Sprint Kyocera DuraPlus rugged-phone with Push-to-Talk Capabilities

Sprint has added a new rugged device with candy-bar form factor to its portfolio - the Kyocera DuraPlus. As the newest Sprint Direct Connect device, Kyocera DuraPlus offers a candy-bar form factor with Push-to-Talk capabilities, military-grade durability, long-lasting battery, and an embedded LED flashlight. Sprint Kyocera DuraPlus is certified to Military Standard 810G for resistance to dust, shock, vibration, temperature extremes, humidity, blowing rain and water immersion (up to 30 minutes in up to 1 meter of water). Joining Kyocera DuraMax and Kyocera DuraCore in Kyocera’s Dura Series that specialize in handling the abuse of harsh working conditions, Kyocera DuraPlus is the ultimate communication tool for a variety of industries, including construction and transportation.

Sprint Kyocera DuraPlus has an embedded LED flashlight with a dedicated power button to help navigate power outages, read blueprints in unlit areas or for emergency response personnel working in dark conditions. A robust, front-ported speakerphone also provides excellent sound quality in noisy environments and remote speaker microphone jack allowing customers to use their phones with a heavy-duty remote speaker/microphone (sold separately; available exclusively from Sprint in the coming months).

The powerful 1650 mAh battery will generate enough power to provide you up to 9.5 hours of talk time. An optional 2300 mAh extended battery (sold separately) will also be available from Sprint for users who need even more battery life. An external charging port enables the device to be used with a single or multi-bay charging station (sold separately). This is especially helpful for businesses that issue devices to shift workers, such as shuttle drivers or security personnel.

Last year, Sprint launched Sprint Direct Connect, the industry’s next generation of push-to-talk service on its broadband CDMA network. The new service will expand customers’ push-to-talk coverage, broadband data capabilities, and enable new push-to-talk features.

Those not familiar with the Sprint Direct Connect should know that it is a portfolio of push-to-talk services that allow individuals and groups to get more done – quickly and easily with just the push of a button. Among the initial Sprint Direct Connect services are Sprint Direct Connect which is the core push-to-talk feature and is designed for interoperability across Sprint and Nextel network platforms, Guaranteed Talk Permit, Call Alert with Text, Group Connect, TeamDCSM, NextMail, Availability Notification, and One-Touch Direct Connect that allows quick access to multiple direct connect options.

Commenting on the news, Eric Anderson (senior vice president and general manager of Sales and Marketing at Kyocera Communications) said: "Kyocera designed DuraPlus from the ground up with demanding industrial and enterprise customers in mind. Simple things like an LED flashlight, multi-bay charging, freestanding operation and the ability to use application-specific accessories go a long way toward better productivity on the jobsite and out in the field."

Sprint Kyocera DuraPlus will be available in the first half of the year. Pricing and exact availability will be announced closer to launch.