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Sprint launches HTC Evo 3D

AT CTIA 2011, Sprint rolls out the HTC Evo 3D, its newest member of the Evo family. The Android handset runs Gingerbread and can shoot 3D video.

Kent German Former senior managing editor / features
Kent was a senior managing editor at CNET News. A veteran of CNET since 2003, he reviewed the first iPhone and worked in both the London and San Francisco offices. When not working, he's planning his next vacation, walking his dog or watching planes land at the airport (yes, really).
Kent German
2 min read
HTC Evo 3D Kent German/CNET

ORLANDO, Fla.--Sprint kicked off its stay here at CTIA 2011 by announcing the HTC Evo 3D. The handset continues the Android experience you've seen in previous members of the Evo family, but adds Android 2.3 Gingerbread and a 3D camera.

The slim candy bar design will be familiar to HTC fans. Its shape and size is very similar to the original Evo and a gorgeous 4.3-inch QHD display dominates the front real estate. The touch screen is wonderfully bright and responsive and the handset has a sturdy feel. In addition to Gingerbread, the Evo 3D runs HTC's Sense UI, Leap (see all seven home screens by pinching your fingers), and Friend Stream (social media updates). And it's all powered by a 1.2GHz dual-core processor.

Turn the handset around, however, and you'll notice the biggest change from the first Evo. The Evo 3D has two 5-megapixel cameras for capturing the 3D video, with a flash sitting in between. The design is very similar to the LG Optimus 3D, which we saw at Mobile World Congress last month. When taking 2D still shots and videos you'll use only one lens, but both kick in to record 3D content.

A toggle on the right side switches between 2D (1080p) and 3D (720p) recording. Next to it are a shutter control and a volume rocker. A second 1.3-megapixel camera sits on the front face, as do the usual navigation touch controls. Up top are a 3.5mm headset jack and power control, while around the corner is the Micro-USB charging and syncing port.

As with the Optimus 3D, you don't need glasses to view 3D content. As we said after seeing LG's device, the experience is not the same as what you'd expect from a 3D movie. The images float off the screen rather than poking you in the face. It's subtle, but definitely noticeable and rather fun.

Other features include 4GB of internal memory, a 1730mAh battery, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, the usual assortment of Google apps, e-mail and messaging, and a music player.

The Evo 3D will be available this summer with Sprint's other CTIA announcement, the Evo View tablet. Pricing for both devices is still to come.

Hands-on: HTC Evo 3D (photos)

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