Sprint (NYSE: S) has launched a new feature for its web site that gives customers a way to virtually test drive new phones before taking the plunge and signing a two-year commitment.
While Sprint hasn’t been known for having the best customer service, this should help — or at least give a new twist to the dreaded purchase decision. The service is being provided by San Mateo, Calif.-based DeviceAnywhere, which is better known for providing online simulators to developers looking for a way to test applications.
The sales tool is available on Sprint’s web site, where people can test out real features on the phone, unlike the fake prototypes often found in kiosks or even stores. Users can click on the screen just like they would tap a button on the phone if it were in your hand.
In addition to helping sell phones, the software offers two other features: it can also be used to help a person learn how to use a device through step-by-step tutorials at http://www.sprint.com/learn. There’s currently demos for 34 different mobile devices available. And, the software will be available to customer service reps, who need to walk a subscriber through a certain scenario on the phone.

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