HTC Hero Android Phone to come soon to Sprint

There is some great news for Android and Sprint fans! Both Sprint and the HTC Corporation have finally announced that the HTC Hero Android phone is coming to Sprint on October 11, 2009. It’s the first U.S. mobile device that integrates a redesigned UI – HTC Sense, combining the open and innovative Android platform with high-speed connectivity of America’s most reliable 3G network.

Kevin Packingham, senior Vice President of product development at Sprint said “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.” He also added in to say, “With the dependability and coverage of Sprint’s 3G network, HTC Hero users will appreciate a much better experience than is possible now with any other Android phone operating in the United States.”

Features of the HTC Hero (Sprint) include:

-3.2-inch touch screen including pinch-to-zoom capability and fingerprint resistant coating
-Easy access to personal and business e-mail, IM and text messaging through POP, IMAP and Exchange Active Sync accounts
-Built-in 5 Megapixel Camera
-Built-in GPS navigation and trackball navigation
-Easily access popular social networking sites including Flickr, Facebook and Twitter
-Ability to chronicle their special moments by capturing a digital postcard on their handset using HTC Footprints
-NFL Mobile Live and NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile
-Stereo Bluetooth 2.0 technology
-Accelerometer, light sensor and home screen widgets for enhanced usability
-Sprint TV with live and on-demand programming
-Visual voice mail to quickly access specific voice mail messages

Andy Rubin, vice president for mobile platforms for Google said “Sprint and HTC are helping to drive openness and innovation in the mobile industry with the introduction of the Android-powered HTC Hero.” He also went on to say that “As the world’s first truly open mobile platform built with the Internet in mind, Android provides to consumers the same Internet services they have become accustomed to on their desktop PC. Offering access to thousands of applications, a suite of Google services, and unique personalization features, the HTC Hero offers a compelling mobile experience.”

HTC Hero, the full-featured smartphone that offers synchronization for integrated Google mobile services including Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail and YouTube will arrive at Sprint stores starting October 11. Pricing will be $179.99 after a two year service contract and $150 in rebates.