Kyocera Echo on Sprint, Preorders Now

When Sprint showed the dual screen Kyocera Echo at their event on February 5th it was met with a range of critiques from fascination to outright skepticism. However, no one could deny the fanfare of the event where the unique device debuted.

Now Sprint is promoting the handset ,which is set for release on April 17, with a reserve and preorder site. Sprint wants $199 for the Echo (after a $100 instant rebate); you’ll need to activate a new line (or upgrade if eligible) on a two year commitment. The site also features a sweepstakes “challenge to a dual” based around a Bottle Bustin’ Bandits game where participants can enter a sweepstakes to win a Kyocera Echo.

Kyocera Echo has Four Different Display Modes on Two Screens

The Echo features 4 modes: Single-Screen Mode which is a fully functional single display, Simul-Task Mode, which allows for two of the Echo’s native apps to run on each display simultaneously, Optimized Mode that allows apps to use both screen for additional features, and a Tablet Mode where the dual displays act as a single oversized 4.7 inch screen with a 800 x 960 resolution.

The Echo uses 3G data speeds, has a rear-facing 5 megapixel camera capable of capturing 720p HD video and a 1 GHz single core Snapdragon processor. The smartphone will run Android OS 2.2 (Froyo) out of the box, and a microSD card slot that can take up to a 32 Gigabyte SD card.

Two Screens on the Kyocera Echo? Twice the Fun

The dual screen device features a hinge that moves both screens around to utilize additional display space which functions in a way very much like a tablet. If you’re anything like me, you cant wait to see some of the interesting things that will be done with this unique device. Looks like Sprint has another industry first under their belt.