14 DAY TRIAL // A new Android-based smartphone has just received the necessary approvals from FCC on its way to Sprint's network in the United States, the Kyocera Echo. This would be the first smartphone at the wireless carrier to sport a dual-screen form factor, while being powered by Google's Android 2.2 Froyo operating system.
The smartphone was officially introduced in early February, but Sprint did not commit to a specific release date for it for the time being.
However, the fact that it already passed through FCC's hallways suggests that it might not be too long before Sprint would make it available on its network.
For those out of the loop, we should note that this device comes with dual 3.5-inch LCD WVGA (800 x 480 pixels) capacitive touchscreen, which, according to Sprint, would measure 4.7 inch when opened, while boasting an 800 x 960 pixels resolution.
The specifications list of the new device would also include support for 3G data speeds (EVDO Rev A), with the possibility to hit peak download speeds of 3.1 Mbps, or peak upload speeds of 1.8 Mbps.
Moreover, the new device would include Wi-Fi: (802.11 b/g) capabilities, with Wi-Fi hotspot functionality, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, as well as built-in GPS receiver, with access to Telenav GPS Navigator.
Other specs of the new device would include:
- VueQue a pre-loaded app that lets users watch a YouTube video in one display, while browsing, queuing and buffering additional YouTube videos on the other - Google mobile services including Google Search, Google Maps, Google Talk instant message, Gmail, YouTube, and synchronization with Google Calendar - Full HTML Web browser with Google search, optimized for dual-screen experience - Sprint Zone one-stop wireless account access, phone tips, news and more - Corporate (MS Exchange ActiveSync) and personal (POP & IMAP) email access - Messaging – personal and business email, Google Talk instant message and text messaging
It also sports a 5MP camera with flash and 720p HD camcorder, 1GHz Snapdragon processor (QSD 8650 Android), 1370mAh battery, and iGB of internal memory, complemented by a microSD memory card slot with support for up to 32GB of additional storage space (an 8GB card included).
As stated above, the dual-touchscreen Kyocera Echo would run under Android 2.2, and should offer support for applications available for download via the Android Market.
When launched at Sprint, the smartphone is expected to sport a price tag of $199 on contract.