Two weeks ago, it was announced that more carriers would be getting a carrier billing option for Books, Music and Videos in the Google Play Store. Sprint was one of three US carriers on the list, and now it’s been enabled for the Now Network. Sprint customers, go wild buying whatever you want from the Play Store and don’t worry about paying for it till your bill comes due.

Carrier billing is a great option for those that don’t want to use a credit card or don’t have one. But it can also be a bit dangerous to have the ability to spend money on books and music all willy nilly then getting bill-shock at the end of the month.

[Fierce Mobile]

Sprint seems to think that the more press releases they put out, the more phones they will sell. So today they put out a whopping 10 press releases to tell you that the following Sprint stores will be opening at 8am on Friday, May 18th for the HTC EVO 4G LTE launch. Yep, a press release for each city.

• California: 320 Gellert Boulevard, Daly City, CA and 364 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
• New York: 175 Fifth Avenue, NY
• Washington DC: 1101 South Joyce Street, Suite B15, Arlington, VA
• Colorado: 9992 Commons Street, STE 100, Lone Tree
• Washington: 148th Ave NE Redmond
• Massachusetts: 422 Boylston Street, Boston
• Florida: 12540 SW 120th Street, Miami
• Georgia: 3400 Around Lenox Road, Atlanta
• Texas: 1913 Preston Road, Suite 100, Plano

Seriously, Sprint? Is somebody over there getting paid by the press release?

[Sprint Newsroom]

When shopping around for a new phone, most of us try to find the best deal instead of just plunking down whatever the carrier charges in the store. If you’re in the market for a Galaxy Nexus on Sprint, this deal is about the best around right now. Amazon Wireless is now selling the Sprint Galaxy Nexus for only $149 with a two year contract, that’s $50 cheaper than from Sprint. On top of that, you get a $50 Google Wallet credit, so essentially you’re saving $100 over retail pricing.

The Galaxy Nexus is currently listed as in stock and you get free two-day shipping from Amazon. So if you don’t mind waiting 48 hours for your new phone, you can save yourself a full Benjamin in cash.

If you’re going to buy a Verizon Galaxy Nexus, that one is even cheaper at only $49 with a two year contract.

[Amazon Wireless]

Amazon Wireless almost always sells phones cheaper than you can get them anywhere else. And sometimes they go a little crazy with the deals. Right now all of Sprint’s 4G devices are only $0.01 with a new two year contract. That’s right, only a penny for all 4G devices that you would still be paying $199 for at a Sprint store.

The deal is good only while supplies last, so if you’re in the market for a new phone, jump on this deal right away before it’s gone. Here’s a list of the devices on sale:

• Samsung Galaxy S II Epic Touch 4G (Black)
• Samsung Galaxy S II Epic Touch 4G (White)
• HTC EVO Design 4G
• HTC EVO 3D 4G (Black)
• HTC EVO 3D 4G (Plum)
• Samsung Nexus S 4G
• Samsung Epic 4G

In an effort to promote Google Wallet on the Galaxy Nexus (which is lacking from the Verizon version), customers who purchase before May 22nd and activate Google Wallet will get treated to a free $50 credit in their Wallet account. And hey, no one can argue with free money.

Aside from the Google Wallet difference, the rest of the specs are the same as the Verizon and international versions: Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, 4.65-inch HD display, 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, 5MP camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, Face Unlock and Android Beam.

[Sprint]

Thanks to this leaked screenshot, it seems that April 22nd is the day to mark on your calendars. On that Sunday, a little over 2 weeks from now, the LG Viper should be available in Sprint stores, as well as Best Buy and Radio Shack. The price of entry to the new LTE network being $99.99 with a two year contract.

[via Engadget]

Sprint just announced the HTC Evo 4G LTE today, and they didn’t tell us an exact release date, just saying Q2 of 2012. Well now we know the pre-order date, which will be May 7th, which should be not to far from the release date. Sprint has also set up a sign-up page to be notified when you can pre-order the device, which will be $199 with a two year contract. If you’re already itching to get your hands on the latest HTC flagship device, hit up the source link and sign up.

[Sprint]

>

The HTC Evo 4G LTE will be available from Sprint in Q2 of 2012 for $199 with a two year contract. A specific release date has yet to be announced.

Oh yeah, did we mention it’s got a bright red kickstand?

Full Press Release:

NEW YORK (BUSINESS WIRE), April 04, 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 softwareadvancements 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.

The Viper features a dual-core 1Ghz processor with 1GB of RAM, 4 inch WVGA display, 5MP rear camera and VGA front camera. It will ship with Android 2.3 Gingerbread, but it appears nearly bone-stock, so hopefully Ice Cream Sandwich isn’t far away. It also comes with NFC and Google Wallet capabilities. Sprint is also upselling the fact that the Viper is made from recycled material, which will appeal to some users.

Starting April 12th, the LG Viper will be available for $99 with a new two year contract. Which is a great price for a dual-core LTE device. Even if LTE service will only be initially available in Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City and San Antonio, starting mid-year 2012. Sprint didn’t exactly say when the Viper will be launching outright, but we’ve been hearing April 15th.

Full Press Release:

LG Viper 4G LTE with Eco-Friendly Features from Sprint
Launches for Less than $100

Pairing innovative technology with the
Sprint 4G LTE network and unlimited data plans, LG Viper 4G LTE helps manage work and personal time for people on the go, like today’s “Power Parents”;
Pre-order begins Thursday, April 12, at sprint.com/viper

NEW YORK – April 3, 2012 — In an exclusive media event to tip off NBA Green Week presented by Sprint, Sprint’s CEO Dan Hesse (NYSE: S) today announced pricing and pre-order availability date for the highly anticipated LG Viper™ 4G LTE, the first 4G LTE device with eco-friendly features to be offered by Sprint.

LG Viper will be available later this month in all Sprint sales channels, including www.sprint.com,1-800-SPRINT1, Best Buy and RadioShack 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 beginning Thursday, April 12 at www.sprint.com/viper.

LG Viper takes advantage of Android 2.3 Gingerbread platform, a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, 1 GB of RAM, mobile hotspot capabilities and a 4GB card microSD™ slot that supports up to 32GB. It also features a 5MP rear-facing camera with flash and VGA front-facing camera allowing for a fun and easy face-to-face video chat experience.

Enabled with Near Field Communication (NFC), LG Viper allows users to access true value features such as Google Wallet, an app that allows payment using a mobile device at participating retailers, including Bloomingdales, Toys “R” Us, CVS, Gap and Macy’s. The sleek, ultra-thin smartphone also boasts a 4-inch touchscreen that is remarkably bright and clear, even in direct sunlight. It also has a Corning® Gorilla® Glass screen protector for extra display resistance while on the go.

“LG Viper pairs perfectly with our unlimited data plans to bring customers the benefit of new technology, including our upcoming 4G LTE capabilities at a great price,” said David Owens, vice president-Product Development, Sprint. “This smartphone is packed with the tools our customers need to stay connected. Best of all, customers can feel good about owning LG Viper because of its robust list of eco-friendly features.”

As a Sprint ID smartphone, LG Viper will give owners the ability to cut through the clutter of more than 450,000 additional apps in Google Play by selecting from a variety of mobile ID packs. Sprint ID packs include ringers, wallpapers and widgets. Also, 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.

“Today’s world is moving extremely fast and the lines between personal time and work continue to blur,” said Tim O’Brien, vice president of marketing for LG Mobile. “LG understands consumers’ need for better tools that allow them to multitask without sacrificing what’s most important to them, especially when it comes to their families. LG Viper gives parents the tools they need to manage their everyday lives while breaking down the barriers that technology can often create between them and their children – all at a great value.”

LG Viper customers can enjoy an unlimited data experience with Sprint Everything plans with data. 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 smartphones2 – 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.

Leading Wireless in Green
In addition to its technological prowess, LG Viper has many eco-friendly features, including:
The device is ULE Platinum Certified, the highest level of environmental performance recognized by sustainable requirements established by UL Environment and Sprint
It is protected by a casing made of 50 percent recycled plastics.
It is RoHS compliant, meaning it is free from many potentially hazardous materials such as PVC, phthalates, halogens and mercury.
The packaging contains up to 87 percent of post-consumer paper, uses soy ink, made with a glueless construction and is 100 percent recyclable.
The phone also includes a charger that exceeds the EC Code of Conduct on energy efficiency when it comes to no-load consumption. Unlike other chargers, LG Viper 4G LTE’s charger only consumes 0.03 watts of power when plugged into a wall socket without being connected to the phone.

Ranked No. 3 in Newsweek’s 2011 Green Rankings, Sprint is committed to being a corporate leader in sustainability. LG Viper marks the third device with eco-friendly features launched by Sprint and LG. Sprint and LG launched their first eco-friendly device in 2010 with LG Remarq™ and continued the legacy earlier this year with LG Rumor Reflex™.

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 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, check 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.

Bridging Technology and Fairy Tales
To complement the launch of LG Viper 4G LTE, LG is introducing the “Life’s Good Fairytales” app, a customizable storyboard that allows parents and children to bond over the creation and sharing of unique fairytales through their device. Families can become part of the fairytale by allowing them to take, upload and manipulate photos, names and sounds directly into the story, transforming the fairytales into the child’s own personal adventure.

Thanks to the fast speeds of the LG Viper 4G LTE technology and Sprint 4G LTE network, stories can be read instantly and content can be shared with friends and family via Facebook®. The “Life’s Good Fairytales” app will be available Friday, April 27, in Google Play. It will be free for LG Viper owners and available for $0.99 for other Android phone users.