Sprint issues 4G developer guide in advance of HTC EVO

With the upcoming launch of its first 3G/4G smartphone, HTC's Android-powered EVO, Sprint also announced the release of a 4G developer guide available via the operator's Application Developers Program website, promising insight and tools for creating applications on an Android 2.1-based device. According to Sprint, the 4G developer guide is highlighted by tips for maximizing the technological advantages of 4G networks as well as exploiting the EVO's unique hardware and software capabilities, e.g. incorporating the smartphone's forward-facing 1.3 megapixel camera into an application, how to use HDMI output and how to build in network detection to optimize data quality. The guide also offers sample apps and source code.

Sprint states that 4G enables improved performance for existing Android applications as well as opens the floodgates for next-generation games and communications tools that simultaneously bring together features like video, presence and location. "4G enables a different kind of multimedia experience," said Sprint VP of consumer marketing David Owens in an interview with FierceDeveloper during last week's CTIA Wireless 2010 event in Las Vegas. "Developers already know and like Android, and with 4G, they can go crazy with bandwidth-intensive apps."

Sprint announced the EVO's summertime release last week. Bells and whistles include HD video capture, HTC's Sense UI, Qualcomm's 1 GHz Snapdragon processor, a 4.3-inch touchscreen display, hotspot capabilities and an FM radio. Also noteworthy: The EVO web browser supports the Adobe Flash multimedia platform. Apple's has so far refused to support Flash across its iPhone operating system, although the technology powers over 70 percent of games and 75 percent of video on the web. "Flash is a huge win," Owens said.

For more on the Sprint 4G developer guide:
- read this release

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