Sprint will begin selling HTC's Android-based Hero handset over its EVDO Rev. A. network.
HTC Hero offers synchronization for built-in Google mobile services, including Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, and YouTube as well as access to other Android applications.
"The arrival of HTC Hero and the Android platform to Sprint's network is an important milestone for our customers and the U.S. wireless industry," said Kevin Packingham, senior vice president of product development for Sprint.
Sprint said it is actively engaged with the Android community and is committed to an open Internet approach.
HTC Hero is the first U.S. device to feature HTC Sense, which features a seven-panel wide home screen that can be populated with customizable widgets.
Users can switch between "Scenes", such as work, social, travel and play. For example, a work Scene can be easily set up to include stock updates, work email and calendar, a play Scene could have music, weather, and a Twitter feed or a travel Scene could offer instant access to the local time, weather and maps.
HTC Hero also features an integrated 5.0 MP camera, camcorder, integrated GPS navigation, and trackball navigation. Additional features include:
- Stereo Bluetooth 2.0 Wireless technology
- Accelerometer, light sensor and home screen widgets for improved usability
- Multimedia capable with microSD slot (32GB capable, 2GB included)
- Sprint TV with live and on-demand programming
- NFL Mobile Live and NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile
- Access to social networking sites, including Facebook, Flickr, and Twitter
- Visual voice mail for quick and easy access to specific voice mail messages
