So, turns out our initial rumor sources were true… The InstinctQ is in fact an Android device, and according to pics on phandroid.com, it sports the Sprint logo on the housing.
Also, if you’ve been following the Android politics, there are now two versions of the OS: One with Google branded services, and another without (such as the HTC Hero, which uses its own Sense UI instead of the Google one). The instinctQ appears to be a Google branded version, but a new rumor has surfaced that Sprint will also be getting a version of the HTC Hero, so it appears Sprint users will now have their choice of the Google branded apps or the critically acclaimed sense UI. Nice.
The real question that remains to be answered, however, is whether or not this will require the “Everything plan” to activate… The previous Instinct devices and the Palm Pre have already alienated grandfathered customers by forcing them to ditch their old plans for newer, more expensive ones if they want in.
The title “Instinct” implies that it will follow suit with the others in that brand, but there is a chance this one will be different.
Why?
The Palm Pre as well as the original Instinct and S30 have operating systems exclusive to Sprint. Like AT&T with their exclusive iPhone, users are more interested in the device than the service plan, so they can make whatever requirements they need to and people will still buy it. Android, however, isn’t exclusive. If someone were willing to switch their plan for an Android device, chances are they would have already jumped ship to T-mobile.
I sincerely hope for Sprint’s sake they don’t force those requirements on this phone… they need to keep subscribers more than ever.
Personally, I’m just excited to see a screenshot of the interface that has an EVDO icon already… 
That means that it is finally happening!
Here’s to hoping that Android is available on all US carriers before the next quarter…
