Sprint HTC EVO 4G available 4 June for only $200, video chat supported

Back in March Sprint announced the highest speced Google Android device ever and tonight there was a launch event in New York where the rest of the details were released. The Sprint HTC EVO 4G will be available for the low subsidized cost of $199.99 after 2-year contract and mail-in rebate starting on 4 June. You will be able to sign up for a current Sprint Everything plan, but will be charged an extra $10 fee for the 4G data access. Another $29.99 fee will be charged if you want to enable the 8 device hotspot functionality. Given their reasonable $69.99 voice/data plan with unlimited calling to cell phones, unlimited Sprint Navigation, unlimited messaging, and unlimited data the $79.99 total monthly minimum plan is looking quite attractive compared to other carriers.

I recently gave up on my HTC HD2 primarily due to the operating system, but the Sprint HTC EVO 4G gives me a very similar form factor device with the Google Android operating system and 4G data that supports simultaneous voice and data. If Verizon would not have given me free WiFi hotspot capability on my Palm Pre Plus then I would drop it and get the EVO 4G in seconds. However, that $40/month functionality is too compelling at this time.

To give you a reminder about how amazing this phone is, check out these features from the press release:

HTC EVO 4G features the latest version of the increasingly popular Android platform, Android 2.1, offering more than 35,000 apps, as well as a mind-blowing list of features, including:

• Simultaneous voice and data capability in 4G and Wi-Fi coverage areas, enabling Web surfing and more while the conversation continues.
• Offering a new way to search with pictures instead of words, Google Goggles works with everything from books, DVDs and barcodes to landmarks, logos, artwork and wine labels.
• Superfast 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, ensuring a smooth and quick movement within phone menus.
• Two cameras; an 8.0 megapixel auto-focus camera with HD-capable video camcorder and a forward-facing 1.3 megapixel camera.
• Built-in mobile hotspot functionality allowing up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices to share the 3G or 4G experience on the go with a laptop, camera, music player, game unit, video player, or any other Wi-Fi enabled device.
• Integrated HD video capture with the ability to capture and share live video via the Qik Web site, Facebook, YouTube or Twitter.
• Ability to easily watch video with the device on an HDTV via an HDMI cable (sold separately).
• Custom Web browser optimized for the 4.3 inch display and Sprint 4G speeds to deliver a full, no-compromise Internet experience.
• A handy kickstand built into the back, making it easy to watch videos on-the-go.
• Adobe Flash technology ensures that rich Internet content, such as embedded video and animation, are displayed the way they are meant to be seen.
• Pinch-to-zoom and automatic text reflowing provide easy Web page views.

As you can see there are some firsts here on the EVO 4G, including video chat powered by Qik and 8 device WiFi hotspot support. The subsidized price of $200 is fantastic and I am sure this will be a fast seller on Sprint.