PPCGeeks.com » Sprint

Sprint Touch Pro2 WM 6.5 ROM Officially Released

BigDiesel07 — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:53:35 +0000

As we previously reported they would be doing, Sprint has released their WM 6.5 ROM update for the HTC Touch Pro2, which you can grab here.

Enhancements in this latest official ROM include-

Upgraded OS to Windows Mobile 6.5 (The OS Build is 5.2.21889, which is NOT WM 6.5.3.)
Added HTC Sense UI enhancements (Build is 2.5.20121324.1)
Improved Social Networking integration
Includes a variety of minor bug fixes
Opera Mobile is updated to 9.7.35964
Disabled HTC Messaging and no Task Manager

The official thread on PPCGeek's discussing this can be found here, while you can download the latest Sprint OEM Driver's here if you are interested in creating your own ROM. Also, the updated Radio has been pulled and can be found here.

Credit to PPCGeek's members MetalMayhem and MarDukeMe for the images!

More Screen Shots after the break!

WiMAX-enabled HTC Supersonic rumored to debut on Sprint at CTIA

tsowen — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:00:43 +0000

The latest buzz on the street is that Sprint plans to unveil the HTC Supersoinc, the fist handset compatible with Sprint’s 4G data network, at the CTIA next week. The device will be running on Sprint’s new WiMax network, which is claimed to offer speeds up to 10 times faster than its current network. The Supersonic is claimed to be sporting a 4.3 –inch non-AMOLED touchscreen, a Snapdragon (1GHz) processor and only measure in at 11mm thick and running Android 2.1 with Sense UI. I guess we will have to wait for the CTIA next week to find out more on this highly anticipated handset.

Sprint News Release : Nexus One Coming To Sprint

MightyMike — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:12:40 +0000

Well what do we have here? It looks like every carrier is jumping on the Nexus One bandwagon lately, Sprint being the latest. In a Sprint news release today, Sprint has announced that the Google Nexus One device will be arriving on the Sprint network, although a release date has not been decided upon.

Sprint, in the process has decided to throw a few jabs at their competitors with the following quote in the press release:

Nexus One(TM) is planned for the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network with twice the network coverage of AT&T and ten times the network coverage of T-Mobile, both by square miles; Expands Sprint's Android(TM) portfolio

So the question now for everyone is, Who here is still waiting for the HTC SuperSonic? or will you jump on the Nexus One bandwagon? Be sure to leave your comments below.

Be sure to read the full news release here

Thanks Sporkman for the news tip!

Updated: Official Sprint WM6.5 Update For TP2 Coming March 19th

mindfrost82 — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:09:01 +0000

Although most of you are probably running a cooked Windows Mobile 6.5 ROM from our forums, some of you will be happy to hear that a Sprint brochure shows that the Touch Pro 2 will be upgradeable to Windows Mobile 6.5 in March.

Our user platin465 was kind enough to post an image of the Sprint Small Business Catalog.

Update: Our user 99accordv6 was nice enough to give us thetip that the update will be available this Friday, March 19th.

Rumor: HTC Desire To At&t, HTC Hero2 To Sprint?

mindfrost82 — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:16:08 +0000

Earlier this month, we reported on some new HTC devices hitting the market this year, which included the HTC Desire and HTC Legend. BGR is reporting, from a source close to HTC, that the HTC Desire is headed to At&t while Sprint is getting the Hero2. The Desire is supposedly heading to At&t around May or June and may have some physical difference from the HTC model (finishes, color, etc).

The Hero2 is actually the HTC Legend we've heard about, except modified to Sprint's liking, similar to how the original Hero was. There's no reported arrival time for this one though, so we'll have to sit tight and wait.

Sprint Expands Buyback Program

mindfrost82 — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:15:36 +0000

Today Sprint announced that its expanding its Buyback program to include cell phones from all carriers, not just Sprint. Previously, you could only trade in your old Sprint phones for a credit, but now you can turn in almost any phone from any carrier. You can get a point of sale credit anywhere from $5 to $300 depending on the phone. You can turn in up to 3 at a time. There are about 1,000 nationwide stores participating in this program and over 900 devices that are eligible.

"The new Sprint Buyback program will allow customers to take advantage of the current value of their unused cell phones and will reduce the number of wireless devices that end up in landfills," said Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO. "The Buyback program is another step to help us reach our ambitious goal to recover and recycle the equivalent of 90 percent of the handsets we sell by 2017. We look forward to continuously increasing our collection rates with the support of customers through the Buyback program and all of our sustainability initiatives."

Source: Sprint

Sprint to Offer First WiMax 4G Device by Summer 2010; Could it be the Supersonic?

rainfreak — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:52:17 +0000

Together with their 4G partner Clearwire, Sprint has been hard at work since 2008 slowly rolling out the first 4G wireless network in the United States. But the question has always remained: what good is a 4G network if there are no 4G devices available to use with it? According to an article on Forbes, Sprint has now confirmed that their first WiMax 4G device will be available to consumers in the first half of 2010, and answering all of our questions. Well, almost all of them.

We still don't know yet what the device will be, but there is a lot of speculation that it will be the HTC Supersonic, a device that was first mentioned a few months ago. According to a few tipsters, the Supersonic will have a 4.3" display, an HD2 type (very thin) shell, a snapdragon processor and of course WiMax. The interesting twist for many is that the Supersonic is rumored, and shown in more than one leaked picture, to be running Android 2.1 with the usual HTC Sense overlay.

With Sprint still losing customers on an regular basis, their first WiMax device could not come at a better time. Their two year long investment into the future will clearly put them in front of Verizon and AT&T in the U.S. for 4G capabilities, and hopefully help their struggle against monthly churn. The good news for consumers is that once the first WiMax handest is released, there will certainly be more, not too far behind. Sprint CEO, Dan Hesse, told Forbes that they are working with "several equipment manufacturers that will embed 4G capability into dozens of devices." Sprint and Clearwire are currently able to offer 4G services to 30 million people in 27 markets, but are planning a major push this year and anticipate bringing the total number to 120 million people, by adding Boston, New York, San francisco and Washington.

As an Android user I am definitely hoping that the device that Sprint is referring to this summer is the Supersonic, and I am exicted to see what other devices will follow. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Source: Engadget

Nexus One Coming To Sprint Too?

mindfrost82 — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:01:48 +0000

Considered yourself warned and take this information with a grain of salt. While the At&t rumor has a little more evidence to back it up (FCC filings showing their 3G bands), a new rumor is circling the web saying that the Nexus One will be coming to Sprint sometime in the future. This rumor all started from an email though, so there's no hard evidence other than a Sprint rep typing the response.

“Thank you for contacting Sprint regarding the nexus one.

Unfortunately, this handset model is not on offer as of now.

Once it is launched, you will see promotional campaigns related to the launch date, cost and the features of the handset on our Web site and other promotional media.

Thank you for showing interest in our products & services. Please let us know if you would like us to assist you with anything else.”

Again, this isn't much to go on, but it sounds promising.

Source: IntoMobile

Sprint releases maintenance update for Samsung Moment

rainfreak — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 02:39:29 +0000

Back on Friday Sprint released a maintenance update for customers using the Samsung Moment. The update is not the Android 2.1 update that everyone is waiting for, nor even an update to Android at all, but rather a culmination of patches and fixes. Unfortuantely there is no OTA update yet, though they promise "the ability to download the update directly on your Moment will be available in the near future.” Therefore, a trip to your local Srpint store, that has a repair center, will be necessary. Included in the release are fixes for the following:

Network Assist GPS to allow indoor location fix
Updates to several third-party apps, including Visual Voicemail, NFL, NASCAR and Sprint TV
Change to Emergency Dial on lock screen
Hard reset available in recovery mode: remove and reinsert battery; press volume down, send and end keys until reboot option pops up; scroll to wipe data/factory reset; press OK
Various improvements to battery life

While they all seem to be worthwhile updates, as a moment user myself, I am most interested in the "various improvements to battery life." While I am not sure what exactly this is, any help in that department would be appreciated. Even with some tweaks and a little common sense I have been able to get my Moment to last more than 24 hours under normal to heavy use, however I am excited about the possibility of even better battery life.

One important note is that many Sprint users across the U.S. have reported issues with getting the update at their local Sprint store. Apparently, as is typical with Sprint, many employees at repair centers are in the dark regarding this update. So if you can't wait until the OTA update is released, do yourself a favor and give your local Sprint store a call before heading over there.

Sprint Releases Official 2016 SMS Fix for 3 Devices

BigDiesel07 — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 03:30:39 +0000

Sprint has released an official fix for the 2016 SMS Timestamp bug that has been plaguing a multitude of devices since the new year. The following devices have fixes waiting to be downloaded as of now (clicking on device name will send you to download page)-

HTC Touch Pro

HTC Touch Pro2

HTC Touch Diamond

This fix, as told by HTC, is for the following issue-

SMS TIMESTAMPS DISPLAY AN INCORRECT YEAR
This is a known issue. Please follow the instructions below to download and install a hotfix that will correct this issue. The hotfix will resolve the issue causing incoming SMS messages to display the incorrect year, and it will correct the incorrect year on SMS messages that were received prior to installing this hotfix.

Interestingly, HTC advises you to make sure your device is in Airplane mode while installing this patch. I installed it without being in airplane mode on my Touch Pro2 and everything is working fine.

Please note that-

This hotfix will need to be reinstalled if the device is hard reset. Also, the hotfix cannot be installed again until the device is hard reset.
If any software was installed to bypass the MCTS functionality of the device, the device may need to be hard reset prior to this hotfix being installed.

Post your results in the comments below!

Sprint To Add WiMax Coverage with… Walmart?

rainfreak — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 07:11:27 +0000

According to AndroidGuys, a tipster has reported that Sprint may just be looking to Walmart for help in providing WiMax coverage throughout the U.S. According to the source, Walmart would be adding WiMax towers on top of all of their stores, thereby catapulting Sprint to near nationwide 4G coverage in one fell swoop. Because of the placement of the towers, Sprint could save a ton of money in zoning and the cost associated with erecting free-standing towers.

With LTE just a few months away from a global implementation, and specifically for Verizon and AT&T in the U.S., this would be a huge addition to Sprint's current lead in the 4G race. Sprint knows they need the head start and are obviously hoping to get as many new contracts as possible prior to thier competition even getting off the ground, as evidenced by their latest round of commercials and marketing information. We also know that Sprint has plans to release WiMax enabled handsets in 2010 and the rumored partnership with Walmart would certainly help them provide their 4G service to a much larger demographic.

I don't know if the source is right on or just plain off his rocker, but as a Sprint customer and a resident in Walmart country, I sure am hopeful. Let us know you think in the comments.

Sprint Getting Another Android Device – LG LS680?

mindfrost82 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:04:08 +0000

In addition to Sprint's big announcement coming January 6th before CES, it appears as though they could have another announcement, another Android device! There are no specs on this device yet, other than the screenshot to the right (you can click on it to view the larger image). Could it be another 3G/4G hybrid phone like the rumored Windows Mobile one? Given the fact that its Android, it will probably have a large touchscreen and possibly a QWERTY keyboard.

At this point though, the only fact that we have is the screenshot of Sprint's inventory system.

Source: BGR

Sprint To Debut WiMAX Phone Jan. 6th?

mindfrost82 — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 04:00:17 +0000

Eric Zeman from Information Week has put together some interesting leads which makes him believe LG will be debuting a Windows Mobile device to run on Sprint and Clearwire's 4G WiMAX network. Sprint has scheduled a press conference on January 6th, the day before the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). LG and Microsoft play a large role in the presentation, with Brooke Shields hosting an after party. Supposedly Sprint CEO Dan Hesse and Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer will be involved in the presentation. Sprint has been promoting this event as a "must attend" and saying it will be the "hottest spot at CES".

Source: InformationWeek via WMPowerUser

Sprint Hero & Moment To Go Straight To Android 2.1

mindfrost82 — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:04:36 +0000

Sprint has confirmed that the HTC Hero and Samsung Moment will be skipping Android 2.0 and will be jumping straight to Android 2.1. Users will still have to wait until the first half of 2010 for the update though. Click on the image to the left to view a screenshot of the Twitter post.

Source: HTCPedia

Sprint Turning Things Around?

mindfrost82 — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:55:23 +0000

Barron's Weekly Newspaper has published a report stating that Sprint is finally turning things around after its disastrous merger with Nextel. This helped their stock value this week. Customers have been reporting the change for a while now, but they've still been losing customers and reporting losses. I think we have quite a few satisfied Sprint customers in our forums that can vouch for this turnaround also.

What has your experience been?

Source: Barron's Weekly Newspaper via DSLReports

[Updated] Sprint Revealed GPS Data 8 Million Times To Govt.

BigDiesel07 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:50:41 +0000

UPDATE- Sprint has issued a statement to explain that the high numbers (8 million) represent the number of "pings", not the amount of users accessed. There can be thousands of pings per a single investigation. In a single investigation, once law enforcement has a court order, it can check someone's location every 3 minutes for up to 60 days -- and that's what made the number so inflated.

Sprint has revealed GPS data 8 million times between September 2008 and October 2009 to the U.S. Government for various reasons. This article, which I highly recommend reading, details everything that occurred. The best part of all this? Not only did they charge the government for the information, Sprint apparently set up some sort of portal that made such requests easier to handle.

Video of admission after the break.

The video below is of Paul Taylor, Manager of Sprint's Electronic Surveillance Team, admitting the release of information.

Source- Slight Paranoia via TechDirt

Sprint is not “America’s most dependable 3G network”?

BigDiesel07 — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 22:09:00 +0000

America’s most dependable 3G network. For a while now that has been what Sprint has used to describe their wireless network. However, Verizon Wireless has now called turkey (Ed.- It is Thanksgiving here in the U.S. so this cliche is allowable.) on this claim.

The National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, which is a consumer advocacy group that focuses on advertising, has recently asked that Sprint stop using the slogan after Verizon complained that Sprint is indeed not the most dependable 3G network. The NAD had this to say-

"Verizon Wireless had a lower connection failure rate and a lower task failure rate than Sprint and performed better in terms of session reliability. NAD determined that Verizon's superiority on those measures - according to the most recent Nielsen drive tests - undermined Sprint's "most dependable" claim as to outdoor usage...Following its review of the evidence, NAD determined that the advertiser lacked sufficient support for its claim to be "America's most dependable 3G network."

Sprint, which uses both old and new Nielsen data to draw their conclusion, says they will appeal the ruling-

"The NAD is mistaken in its determination that signal strength is not relevant to dependability," Sprint said in an official statement sent to eWEEK. "Between 70-80% of 3G data use takes place indoors, and the Nielsen signal strength tests indicate whether a signal is likely to penetrate a building and provide coverage inside. If a 3G signal is too weak to penetrate a building, a subscriber will not be able to dependably connect to the network... The Nielsen test data continues to show Sprint leading in 3G signal strength. As a result of this and other factors, we stand by our ‘most dependable’ claim and we are confident that it is well-supported by timely and appropriate data."

With Verizon claiming that it has the biggest network, and AT&T chirping it has the fastest network, Sprint found that it can claim that it has the most dependable network.

So readers, who does have the most dependable wireless network?

Source- DSLReports.com

Sprint Nextel Completes Acquisition of Virgin Mobile USA

mindfrost82 — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:26:10 +0000

Sprint Nextel today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Virgin Mobile. The transaction strengthens Sprint's pre-paid customer base by bringing them together with Boost Mobile. Earlier today, Virgin Mobile stockholders approved the transaction.

“With continued growth in the U.S. prepaid segment, Sprint is further positioning itself as a leader,” said Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO. “With Boost’s continued success and the iconic Virgin Mobile brand under one umbrella, Sprint will offer customers value and flexibility with great devices running on a dependable network with great coverage.”

Virgin Mobile stockholders will receive shares of common stock of Sprint Nextel based on the exchange ratios listed in the Sprint Newsroom.

Customers using Sprint’s Boost Mobile or Virgin Mobile USA’s products and services will continue to enjoy the benefits of their current phones, service plans and features and do not need to take any action.

An experienced management team will lead Sprint’s prepaid group. Dan Schulman, formerly the CEO of Virgin Mobile USA, is now the president and Matt Carter, former head of Boost, will lead the sales and marketing efforts for the combined prepaid group.

Source: Sprint Newsroom

Sprint Palm Pre Only $79 on Black Friday

mindfrost82 — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:44:19 +0000

According to the Best Buy Black Friday deals, they will be offering the Palm Pre for only $79.99. Its currently going for $149.99 at the large electronics retailer. It will require a 2 year upgrade or new contract though. According to the source, Amazon.com will also be offering it for $79.99.

Source: Phones Review

YouMail Visual Voicemail Free For Sprint

mindfrost82 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:50:17 +0000

YouMail today annouced that Sprint users can now use their visual voicemail service at no extra charge, but only on their Blackberry and Android phones.

You can either get it from the Blackberry App World or by going to www.youmail.com and signing up for an account.

This service lets you:
-Quickly and easily scroll through incoming voicemail messages to see relevant caller information including caller name, time of call, and length of message
-Play voicemails by simply clicking on them
-Unlock voicemail to easily share and forward voicemails as an email or post to a blog
-Delete, archive or save voicemails, forever

Source: FuzeMobility