HTC Evo 4G to Get Android 2.2 Aug. 3

Sprint confirmed that the HTC Evo 4G smartphone is getting the upgrade to Android 2.2 beginning Aug. 3, joining the Google Nexus One as the first handsets to get the "Froyo" build pushed over the air.

Released to open source June 23, Android 2.2 includes faster browser performance, including a faster JavaScript engine, enterprise capabilities such as Microsoft Exchange support and a cloud-to-device messaging API.

Despite inconsistent 4G access across the country, Sprint garnered great accolades for the Android 2.1-based Evo 4G, whose 4.3-inch screen is great for multimedia consumption. Android 2.2 adds a new dimension to the phone's appeal.

In a post on its community blog, Sprint touted other new capabilities in Froyo, the code name for Android 2.2, including voice dialing over Bluetooth, more application storage, four-way camera rotation and support for Adobe's Flash 10.

"Sprint is thrilled with our customers' response to HTC Evo 4G and the innovative and exciting experience it offers," said Fared Adib, vice president of product development for Sprint, in a community blog post July 29.

"It is exciting for us to lead the industry in bringing the Android 2.2 update to these customers and improve on the amazing experience they receive with America's first 4G capable phone."

Sprint is the first wireless carrier to offer Android 2.2, but again Android 2.2 began rolling out to the Nexus One more than a month ago.

Sprint said it will begin sending update notifications to users in waves beginning Tuesday, Aug. 3, and plans to top off the upgrades for Evo 4G by the middle of the month.

That's about when Verizon expects the Motorola Droid X to get its own Android 2.2 upgrade, though that device has been tough to get for consumers thanks to high demand. The Evo 4G had its own shipment shortages earlier this month.

How will users know when their device is ready? They will receive a notification that Android 2.2 is available for download. Once a user has downloaded the update, she will be prompted to install the update.

The user's device will be disabled during the installation process, with the phone ready to use once the process completes.

Alternatively beginning Aug. 3, Evo 4G owners can grab the upgrade by going to the Settings Menu, then System Update and then HTC Software Update.