It looks like the Evo Shift 4G will be receiving the Gingerbread treatment that many have been hoping for. According to some new information from Sprint, you can expect to start seeing the update available on your Evo Shift as of June 17th. Sprint will be sending out software update notifications to Evo Shift owners but you can just keep checking for the software update from the settings menu, when that day arrives.

Having come from a qwerty device previously myself, I can see why some users just may see this as a superior device to its’ keyless cousin. Especially seeing how the Shift already has Sense 2.1. Perhaps HTC will keep this in mind when they hit users with the maintenance release for the original Evo 4G.

There is already a leaked version of this Gingerbread update. It is currently available in a rooted version, for the original HTC Evo 4G and runs quite well on the device.
Aside from the standard Gingerbread goodies and fixes, this update includes Swype as the default keyboard, a download manager, and a fix for some known streaming media issues.

With the Shift getting Sense 2.1, do you think HTC will skip giving the Evo 4G(original) Sense 2.1, in efforts to keep everyone upgrading?
Do you look forward to some Gingerbread sweetness on your Evo Shift 4G?
Are there bugs you hope to see corrected in this release?
Let me know what you think.

source: Android Police

PPCGeeks is a great forum to come share your opinions on smart phones capabilities, features, etc. Recently we had a user here, ttC6, create a thread in the phone comparison section titled “Epic 4G vs EVO Shift 4G.” The thread has become very interesting and you should probably take a look and share your opinions as well if you own one of these devices or plan on owning one.

Just to get an idea of what’s going on in there, the thread starts off with PPCGeeks member ttC6 saying the EVO Shift 4G has FM radio for local stations where the Epic 4G does not. Of course, everyone has their own opinions so dig in to see what’s being said about these devices. Let your voice be heard in this interesting debate.

Source: PPCGeeks

Finally the specifications have been leaked via the web and I’m here to share them with you. We’ve already seen some pretty strong opinions on this device so I’m ready to see what you all have to say now! Let us hear your thoughts after reading these specs.

* 3.7″ display
* Android 2.2 with Sense
* Slide-out keyboard
* 4G WiMax connectivity
* 8GB microSD card pre-installed (upgradeable to 32GB)
* 8 megapixel camera with dual LED flash
* Front-facing camera
* Dimensions: 4.63″ x 2.3″ x .47″
* Weight with battery: 4.6 oz

Source: Lets Talk
Image: Cellphonesignal

END OF UPDATE

Earlier this month we posted an article that many didn’t believe was true while some of us did. Now that we know the EVO Shift 4G is definitely real and on the way, we are reassured by the recent ad found in the Radio Shack catalog. The ad confirms that the device will have a full QWERTY keyboard as well as what looks like a 3.6″ screen display size with pinch to zoom. The price with a new two year contract is listed at $149.99. Be sure to check out our Evo Shift 4G section here on our forums to learn more about this device and share your own experiences.

UPDATE:

Although we still have no real evidence of what this device will be called officially, according to the pictures above it definitely is what’s shown in the article we first posted below, which was one image that was hard to tell real from fake. Rumor is that this device will be available at Sprint in January, so were just playing the waiting game.

Source: PhoneArena

END OF UPDATE

A Sprintusers member has recently posted a picture of what’s suspected to be the EVO Shift 4G showing off its keyboard, formerly known as the HTC Merge. Other sites were quick to jump onto the image and share it so we will too. To sum it all up, the device is said to be a Sprint 4G version of basically the G2/Merge/DesireZ. Rumor still is that this device will launch January 9, 2011.

What do you think about that keyboard? Do you notice the difference in the colors? The keyboard looks sort of blue while the phone is black. Of course, some may mind and some probably will not but looking at comments on other sites so far, most people aren’t impressed. Did you notice the huge white touch pad on the keyboard as well? This is something new from HTC that I haven’t seen on a device yet, have you? Let us know what you think about this news!!

Source: AndroidPolice & Sprintusers