Sprint has teamed-up with NQ Mobile to beef-up its Sprint ID service by including an Android launcher to the mix. Now Network already offers an array of Sprint ID packs that include apps, widgets, shortcuts, ringtones and wallpapers “tailored to users’ specific interests.” With next-gen Sprint ID called Sprint Live, users will get a live “engaging mobile desktop” that will change the way they use their connected devices. This change will include content and functionality that is added to Sprint device’s home screen, tailored to the brands consumers follow or the news they’re interested in receiving.
“We look forward to working with NQ Mobile to launch Sprint Live as the next generation Sprint ID experience and to take our current offering to an entirely new level,” said David Owens, Head of Product, Sprint. “Sprint is also eager to collaborate with NQ Mobile to cultivate an NQ Live ecosystem of leading app developers, advertisers and content providers to constantly expand the consumer’s experience and ability to customize their devices.”
Now all this sounds cool but we have to wonder how handset makers feel about this? If there’s some other Android launcher included with Sprint devices, it should affect preloaded software like HTC Sense and Samsung TouchWIZ. Sprint could force its OEM partners to replace what they’re using now with Sprint Live to stay in touch with its customers and even increase the ARPU. We’ll see how that goes…