Apparently, Sprint has changed its strategy regarding firmware updates for its line of Android-based phones.  In the past, Sprint has typically been among the last to get around to the Android firmware updates, often waiting until its message board reaches the breaking point, before dangling the merest hint of an upgrade.  From that point, it is usually another couple of months before that highly sought update hits your actual device.  Which is why I was so shocked to learn today that Sprint was officially releasing Google’s newest Android release, Froyo (Android OS 2.2), for the HTC EVO 4G, Sprint’s new flagship phone.  With this release, Sprint has become the first carrier to offer a mass market Froyo device, earning it slings and arrows from the jealous eyes of HTC Hero owners, who only recently received an update to Android 2.1.   In addition to Android 2.2, the new update also includes numerous enhancements to HTC Sense, as well as the highly anticipated support for  Flash 10.1 support.  Here is the complete list of improvements from the new maintenance release:

The software upgrade available for your HTC EVO 4G provides several key enhancements: 

• Android 2.2 FroYo OS, including:
  • Ability to install applications to external storage
  • Improved Bluetooth device support
  • Bluetooth Voice Dialing
  • Flash Player 10.1
  • Improved OS performance
• New version of HTC Sense, including:
  • Ability to view and add comments to Facebook images in the Gallery
  • New Dialer which includes the caller’s Facebook updates and upcoming events
  • Improved Facebook calendar integration
  • More pre-loaded HTC Widgets
  • App Sharing
  • Flashlight application
  • Improved keyboard and text entry options
  • LED flash can be enabled while video recording
• Various minor bug fixes

HTC EVO owners can download the maintenance release immediately from HTC’s website.