A short while ago we reported on a rumour that suggested that the Nexus S 4G was coming to Sprint. It has now been officially confirmed that Google's second Nexus phone will be coming to Sprint in the next few months.
Fared Adib, VP of Sprint Product Development noted that the first 4G powered Android 2.3 smartphone would deliver on the "promise of advanced data capabilities of 4G to deliver an incredible Web browsing experience". Sprint has also stated that the Nexus S 4G would be the first to receive Android platform upgrades and the latest versions of apps. Let us hope Sprint keeps their promise.
However, the phone's most compelling feature, announced by Google, is the integration of Google Voice. On most phones today Google Voice is available as either a local or web-based app. To make life easier on consumers, Google and Sprint have teamed up to enable a more seamless integration of Google Voice by allowing Nexus S 4G customers to use their Sprint phone numbers as their Google Voice numbers without having to go through the hassle of porting their number.
All Sprint customers can now enjoy the benefits of Google Voice including the option to make calls and send and receive text messages using their Google Voice number without the need for a dedicated app. Google Voice will also replace the Sprint voicemail services, so all your voicemails will now be seamlessly transcribed and sent via e-mail and text messages. Customers can also make cheap international calls, create personalised voicemail greetings, record calls, block unwanted callers and much more.
Finally, if you are already a Google Voice user you can simply continue to use your current number instead of the one from Sprint and enjoy all the Google Voice features mentioned above.
Check out the video for more information on Google Voice:
The actual hardware of the Nexus S 4G remains largely the same with a 4.0" WVGA SAMOLED screen, 1 GHz CPU, 16 GB ROM, 5MP rear camera, front-facing VGA camera, NFC, WiFi and Bluetooth support and integrated GPS. The device will also have the ability to create a 3G/4G mobile hotspot, supporting up to six WiFi enabled devices.
The smartphone will be available from Spring for $199.99 with a two-year contract starting at $69.99/month. However, it will also require an additional $10/month "Premium Data add-on".
Head on over to www.sprint.com/nexus to register your interest and to receive more information.
In the meantime Best Buy has seized the moment and announced the presale of the device. Other than Sprint stores, Best Buy and Best Buy mobile stores will be the only physical retail locations of the Nexus S 4G when it launches "later this spring".
Nexus S 4G Press Release:
First Pure Google 4G Device with Android 2.3 in the U.S., Nexus S 4G from Google and Samsung, Coming to Sprint this Spring
First 4G device powered by Android 2.3 boasts pure Google experience, Google Voice integration, Super AMOLED display and Mobile Hotspot capability is Sprint’s 20th 4G device and fourth 4G phone announced to date
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), March 21, 2011 - Sprint (NYSE: S) extends its 4G device innovation lead once again with the upcoming availability of the 20th 4G device and fourth 4G phone, Nexus S™ 4G1 from Google™. Coming to Sprint this spring, it will also be able to take advantage of the unprecedented controls and services enabled by Google Voice™ integration built into the Sprint Network.
Manufactured by Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), a leading global mobile phone provider and the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the United States2, Nexus S 4G comes packed with a pure Google experience using Android™ 2.3, Gingerbread, the fastest version of Android available for smartphones. It is powered by a 1GHz Samsung application processor that produces rich 3D-like graphics, faster upload and download times and supports HD-like multimedia content along with a dedicated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to make playing mobile games, browsing the Web and watching videos a fast, fluid and smooth experience.
“Nexus S 4G shows the strong commitment Sprint has to Android, and when combined with our 4G network capabilities, it gives customers the option of a pure Google experience,” said Fared Adib, vice president – Product Development, Sprint. “As the first 4G smartphone with Android 2.3, Nexus S 4G delivers on the promise of the advanced data capabilities of 4G to deliver an incredible Web browsing experience, offers quick and easy access to future Android updates and access to the services built into Google Voice.”
It is designed with Samsung’s brilliant Super AMOLED™ touchscreen technology providing a premium viewing experience. The 4-inch Contour Display features a curved design for a more comfortable look and feel in the user’s hand or along the side of the face. It also offers a screen that is bright with higher color contrast, meaning colors are incredibly vibrant and text is crisp at any size and produces less glare than on other smartphone displays when outdoors, so videos, pictures and games look their best and the sun won't wash them out.
Sprint Nexus S 4G customers will be among the first to receive Android software upgrades and new Google mobile apps. In many cases, the device will get the updates and new apps as soon as they are available.
"We're excited to partner with Sprint on Nexus S 4G, which brings innovative hardware by Samsung and innovations on the Android platform, to create a powerful smartphone experience,” said Andy Rubin, vice president of Engineering at Google.
Nexus S 4G features a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera and camcorder and front-facing VGA camera. In addition, Nexus S 4G features a gyroscope sensor to provide a smooth, fluid gaming experience when the user tilts the device up or down or pans the phone to the left or right.
Additional key features include:
- 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability, supporting up to six Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously
- Android Market™ for access to more than 150,000 applications, widgets and games available for download to customize the experience
- Google mobile services such as Google Search™, Gmail™, Google Maps™ with Navigation, syncing with Google Calendar™, Voice Actions and YouTube™
- Corporate email (Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync®), personal (POP & IMAP) email and instant messaging
- Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which allows the device to read information from everyday objects, like stickers and posters embedded with NFC chips
- 16GB Internal Memory (ROM)/512MB (RAM)
- Wi-Fi® – 802.11 b/g/n
- Bluetooth® 2.1 + EDR
- Integrated GPS
- 1500 mAh Lithium-ion battery
“Samsung is thrilled to work with Google and Sprint to create the next generation Nexus S. Adding 4G capabilities takes this iconic device to the next level,” said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Mobile. “Nexus S 4G integrates Samsung’s best-in-class hardware and the exciting features of the Android 2.3 platform with the impressive speed and connectivity of Sprint’s 4G network.”
Nexus S 4G from Google will be available exclusively from Sprint this spring for $199.99 with a new two-year service agreement or eligible upgrade (taxes not included) in all Sprint retail channels, including the Web (www.sprint.com) and Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1), as well as select national retailers.
Sprint Nexus S customers also will be able to easily use their current Sprint wireless phone number as their Google Voice number without having to port their number, avoiding porting charges and potential service disruptions. Google Voice makes it easy for people to manage and access most of their voice-based communication. It lets users manage up to six different phones through one number with intelligent call routing and advanced features like call screening, blocking and recording.
Now Sprint subscribers can use their Sprint number across their office, home and wireless phones, and personalize settings so calls from friends ring their wireless device and home phone, while calls from the boss only ring at the office. Google Voice users can receive transcribed voicemails and read or listen to them online. They can also read, send and search text messages and call logs online at www.google.com/voice.
Nexus S 4G requires activation on one of Sprint’s Everything Data plans, plus a required $10 Premium Data add-on charge for smartphones. 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 $69.99 per month plus required $10 Premium Data add-on charge – a savings of $39.99 per month versus Verizon’s comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and Web (excluding Verizon’s Southern California plan; pricing excludes surcharges and taxes).
Sprint customers get more with unlimited data plans on the Sprint Network. Sprint offers real simplicity, value and savings versus competitors, making it easy for customers to get the most out of their phones without using a calculator to tally up costs or worrying about how much data they’ve used.
Sprint Everything Data plans qualify for automatic enrollment in the Sprint PremierSM loyalty program3. Existing Sprint customers can switch to an Everything Data plan without extending their service agreement. New lines of service require a two-year service agreement.
As the first national wireless carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology, Sprint made history by launching 4G in Baltimore in September 2008. As the first national wireless carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology, Sprint is America’s Favorite 4G Network4. Sprint currently offers 4G service in 71 markets in 28 states. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G.
Best Buy Press Release:
MINNEAPOLIS, March 21, 2011 – Best Buy today announced the presale of Nexus S™ 4G from Google™, available on the Sprint Network, which will be available in Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile standalone stores nationwide, as well as online at Best Buy.com/Mobile, later this spring. As a national retail exclusive, Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile stores will be the only physical retail locations, other than Sprint stores, where consumers can demo, compare and purchase this handset.
“The exclusive launch of Nexus S from Google was a landmark for us and it continues to be one of our best-selling devices,” said Scott Anderson,head of merchandising for Best Buy Mobile. “Bringing Nexus S 4G to our stores is one more way we’re making it as easy as possible for people to find the phone that’s right for them.”
Nexus S 4G is the world’s first 4G smart phone to feature a 4” Contour Display and Android™ 2.3, Gingerbread. It also delivers a pure Google experience: unfiltered access to Google mobile services and the latest and greatest Android releases and updates.
Best Buy Mobile has rapidly become a leading destination for mobile technology purchases with the most smart phones under one roof, and an array of services aimed at improving customers’ experience, including Walk Out Working, Happy 24 and Buy Back. Offerings also include a full array of accessories for customers to protect and personalize their devices.
Credit: Sprint Newsroom, Google Voice Blog and Best Buy