Is it a mini laptop? Is it a tablet split in half? Is it two smartphones welded together? Sprint today announced the Kyocera Echo in a fancy New York City press event that several technologists called a “magic show,” as it was literally emceed by illusionist David Blaine.
So what is so magical about the phone? It has double screens- it’s so intense! Although not the first dual screen smartphone, the Kyocera Echo is the first smartphone to support “simultasking” and “tablet” operational modes, even on 3G. Several are saying this phone will go head to head like other Android winners such as the HTC Evo.
The 3.5″ LCD displays support a total of four modes according to Sprint- simultask, optimized, tablet and standard.
“Extreme multitasking can be magical,” said Kyocera Sr Executive Officer Junzo Katsuki on stage with Sprint CEO Dan Hesse.
This spring, the Kyocera Echo will be available at sprint for a reported $200 with a two year contract. Like the EVO, it can be a wi-fi hotspot for up to five devices (for an additional $30 per month).
The Kyocera Echo offered by Sprint offers a 5-megapixel camera with flash, 720p HD camcorder, 1GHz Snapdragon processor, Froyo OS, 1 GB of onboard memory, and has a SD card. It also comes with a spare battery and a charging cradle. Click here for all specifications.
Critics point to a potential for the processes to drain batteries quickly like the HTC EVO, but users are adjusting and vocal critics are now accepting limited batteries on iPhones, EVOs and the like. Critics also note that the phone is relatively heavy and thick which might slow sales.
Overall, we are very excited about the progress in the smartphone industry and the Kyocera Echo along with other aggressively innovative phones just might carve out a larger market share for Sprint. What do you think- how excited are you about double screens and simultasking!?
AG is not affiliated with Sprint. This is not a paid review.
Bryan Thompson
February 9, 2011 at 3:12 pm
Ugh…I don’t know. This may be – if it’s possible – too much technology. Nobody needs to be on the road with this thing. I can barely operate my kid’s DS. Two screens on a smartphone? I can see where they’re trying to get an upper hand here, and maybe they will for all I know. Just don’t see that working for me.
Would you use it?
Lani Rosales
February 9, 2011 at 3:18 pm
I’m sticking with my HTC EVO but when that gets old and I need something shiny and new, it’ll probably be dual screen 🙂
Ralph Bell
February 9, 2011 at 6:22 pm
But how does the phone work? All the bells and whistles are great but the phone and the quality of the conversation still must exist. Believe it or not some of us still actually use our phones to talk. You never here anything in the ads anymore about the quality of the conversation.
Lani Rosales
February 9, 2011 at 6:25 pm
Yeah, you’re right. I’m finding great coverage on my EVO in Austin, Sprint’s got good coverage… tell me again what you’re using (and what network)?? You’re AT&T iPhone, aren’t you?
Matt Wilkins
February 9, 2011 at 7:54 pm
Great idea but…
No 4G, no front facing camera, and otherwise same specs as an EVO?
No Thanks