SAN FRANCISCO—Sprint Nextel is tackling app clutter with a new mobile content service that allows subscribers to download applications as a pack.
The Sprint ID service allows subscribers to download up to five packs of apps onto their smartphone. Each pack of apps is free and has distinct apps, widgets, wallpaper and ringtones, allowing subscribers to give their phones an instant makeover depending on their whims or needs.
“Finding the right content is simply too confusing, time consuming and even intimidating,” Sprint CEO Dan Hesse said at the company’s unveiling of the service. “The time is right for an applications utilities explosion.”
Sprint is launching partner-branded app packs and non-branded app bundles. Initial partners for the service include RadioShack, ESPN, LatCel and the Oprah Winfrey Network.
Sprint is launching the service on three new Android devices all priced under $200, the Samsung Transform, the Sanyo Zio and the LG Optimus S.
The Zio runs Android 2.1 (Éclair) and has a 3.5-inch HVGA touchscreen and 3.2-megapixel camera. The phone hits shelves Oct. 10 and will cost $99.99 with a $100 rebate and two-year contract.
The Transform has front- and rear-facing cameras for video conferencing, a 3.5-inch HVGA touchscreen and costs $149.99 with a $100 rebate and two-year contract. Like the Zio, the Transform also runs Android Éclair and will be available on Oct. 10.
The Android 2.2-based Optimus S can be used as a Wi-Fi hot spot and comes equipped with a 3.2-inch touchscreen and a 3.2-megapixel camera. The Optimus is the cheapest of the three new Sprint ID devices at $49 with a $100 rebate and two-year contract, but won’t be available until the end of October.