Sprint today announced the launch of several new and enhanced entertainment, information and communication services that will operate via the high-speed Sprint Power Vision Network.
For the first time, U.S. wireless customers will be able to download and purchase full songs over-the-air right from their phone. Customers can also view live TV and 30 multimedia entertainment and news channels; take and share high-resolution pictures and high-quality video; and retrieve customized news, traffic, weather, sports and entertainment information. Initially, the services will be available on two new Sprint Power Vision Phones. The new high-speed services and multimedia phones will give Sprint customers more choice and flexibility to watch, listen, play and do at the speed of life.
The Sprint Music Store is the first service in the United States that allows wireless customers to purchase and download full-length songs over-the-air to enjoy on their phone or PC. Customers can browse, preview, purchase and listen to hundreds of thousands of full-length songs in stereo sound from virtually every genre from all the major music labels while on the go, right from their Sprint Power Vision Phone. The service can be accessed from the Music icon on the main menu of the phone. Customers receive two copies of the song - one formatted for their phone and another for their PC - and can organize their music and create playlists from the phone.
On Demand is a new service that allows customers to set and then receive customized, up-to-date information based on zip code such as news, sports, weather, money and movies, on demand the way they want it. These five info-channels are included at no additional cost for customers with a Sprint Power Vision Pack. Info-channels including the Oxford American dictionary, TV Guide, unlimited directory search, and maps and driving directions are available for an additional monthly charge. The application is pre-loaded on Sprint Power Vision Phones and can be accessed from the On Demand icon on the main menu.
Sprint TV is an Emmy Award-winning service that allows customers to watch live TV on the go with full-motion video and high-quality audio on their Sprint Power Vision Phone. Customers who subscribe to the enhanced service can choose from 30 channels of live and exclusive on demand programming. Customers can choose from news, sports, weather, movie trailers and entertainment channels from major broadcasting brands including NFL Network and Fox News Channel LIVE, CNN To Go, NBC Mobile, ABC News Now, E! and Cartoon Network. The service also includes a streaming radio channel from Sirius.
Sprint PCS Picture Mail makes it easier and more convenient than ever to instantly take, send and print high-resolution digital pictures using a Sprint Power Vision Phone equipped with a megapixel camera. Receiving photos is also a better experience since incoming messages now appear with a thumbnail view on your phone. Customers can manage and share pictures with friends and family online or from phone-to-phone.
Web Browsing at broadband-like speeds on your phone makes it easier and quicker to stay informed whether you are at home, work, play or somewhere in between.
Two Sprint Power Vision Phones will be available in Sprint Stores and on the Sprint web site at www.sprint.com, including the Samsung MM-A940 and Sanyo MM-9000. Additional models are expected later this year.
The Samsung MM-A940 has a built-in 2.0-megapixel camera, featuring 2.0 optical zoom in all resolutions and up to 10x digital zoom lens. The camera includes a self timer and multiple picture modes. The phone also has a rotating screen and built-in camcorder with the ability to capture and send up to 30-second video clips. The removable TransFlash memory card can be used to store pictures, videos, voice memos and music. A built-in media player plays multiple digital audio formats including MP3, AAC and AAC+ files, and streams live TV and audio at broadband-like speeds. Bluetooth Wireless Technology and a speakerphone are also included.
The Sanyo MM-9000 features a built-in 1.3-megapixel camera, digital zoom lens and a camcorder capable of recording and sending up to 30-second video clips. Pictures, videos, voice memos and music can be stored on the removable miniSD card. The media player plays MP3, AAC and AAC+ files and streams live TV and audio at broadband-like speeds.
Sprint Power Vision Packs will include compelling content for all plans and will be priced at $15, $20 and $25 - all of which include a streaming radio channel from Sirius, streaming live news from ABC News Now, and unlimited Web and data access.
The Sprint Power Vision Network is based on state-of-the-art EV-DO (Evolution Data Optimized) CDMA technology, delivering wireless data at average download speeds of 400-700 kilobits per second and a peak rate of up to 2.0 Mbps. Earlier this year, Sprint began deploying its Sprint Power Vision Network, focusing on airports and business districts to improve wireless data access and productivity for mobile workers. In addition to a growing lineup of devices for consumers, Sprint offers two high-speed PCS Connection Cards and the PPC-6700, the first Pocket PC phone in the country to feature the Windows Mobile 5.0 platform. All three devices use the high-speed network to provide secure connectivity and broadband-like speeds.
By mid November, the Sprint Power Vision Network is expected to be available to an estimated 130 million people nationwide, and is expected to reach over 150 million people by early 2006.
