There have been a plethora of EVO 4G stories circulating the interwebs today, so we thought we should combine all the tidbits into one post for your reading pleasure.
First, the use of Qik’s video chat. The Qik video chat feature — which is really cool — will not be something included in your Simply Everything Plan…or the $30 tethering plan…or that $10 4G fee…wait, WTF? If you are an HTC EVO owner, and would like to use the Qik’s video chat coolness, you will have to fork over an extra $4.99/month. That’s right, it is a for-charge service from Sprint. Lame.
Second, the use of your EVO’s mobile hotspot capabilities will be free, on 4G, until July. Engadget has published some of Sprint’s EVO pre-launch materials that indicate the Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities will work without the $30 Mobile Hotspot add-on. The loophole will work: “Only in 4G markets and only on our 4G network […] you won’t have access to our 3G network mobile hotspots. A resolution is expected to be in place in the July timeframe, at which time the device will require activation of the Sprint Mobile HotSpot add-on to utilize the hot spot feature.” Do us a favor and take your time with that one Sprint.
Lastly, Sprint stores will be opening early on launch day; June 4th. No real surprise here, but apparently Sprint store managers have been told to open the gates early, at 8AM, for the EVO, Android, 4G, fanfare that may or may not ensue.
UPDATE: Qik has published a blog post to clarify the literature attained by Android Guys, the post reads: “the core capability of doing 2-way Qik video chat will be FREE for Sprint EVO 4G users. The subscription fee will be for some advanced premium features that we are working on, which we will be announcing on June 4th – the day the amazing HTC EVO 4G phone launches.”
Read – Qik
Read – 4G & Stores
