Friday, June 4, marked the launch of the much-hyped Sprint’s HTC EVO 4G - the first US handset that is not only accesses the speed-enhanced, next-generation 4G wireless technology; but also boasts the video chat feature.

Priced at $199.99 with a two-year contract at Sprint Nextel, the HTC-manufactured EVO 4G runs on Google’s Android operating system and makes use of the fourth-generation wireless network which is jointly owned by Sprint and Clearwire.

The capability to access the 4G network gives the EVO handset a two-way advantage over the existing handsets – firstly, it offers faster Web browsing and downloads; and secondly, it offers higher-quality video streams and the video chat functionality. However, the video chat feature of the EVO works only at 4G speeds on cell networks, which Sprint has rolled out in only a limited number of cities.

Noting that a 4G handset like EVO can download content nearly 10 times faster than the handsets supporting the 3G technology, the Overland Park, Kansas-based Sprint elaborated that the EVO will enable users to watch live World Cup matches; download movies; and make video calls.

Saying that the EVO “changes the way we use the Internet,” Jim McGregor, research firm In-Stat’s chief technology strategist, added: “The most important thing isn’t really the device itself; it’s really the applications and the content that you can use on the device.”