Sprint keeping a watchful eye on G1, will offer Android when it's good and ready

Okay, so maybe Android isn't ready for prime time -- we're not here to judge, at least not at the moment -- but Sprint's still fully committed to launching a Google-powered set down the road, as evidenced by Miner's cameo at its developer conference tomorrow. That encouraging sign has been reinforced by new comments from Kevin Packingham, Sprint's veep of products and devices, who gloats that "We can, when the timing's right, pull the trigger." With the G1 out the door, why isn't the "timing" right this very second? According to Packingham, "We've just got to make sure our customers are saying, 'If you had a phone like this, man, I would really be more interested in Sprint because of it. You want to go out with a bang, because you believe that your investment is one that's going to generate a lot of return with customers -- new customers." Isn't "go out with a bang" a bad choice of words for a company that could realistically bite it?

[Via Phone Scoop]

[recharged95 Posted Dec 11th 2008 9:49PM]

Sprint == early adopting products that are decent + bad management.

not announcing an Android phone for Q2/Q3 2009 (i.e. now or for CES) is pretty much on track with the statement above.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 11th 2008 10:13PM]

If you had a phone like this, man, I would really be more interested in Sprint because of it.

Seriously. I'm looking to change away from T-Mobile because they have poor coverage in my new area, but AT&T and Verizon want a ridiculous amount in monthly fees to give me what I have now. If Sprint had a phone that appealed to me, I would pick Sprint in a second. I don't want something buttoned down for business like the WinMo and Blackberry devices, I want something focused on the consumer, like the iPhone but with a keyboard.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 11th 2008 11:04PM]

Go to a Sprint Store and play with the Samsung Instinct. I doubt you'll be disappointed.

[tmobin Posted Dec 11th 2008 10:16PM]

I think the reason Sprint hasn't launched Android is not because the OS or lack of applications. I think that Sprint, being the business and profit oriented company that it is, realizes that if they were to launch a device at this moment, they would also have to offer free applications and open source development. Sprint and free apps/services just don't go together and they probably want to profit off every feature in the phone.

[VDubb Posted Dec 12th 2008 12:27AM]

Buddy, this is Sprint, not Verizon or T-Mobile. Sprint's phones utilize Java and can run nearly any free Java app out there. I also believe Sprint has an open-source SDK for the Samsung Instinct floating around as well.

[88jr Posted Dec 11th 2008 11:39PM]

My God...why does every Sprint story on here have to reference them going out of business...geez! I have Sprint and love it. I guess I'm the only one on earth that feels that way...I'm going to start getting my news elsewhere...

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 11th 2008 11:30PM]

...why wouldn't they get a handset on their network? Not only could Sprint leverage/sell their apps, but they could be known as a company that helped further the dev of the platform to make it a viable consumer handset.

Here is why they need it:
1) People, including myself, are already porting the HTC Touch to run Android.
2) The Instinct sucks, Samsung had a good idea...but it's a janky phone.
3) Android is the only platform that feels good like the iPhone.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 11th 2008 11:32PM]

Sprint if you actually did some research instead of cramming your head further up your own asses, you would see that theirs plenty of outcry for a android phone on the market right now. How many forums do you have to read to realize people are begging you to come out with an android supported phone.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 12th 2008 8:28AM]

According to Packingham, "We've just got to make sure our customers are saying, 'If you had a phone like this, man, I would really be more interested in Sprint because of it. You want to go out with a bang, because you believe that your investment is one that's going to generate a lot of return with customers -- new customers."

This is what kills me! I've been with Sprint for 8 years and I've already sent them a letter stating that I will be jumping ship in May if they do not have a good Android handset on the horizon. They better stop worrying just about new customers and start worry about the few they have left. If Sprint can do something to stem the exodus I think the same actions will also bring in new customers.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 12th 2008 9:10AM]

Meatloaf - can you provide citations for your research please.

[Max Power Posted Dec 12th 2008 7:48PM]

I think Sprint lost too much money from the Nextel deal and doesn't want to jump into the Android fad too early or so they think. I was with Sprint almost 7 years and I just switched to at&t just for the iPhone.

Sent from my iPhone.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 16th 2008 9:58PM]

This is pretty much what I'm waiting for. I've been holding out on a Verizon upgrade for about 8 months due to the desire to A) go to Sprint since Verizon's phones usually are locked down, B) I get a decent discount on Sprint service though work, and C) I want an Android phone.

Add a mark to the "Let's Do Dis" count.