Sprint Updating EVO 4G To Android 2.2Sprint Updating EVO 4G To Android 2.2

Users of the HTC EVO 4G, the first WiMax phone on Sprint's network, will soon enjoy another first for a U.S. wireless carrier: Android 2.2. Sprint says that it will start offering Android 2.2 Froyo to the EVO 4G on Tuesday, August 3.

Some of the call-out features that EVO 4G users will notice include Bluetooth voice dialing, Adobe's Flash Player Mobile 10.1, app storage on the external memory card, 4-way camera rotation, and improved browser performance.

According to Sprint, EVO 4G users will be notified on their handset when it is ready to download the update. The update will be provided over the air. Once it is downloaded, users simply need to follow the steps to install the new system software. Users should note that their phone will be unusable during the update process.

Sprint says that users can also manually check for the software update by using the Settings Menu > System Updates > HTC Software Update. This should find the update and then initiate the download process.

"Sprint is thrilled with our customers' response to HTC EVO 4G and the innovative and exciting experience it offers," said Fared Adib, vice president – Product Development for Sprint, in a prepared statement. "It is exciting for us to lead the industry in bringing the Android 2.2 update to these customers and improve on the amazing experience they receive with America's first 4G capable phone."

Sprint didn't spell out how Android 2.2's built-in tethering software will be worked into its own tethering option. Sprint also forgot to mention that Android 2.2 Froyo also makes use of the Davlik Virtual Machine software, which provides a significant performance boost to Android. Google claims Android 2.2. is 4.5 times faster than Android 2.1. In my experience with early builds of Froyo, the speed improvements are real and not to be discounted.

Now it is Verizon's turn to start talking Android 2.2 for the Droid, Droid Incredible and Droid X.