Cellular South Unveils Plans to Offer HTC Merge - World’s First Smart Phone Pre-Loaded with New Amazon Appstore for Android

Carrier’s First Android World Phone Combines Full QWERTY Slide-Out Keyboard With the Power of Android 2.2 OS, HTC Sense Experience, 3.8-Inch Display and 5 MP Camera

RIDGELAND, Miss.--()--Cellular South, the largest privately owned wireless communications provider in the U.S., today announced plans to introduce the new HTC Merge, its first Android world phone and the first smart phone in the world to come pre-loaded with the new Amazon Appstore for Android.

The HTC Merge Android-powered touchscreen smart phone combines a full QWERTY slide-out keyboard with the Android 2.2 operating system, HTC Sense user interface, a large 3.8-inch touchscreen display and a 5 megapixel camera to create a complete mobile experience.

“We’re excited to add our first Android world phone to Cellular South’s growing suite of Android smart phones and tablets as we continue to build on our promise to deliver the wireless industry’s best Android experience,” said Kevin Hankins, chief operating officer for Cellular South. “Coupled with the new Amazon Appstore for Android, the HTC Merge is the perfect device for customers who are looking for a reliable mobile experience with the features and functionality of a smart phone, whether it’s at home or traveling around the world.”

Cellular South is the first wireless carrier in the world to feature the new Amazon Appstore for Android on a smart phone. The Amazon Appstore helps consumers find, discover, try and buy Android apps using its easy and convenient shopping experience.

One Touch Access To New Amazon Appstore

Customers can shop in the Amazon Appstore for Android from any computer using a Web browser or download the Amazon Appstore application directly to their Android smart phone or tablet. When customers purchase an Android app from the Amazon Appstore, they can use the app on any of their compatible Android devices. The Amazon Appstore also is offering customers a paid app for free every day.

The Amazon Appstore for Android includes popular Amazon features like personalized recommendations, customer reviews, one-click payment options and detailed product descriptions, including screenshots and video content that show the apps in action. All apps will be Amazon-tested before they are made available in the Amazon Appstore.

“Amazon Appstore for Android is a new and convenient way to shop and discover new Android apps for your smart phone or tablet,” said Aaron Rubenson, category leader for the Amazon Appstore. “Together with Cellular South, we are committed to helping customers navigate through the thousands of available apps to find those that are the most relevant to them. We aim to give customers a refreshing and unique app shopping experience.”

Cellular South customers will appreciate the HTC Merge’s seamless integration with Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync®, enjoy quick and easy access to Flickr® for sharing and viewing pictures, and find new ways to customize their experience with Amazon Appstore. With a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard, customers will be able to keep in touch with friends and family no matter where they are, as well as stay in the loop with Flickr, Facebook® and Twitter™ updates through HTC FriendStream.

In addition, the HTC Merge smartphone has a 5 megapixel camera with auto-focus and flash that captures outstanding images, while 3G connectivity makes sharing those special moments with friends and family quick and easy. The HTC Merge smart phone also comes with integrated GPS, Wi-Fi connectivity and even the ability to capture high-definition 720p HD video.

Availability

The HTC Merge will be available next month. Pricing for the device has not been set, but will require a two-year service contract and data agreement.

HTC, the HTC logo, FriendStream, HTC Merge, and HTC Sense are the trademarks of HTC Corporation. All other names of companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

About Cellular South

Cellular South is a diversified mobile communications company passionately committed to helping customers get the most out of their wireless devices and services. The nation’s largest privately owned wireless communications provider accomplishes this goal by optimizing customers’ app experience through Discover Apps, providing the most reliable and advanced high-speed nationwide wireless voice and data network, offering industry-leading family and unlimited flat rate voice, text and mobile web plans, and through its online and in-store Discover Centers, which give customers easy, simple and convenient tools, tips, advice and information on how to get the most out of their mobile phone. For more information about Cellular South and its products and services, visit www.cellularsouth.com or www.facebook.com/cellularsouth and www.twitter.com/cellularsouth.

Contacts

Cellular South
Dave Miller, 601-974-7725
dnmiller@cellularsouth.com

Release Summary

Cellular South, the largest privately owned wireless communications provider in the U.S., today announced plans to introduce the new HTC Merge smart phone, its first Android world phone.

Contacts

Cellular South
Dave Miller, 601-974-7725
dnmiller@cellularsouth.com