Android tools now on Sprint's developer site

Computerworld - Starting today, Android developers can go to Sprint Nextel Inc.'s developer Web site for tools to build applications for the HTC Hero -- it's coming to Sprint on Oct. 11 -- and future Android devices.

The site includes tools for creating applications for Android smartphones. Android is the Linux-based operating system developed by the Open Handset Alliance, which was created primarily with backing from Google Inc.

The Hero is Sprint's first Android smartphone, making Sprint only the second carrier to offer Android phones. T-Mobile USA already offers two Android devices: the HTC G1, which sold 1 million units in its first six months, and the MyTouch.

Sprint said it will have other Android phones, but has not announced any details, a spokeswoman repeated today.

The Android information on Sprint's developer site includes tools to create and test applications for Android running on Sprint's network, and descriptions of the network and services, including location-based services, messaging and more.

Sprint also said it will feature speakers from Google at its developer conference on Oct. 26-28 in Santa Clara, Calif. Sprint and HTC also plan to give 400 HTC Hero devices to the first developers to arrive at the HTC coding lab. The phones will include a month of Sprint service.

The conference is the ninth annual for Sprint, and this is the first year it is open to the entire developer community.

The Hero will sell for $180 after rebates, and buyers will be required to buy an unlimited data plan, starting at $70 a month. Hero comes with an unusual interface called Sense that allows a user to change the interface from work to home, or other occasions such as travel.

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