Entertainment

The Katana comes preinstalled with fundamental applications such as Alarm Clock, Calculator, Calendar, Countdown, Stop Watch, Voice Services, and World Clock.

As a Sprint service, the Katana also comes with Wireless Backup to restore contact information quickly and easily if the phone is ever lost, stolen, damaged or replaced. Users can be sure they get the latest updates. With the Update Phone feature, the Katana automatically checks online for new firmware.

A few games come included on the Katana. Gamers should be familiar with some classics such as Ms. PacMan and Tetris Marathon, but other preinstall games include the World Poker Tour to satisfy the recent popularity of Texas Hold 'Em, Midnight Pool for action-packed billiards. Unfortunately all games are demos with the convenient option of purchasing the full version through Sprint's online service.

Consumers aren't limited to just those demos though. Built on BREW (Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless), a common platform for mobile devices, downloadable games and applications can be installed directly on the Katana.

Resembling simple programs and console games from the 80s, some are free for download; however most require a small fee.

Internet

New Power Vision phones from Sprint are integrated with Sprint Music Store to buy full songs and Sprint TV to access streaming video clips (subscription required).

Requiring 3G speeds, unfortunately the Katana only offers cdma2000 1xRTT (1x radio transmission technology) 2.5G transmission speeds. With rates of only around 144 kbps, these Katana users will only be able to access PCS Vision for text messaging, chat, email, and various other online text-based services.

Storage

Containing approximately 5.0 MB of storage, users should be able to save a few photos, install a couple games, and save some emails and text messages.

Since the Katana lacks any multimedia-intensive applications such as a high-resolution camera, MP3 player, or video streaming capabilities, the limited memory and lack of expansion card slot is not a big issue.

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