Sprint and Kyocera have announced availability of Kyocera Echo, the nation’s first dual-touchscreen smartphone
“Continuing to set the bar high in Android innovation, Sprint is thrilled to bring this industry-first device to the market,” said Fared Adib, vice president Product, Sprint. “Kyocera Echo’s unique dual-screen, Simul-tasking capabilities allow customers to do things they have never before done on a wireless handset. We believe customers will really appreciate and leverage the dual-screen capabilities and are excited to partner with Kyocera to bring this innovation to Sprint customers.
Innovative Features
Kyocera Echo features two high-resolution 3.5-inch WVGA touchscreen displays connected by a three-dimensional “pivot hinge” that enables the two displays to operate independently, side-by-side or combined to form an oversized 4.7-inch (diagonal) integrated display. The Super Copper Alloy hinge is so unique it has six patents pending, and so tough it has passed severe durability testing.Kyocera Echo operates on the Android 2.2 operating system and has access to more than 150,000 apps in Android Market.
Other Features
- Sprint’s nationwide 3G network and Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g)
- Wi-Fi hotspot capability, which supports wireless connections for up to five devices
- 5-megapixel camera with flash, autofocus and digital zoom
- 720p HD camcorder to quickly capture those on-the-go memorable moments
- Corporate (Exchange ActiveSync) and personal (POP & IMAP) e-mail,
- IM (Google Talk), text messaging
- Stereo Bluetooth 2.1 (+ EDR)
- Full HTML Web browser with Google Search
- 1 gigabyte (GB) of onboard memory and an 8GB microSD card for the external memory card slot, which supports cards up to 32GB
Availability and Price
Sprint is offering customers a unique opportunity to reserve Kyocera Echo for purchase. Through the reservation process, customers will be able to reserve their devices online, pick them up in a Sprint Store, and receive the full retail experience, including Sprint’s Ready Now service. In addition, Sprint customers visiting the Echo site will also have the opportunity to win an Echo in the “Duel for Dual Sweepstakes.” Beginning March 15, customers can use their “sharp-shooting” skills to compete against others to win their first dual-screen smartphone.
Customers can reserve their Echo for purchase at www.sprint.com/echo beginning Saturday, March 26, while supplies last. Customers who reserve Kyocera Echo will be able to complete their purchases beginning at 9 a.m. ET on March 26, and must complete their purchases no later than April 14 at 9 p.m. ET. The devices will be available for pick up on April 17. The Echo will sell for $199
