Sprint Kyocera Echo dual-touchscreen smartphone to launch April 17

Remember the Sprint Kyocera Echo dual-touchscreen smartphone? Sprint and Kyocera have announced availability of Kyocera Echo, the nation’s first dual-touchscreen smartphone, on April 17 in all Sprint retail channels, including the Web (www.sprint.com) and Telesales (1-800-Sprint1). The innovative Android device will sell for $199.99 (excludes taxes) with a new two-year service agreement or eligible upgrade. Beginning March 26, consumers can visit www.sprint.com/echo to “Reserve Now” and be among of the first to get their hands on Echo.

Kyocera Echo operates on the Android 2.2 operating system and has access to more than 150,000 apps in Android Market. Available at www.echobykyocera.com are videos showing Echo’s unique functionality and a complete look at the phone’s specifications and features, which include:

+ 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
+ 5MP 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

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.