Sprint Nextel Corp. starts selling its first 4G phone, Evo in the U.S. costing $199.99 with a two-year contract. It runs on Google Inc.’s Android operating system and uses the so-called fourth- generation wireless network that Sprint co-owns with Clearwire Corp. But most importantly, it’s the first phone which will let people watch live World Cup matches, make video calls and download full movies.
Evo will be able to download content about 10 times faster than third-generation technology, Overland Park, Kansas-based Sprint said. That will let people watch live World Cup matches, make video calls and download movies such as “The Karate Kid” or “Shrek Forever After.” Evo is said to be based on a next-generation wireless technology, an advance that may accompany in devices with high- definition video capabilities and faster downloads.
On Monday, Apple Inc. is also expected to unveil an updated iPhone that is rumored to also offer video calling, but yet its not confirmed. But still, Evo has already broken the records by enabling first video-chat. Let me also brief you that in order to make a video-call, both applicants must have a Google Gmail account, which is no surprise because the Evo’s operating system is Google’s own Android 2.1. Then you have to configure the Qik video app and can then make a call.
But every dose of excitement comes with something to curb it also. According to sources, you can use video chat only with people who also have Evo phones. The data plan, which is unlimited, is $70 a month. And finally, it costs $10 extra a month to use the 4G network. Also, Video chat works only at 4G speeds on cell networks, and Sprint has not rolled that out to all cities yet.
But Jim McGregor, chief technology strategist at research firm In-Stat, states, “The most important thing about these devices isn’t really the device itself, it’s really the applications and the content that you can use on the device, it changes the way we use the Internet.” As more 4G devices hit the market, developers will create software programs to take full advantage of the higher speeds, McGregor said.
But you can smile about: applications that give users information about their surroundings based on landmarks the phone’s camera recognizes, while mobile games like “Guitar Hero” or “Prince of Persia” could incorporate better graphics and higher-resolution video. HTC also makes the MAX 4G WiMax phone for the Russian market. What are your thoughts on Evo, do share them with us.
Tags: 4g phone, android, cell networks, chief technology, generation technology, google, htc evo, jim mcgregor, karate kid, overland park, park kansas, qik, sprint nextel, video call, video capabilities