Some of our readers will remember the Kyocera Echo dual-screen Android smartphone that was announced a while back. As a reminder, it features dual 3.5-inch WVGA displays.
The two displays are connected via a pivot hinge that lets you use the displays in a range of different ways. They can be used as one large display or two independent displays.
The guys over at the Boy Genius Report have put together a hands-on video of the Kyocera Echo, which you can see below, and it gives us a good look at how the dual displays work.
Innovative Dual-Screen Design
The Kyocera Echo’s dual-screen design was quite innovative for its time. The pivot hinge mechanism allows users to switch between different modes, such as “Simul-Task” mode, where each screen runs a different app, and “Optimized” mode, where both screens work together to enhance a single app’s functionality. This flexibility can be particularly useful for multitasking, such as watching a video on one screen while browsing the web on the other.
For example, imagine reading an e-book on one screen while taking notes on the other. This kind of functionality was groundbreaking and aimed to provide a more versatile user experience. The hinge itself is robust, designed to withstand frequent opening and closing, ensuring durability over time.
Technical Specifications and Features
Other features on the Kyocera Echo include GPS, an accelerometer, a digital compass, a proximity sensor, and a light sensor. It features a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, which was quite powerful at the time of its release. This processor ensures smooth performance for most tasks, although it may struggle with more demanding applications by today’s standards.
Connectivity options are also well-covered. The device comes with 3G, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, and WiFi, ensuring that you can stay connected in various ways. The inclusion of a microSD card slot with an 8GB card included is a nice touch, and this can be expanded to a 32GB microSD card, providing ample storage for apps, media, and documents.
The Kyocera Echo also features a 5-megapixel rear camera capable of recording 720p HD video. While this may not compete with modern smartphone cameras, it was quite capable for its time, allowing users to capture decent photos and videos on the go.
The device runs on Android 2.2 Froyo, which, while outdated by today’s standards, was a solid operating system at the time. It provided access to a wide range of apps and services through the Google Play Store, allowing users to customize their experience to a significant extent.
The Kyocera Echo will be available from Sprint in the US next month, and it is expected to attract users who are looking for a unique and versatile smartphone experience. Its dual-screen design sets it apart from other smartphones on the market, offering a new way to interact with mobile technology.
The Kyocera Echo was a pioneering device that introduced the concept of dual-screen smartphones to the market. While it may not have achieved widespread success, it paved the way for future innovations in mobile technology. Its unique design and versatile functionality make it a noteworthy device in the history of smartphones.
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