDROID TABLET LAUNCHES

The $150, 7-Inch My Tablet combines portability with connectivity and up to 48GB memory

NEW YORK – April 13, 2012 – XTEX announces My Tablet, a 7-inch WiFi enabled tablet device that combines affordability with connectivity, courtesy of the powerful and stable Android Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.3 OS…all at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $150.

“Everyone is walking around with a tablet device under their arms,” said XTEX VP Allen Kiehl. “The 10-inch tablet’s become a fashion accessory, like not so long ago when everybody wore cell phones clipped to their belt.” Eventually, the smartphone was made small enough to fit in a pocket, and it’s time we did the same for tablets. 10-inch tablets are too big, while 5-inch models are too small, like squinting at a smartphone screen. The My Tablet 7-inch is just right. Not only is it about the size of a paperback book and ultra-slim to slip easily into a jacket or back pocket, but also it’s loaded with features for convenience and on-the-go connectivity.

“But just in case fashion and accessorizing are important, My Tablet is available in three colors at the time of its launch: black, white, and pink.”

Lightweight and less than half an inch thick, the 7-inch My Tablet fits in a pocket but comes loaded with features, including a 1.5MHz Processor, 1GB of RAM, a 16GB internal hard drive, expandable to 48GB of storage with a 32GB MiniSD card, a brilliant 800X480 7-inch capacitive screen, and a front facing 2MP webcam.

My Tablet features Wi-Fi as well as USB Mini, USB Ports, a TF Card Slot (supporting up to 32GB), and HDMI 1080P output, maximizing connectivity to the internet, printers, high density TVs, or any number of external devices for easy and reliable on-the-go access to email, movies, videos, music, and photos. Surf, browse, blog, text, email, stream, download, upload or Tweet…take care of business on the fly and stay in touch with friends and family with an affordably priced tablet that fits in your pocket. Download video and musicfrom the internet or carry them separately on 32GB MiniSD cards. The choice is up to the user.

“I can attest that the My Tablet was extremely snappy and handled all the apps I threw at it,” writes Stormy Beach of the influential blog, AndroidSPIN.com. “I don’t think there is a tablet out there that can offer this much goods for such a small price tag.”

With its full list of features, including blisteringly fast 1.5GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, and 16GB of internal storage, AndroidSPIN also declared My Tablet “quite a powerful little device for $50 less than a Kindle Fire.”

Power. Portability. Affordability. My Tablet. The whole world in your pocket!

Key product Information:

• 7″ Capacitive screen (800X480)
• 1.5 MHz Processor
• Android 4.0 OS
• 1GB RAM
• 16GB HD (storage)
• 2.0MP Front Facing Webcam
• USB port
• Mini USB Port
• HDMI 1080P output
• TF card slot (support 32GB)
• Headset port

As we get closer to the official announcement of Samsung’s Galaxy S III, more information is beginning to surface. In addition to our exclusive reports on the device’s specifications and materials, we have now learned new details surrounding Samsung’s launch and marketing push for its new flagship handset. We have been told that there will be a huge international roll-out for the Galaxy S III, and the sleek new smartphone will be the official device of the 2012 Summer Olympics — this is one reason we’re told Samsung is hosting its unveiling event in London. In addition, there could be simultaneous launch events in New York City, Seoul and Dubai according to our source. We are also told that the Samsung Galaxy S III will come in two color options, one in blue and black, and a second in white. There will be 16GB and 32GB models as well, and additional specs include a 1080p HD display, a quad-core Exynos processor and integrated 4G LTE.

Image source: Android Advice

We exclusively reported that the Samsung Galaxy S III will feature a ceramic case, but looking at Samsung’s Unpacked event invitation that went out Monday morning, it appears that there could be another material in play as well. It looks like it’s a brushed blue metal, possibly aluminum or stainless steel, but it could also be a brushed blue plastic — Samsung smartphones have made use of plastic cases with a brushed finish multiple times in the past. Lastly, we have heard from a trusted source that the Galaxy S III will feature a physical home button in the middle of the device under the display, and it won’t use the on-screen navigation buttons Google introduced in Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

Apple plans to launch a new entry-level iPad tablet in the third quarter that will aim to draw attention away from the impending onslaught of Windows 8 tablets, a recent report claims. Chinese-language news site NetEase on Monday claimed that Apple’s “iPad mini” will be introduced during the third quarter this year. While details were limited, the report stated that Apple will have as many as 6 million units ready for launch, all of which it will likely need if the rumored price point of between $249 and $299 pans out, as NetEase claimed. Apple has been rumored on multiple occasions to be working on a smaller version of its wildly popular iPad tablet, and a third-quarter launch lines up with recent reports. With Apple’s rivals currently looking to compete by slashing prices, some speculate that a lower-cost iPad could be a serious blow from which their tablet efforts may not recover.

[Via Kotaku]

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CTIA Wireless is shaping up to be a bit slow this year and despite the overlap in timing, it appears Samsung will look elsewhere to unveil its next-generation flagship smartphone. The South Korea-based consumer electronics giant circulated invitations on Monday to a press conference that will take place in London on May 3rd. While Samsung does not specifically name the highly anticipated Galaxy S III smartphone on the invitation — the only relevant text is “come and meet the next Galaxy” — it is widely believed that the company’s new flagship device will be the focus of the event. BGR exclusively reported in January that the Galaxy S III will feature a 1.5GHz quad-core Exynos processor, a 4.8-inch full-HD 1080p display, an 8-megapixel rear camera, a 2-megapixel front-facing camera for HD video chats, 4G LTE, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and an ultra-thin case made of ceramic. Samsung Mobile’s “Unpacked” event will begin at 2:00 p.m. Eastern, 11:00 a.m. Pacific on Thursday, May 3rd, and the event will be live-streamed at www.facebook.com/samsungmobile.

Sprint announced last week that pre-orders for one of its first 4G LTE-enabled smartphones were going live on April 12th, and now the carrier has made launch details official. LG’s affordable Viper 4G LTE will become available in just over a week on April 22nd for $99.99 on contract. While this makes LG’s new smartphone one of the most affordable LTE-equipped smartphones on the market — in line with the Nokia Lumia 900′s retail price, though the phone is free for the time being — buyers will be hard-pressed to find LTE service for the time being. The LG Viper 4G LTE features a dual-core 1.2GHz processor, a 4-inch 800 x 480-pixel display and Android 2.3 Gingerbread. Sprint’s full press release follows below.

LG Viper 4G LTE from Sprint Launches on April 22; Pre-Order Begins Today

First 4G LTE device from Sprint with eco-friendly features, LG Viper 4G LTE available for just $99.99

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., & SAN DIEGO (BUSINESS WIRE), April 12, 2012 – Sprint (NYSE: S) and LG Mobile today announced Sunday, April 22, as the availability date for the highly anticipated LG Viper™ 4G LTE, one of the first smartphones to be available on the upcoming 4G LTE Network from Sprint. LG Viper will be available in Sprint sales channels, including www.sprint.com and 1-800-SPRINT1, for $99.99 with a new two-year service agreement and $50 mail-in rebate via reward card1 (excludes taxes and surcharges).

New and existing customers can pre-order LG Viper 4G LTE beginning today at www.sprint.com/viper. Customers who pre-order LG Viper will begin receiving their devices as early as Friday, April 20 – two days before the device goes on sale – while supplies last.

LG Viper offers Android 2.3, Gingerbread, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM and 4G of ROM. It also includes a 4GB microSD™ card. The sleek, ultra-thin smartphone also boasts a 4-inch bright and clear touchscreen display for better viewing under direct sunlight. It features a Corning® Gorilla® Glass screen protector for extra display resistance. A 5MP rear-facing camera with flash and a VGA front-facing camera allow for a fun and easy face-to-face video chat experience.

Additional apps and features include:

Google Play™ offers more than 450,000 useful applications, widgets and games.

Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which allows the device to read information from everyday objects, such as stickers and posters embedded with NFC chips. Google Wallet™, another NFC component, allows the smartphone to be used like a wallet to make safe, secure purchases at NFC-enabled merchants nationwide

Sprint ID allows users to cut through the clutter of thousands of apps by selecting from a variety of mobile ID packs. Sprint ID packs include ringers, wallpapers and widgets.

Consumers can download Box on the LG Viper and receive 50GB of free cloud storage and sharing directly from LG, an estimated value of $240 per year, so users don’t have to stress about storing all of their favorite music, files, photos and other memories. The 50GB of free storage is exclusive to LG devices until July 22.

“Life’s Good Fairytales” app, a customizable storyboard that allows parents and children to bond over the creation and sharing of unique fairy tales through their device.2

Additionally, LG Viper is Sprint’s first 4G LTE device to feature eco-friendly attributes, including ULE Platinum Certification, the highest level of environmental performance recognized by sustainable requirements established by UL Environment and Sprint, a casing made of 50 percent recycled plastics, and packaging that is 100 percent recyclable.

LG Viper customers can enjoy an unlimited data experience with Sprint Everything Data plans. Sprint’s Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM includes unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, starting at just $79.99 per month for smartphones – a savings of $40 per month versus Verizon’s comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and 2GB Web, or $10 per month savings versus Verizon’s 450-minute plan with unlimited text and 2GB Web.

Sprint recently announced Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City and San Antonio are expected to have 4G LTE and enhanced 3G service in mid-year 2012. Sprint 4G LTE should enable faster speeds for data applications, and the enhanced 3G service could offer better signal strength, faster data speeds, expanded coverage and better in-building performance. The upcoming launch of these large metropolitan areas demonstrates the continued commitment by Sprint to invest in its network through Network Vision. Whether a Sprint customer is using a smartphone to share a video, checking the Web via a mobile hotspot, Sprint 4G LTE will make it easier. For the most up-to-date details on Sprint’s 4G LTE rollout, please visit www.sprint.com/4GLTE.

Sprint and HTC have been partners for years, but it wasn’t until the HTC EVO 4G launched in June 2010 that the companies realized their potential. HTC’s sleek, technology-packed flagship smartphone and Sprint’s unlimited data plans were a match made in heaven for smartphone power users, and the EVO 4G was the first handset to truly offer a complete package to Sprint subscribers. While Sprint’s EVO line of devices has remained popular for the carrier — Sprint has sold more than 7 million EVO-branded smartphones and tablets to date — the company has yet to recapture the magic introduced with the original EVO 4G. With the new HTC EVO 4G LTE that Sprint and HTC unveiled on Wednesday, however, Sprint hopes to do just that. Hit the break for our hands-on impressions of Sprint’s new flagship smartphone.

We spent some time with Sprint’s flagship device for 2012 ahead of tonight’s press conference, and we left impressed. Powerhouse Android smartphones seem to be a dime a dozen these days, and although the EVO 4G LTE is certainly a cut above almost every device currently on the market, it doesn’t quite recapture the magic created by the EVO 4G, which was among the first of its kind.

The handset’s hardware is truly unique, and it is instantly recognizable as an EVO device. The red accents are unmistakable and the kickstand made famous by the EVO 4G is back — and improved. The red aluminum kickstand on the EVO 4G LTE is now spring-loaded, so it can support the device in landscape orientation with the display turned to the left or to the right.

The case on the EVO 4G LTE is made from a single piece of anodized aluminum that has a great look and a nice, soft feel. As an added touch and a means of further distinguishing this smartphone from the pack, HTC machined the edges of the smartphone to remove the anodized coating and leave a smooth polished aluminum finish that circles the outer edge of the device.

While we weren’t able to spend as much time as we would have liked with this sleek new smartphone, we did give it a quick spin and walked away very impressed. The 4.7-inch Super LCD display with 720p HD resolution is absolutely gorgeous, and the dual-core 1.5GHz Snapdragon S4 processor helps the Sense 4.0 user interface jump from screen to screen with ease. We fired up as many apps as we could launch on the new EVO and the phone was completely unphased.

Our biggest qualm with the handset after the short amount of time we spent with it is absolutely the styling. This is a slick smartphone with a unibody anodized aluminum case and brushed detailing on the edges, but it is completely ruined by the glossy black cover at the top of the device’s back. HTC had to use a material that would allow radio waves to easily pass through, but a matte rubber-feel plastic like the material used on the back of the HTC One S would have looked infinitely better. We’re sure there is a reason HTC chose the material it did, but the glossy plastic really does ruin the look of this otherwise sleek smartphone.

While Sprint hasn’t yet announced a release time frame beyond some time in the second quarter, the HTC EVO 4G LTE will be available for pre-order starting May 7th, and it will cost $199.99 on contract. We’re definitely looking forward to reviewing this new flagship smartphone but in the meantime, be sure to check out our hands on photos of the HTC EVO 4G LTE, which are linked above.

Sprint and HTC on Wednesday unveiled the HTC EVO 4G LTE during a joint press conference in New York City. As a customized version of the HTC One X, Sprint’s new flagship smartphone features a 4.7-inch Super LCD display with 720p HD resolution, a dual-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, an 8-megapixel camera powered by a dedicated ImageChip, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, Sense 4.0, 16GB of internal storage plus microSDHC support, 1GB of RAM, NFC, 4G LTE and a 2,000 mAh battery. The smartphone will also be Sprint’s first device to feature HD voice, an enhancement that will be enabled by Sprint’s Network Vision efforts. The service is not yet enabled, but we were told that the difference between standard voice and HD voice is akin to the difference between a standard-resolution television and an HDTV. HTC EVO 4G LTE pre-sales begin May 7th for $199.99 on contract, and the device will launch some time in the second quarter. Sprint and HTC’s joint press release follows below, and be sure to check out BGR’s hands-on preview of the HTC EVO 4G LTE.

HTC EVO 4G LTE, Exclusively from Sprint, First HD Voice-capable Smartphone Available in the U.S.;
Offers Best-in-Class Features, including Beats Audio,
Amazing Camera and HD Display

Next-generation EVO offers the ability to enjoy industry-leading features
without fear of overage charges or throttling with unlimited data plans
for new and existing Sprint customers

Available in Q2 for $199.99; Register for updates at www.sprint.com/evo4glte

NEW YORK – April 4, 2012 – Sprint (NYSE: S), the only national wireless carrier offering truly unlimited data for all phones while on the Sprint network¹, and HTC, a global designer of smartphones, announce the next evolution of the  award-winning HTC EVO™ family: HTC EVO™ 4G LTE. HTC EVO 4G LTE focuses on exceptional improvements in camera technology, audio and voice quality on both the network and device.

HTC EVO 4G LTE will be available in the second quarter for $199.99 (excludes taxes and surcharges). The availability date will be announced later. Customers can sign up for updates today at www.sprint.com/evo4glte, and pre-order will begin Monday, May 7, at www.sprint.com.

HTC EVO 4G LTE is built on Android™ 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich, integrated with HTC Sense™ 4. HTC EVO 4G LTE boasts brilliant features, including a vibrant 4.7-inch HD display, HD voice capabilities, 1.5GHz dual-core processor, large 2000mAh embedded battery and dual-cameras (8-megapixel rear-facing and 1.3-megapixel front-facing) with instant capture capability. HTC EVO 4G LTE brings back the fan-favorite kickstand built into the smartphone’s refined, slim design.

With the launch of HTC EVO 4G LTE, Sprint becomes the first U.S. carrier to announce plans for a nationwide HD Voice network beginning in late 2012 as part of Sprint’s Network Vision program.

HD Voice is the next-generation evolution of voice quality and the future of voice communications for mobile phones. The service will provide fuller, more natural-sounding and less fatiguing voice quality and should reduce troublesome background noises often found in a cafe or on the street.² Users should expect to identify voices and hear every word better than ever. Sprint’s commitment to HD Voice starts with HTC EVO 4G LTE, Sprint’s first HD Voice capable device.

“Sprint has a long history of leading the wireless industry in innovation, and the debut of HTC EVO 4G LTE marks another chapter in that innovation story,” said Sprint CEO Dan Hesse. “Once again, we are partnering with HTC to deliver the benchmark Android device for the year with the next generation of our award-winning EVO brand. We know our customers will appreciate the focus on audio and voice quality with EVO 4G LTE, including the addition of Beats Audio and HD Voice capability.”

HTC EVO 4G LTE is Sprint’s first device with HTC’s Authentic Sound experience integrating Beats Audio™. The technology enables customers to hear music the way the artist intended with unique audio tuning that delivers thundering bass, soaring midrange and crisp highs.

HTC EVO 4G LTE incorporates Beats Audio across the entire phone experience, including playing music stored on the device, streaming from a favorite service, watching a movie or YouTube™ video, or playing the latest hot game. HTC Sync Manager software also lets users easily get their music on the device from their PC, and it works with current programs, including iTunes^®.

“The partnership between HTC and Sprint has resulted in one of the most popular and successful smartphone brands of all time with over 7 million EVO devices sold to date,” said Jason Mackenzie, president, HTC Corporation. “With HTC EVO 4G LTE, we’ve created a desirable successor that is sure to excite the millions of current EVO customers and beyond with HTC’s distinct design, amazing camera and authentic sound.”

ADVANCING SMARTPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY

HTC EVO 4G LTE makes mobile photography and video easy and intuitive.

• The on-screen photo and video buttons are right next to each other so users don’t have to switch modes. This allows the user to take video and still photos concurrently.
• It makes the whole idea of “video mode” or “photo mode” irrelevant. While shooting a video, the user can just tap the shutter button and it captures a still image of that exact moment. Still images can also be captured during video playback.
• HTC EVO 4G LTE’s camera has a super-fast start-up and auto-focus time. With the fast auto-focus, users can easily stay with a moving object or person, taking numerous pictures just by holding the shutter button.

In addition, HTC ImageSense™ technology combines hardware and software advancements to the camera lens, sensor and software, including integration of a new custom HTC ImageChip, to take great photos even in adverse conditions. The best-in-class f/2.0 camera lens lets in 44 percent more light than the lenses used on most camera phones. The Smart Flash also adjusts the flash strength based on how far away the object is, so users won’t get photos where everything looks washed out.

REFINED STYLE AND DESIGN

Crafted from aluminum spaceframe in an anodized black finish, HTC EVO 4G LTE delivers cutting-edge function and style in a thin and distinctive design. The smartphone’s 4.7-inch display and 80-degree viewing angle makes it easier to share pictures and video with others. The multiposition kickstand allows users to watch videos hands-free.

HTC EVO 4G LTE customers can enjoy an unlimited data experience with Sprint Everything Data plans. Sprint’s Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, Anytime^SM includes unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, starting at just $79.99 per month for smartphones³ – a savings of $40 per month vs. Verizon’s comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and 2GB Web, or $10 per month savings vs. Verizon’s 450-minute plan with unlimited text and 2GB Web.

Sprint recently announced Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City and San Antonio are expected to have 4G LTE and enhanced 3G service in mid-year 2012. Sprint 4G LTE will enable faster speeds for data applications, and the enhanced 3G service promises better signal strength, faster data speeds, expanded coverage and better in-building performance. The launch of these large metropolitan areas demonstrates the continued commitment by Sprint to invest in its network through Network Vision. Sprint customers in these areas will soon enjoy ultra-fast data speeds and improved 3G voice quality. Whether a Sprint customer is using a smartphone to share a video, checking the Web via a mobile hotspot, Sprint 4G LTE will make it easier. And, when someone makes an important voice call, they can expect to find a clearer connection and a stronger signal in more areas. For the most up-to-date details on Sprint’s 4G LTE rollout, please visit www.sprint.com/4GLTE.