Kyocera Echo for Sprint doubling down with FCC approval

We don't have a launch date for Sprint's crazy double-screened Echo from Kyocera just yet, but this might be a bit of a clue: it just got FCC certification under its model number, M9300. The eternal optimist in us hoped for a last minute decision to throw WiMAX into the mix, but of course, no dice -- it's just a CDMA / EV-DO Rev. A radio along with 802.11b/g (no n, by the bye) and Bluetooth. The two screens is an interesting novelty, but we're dying to find out just how well that novelty translates into sales when it's finally on shelves.

Sprint taking to Twitter to tease next phone, tells us to check back on the 24th

If you somehow managed to make it through the Kyocera Echo event without firmly deciding what your next Sprint phone would be, you're going to want to set your alarms for this coming Thursday, February 24th. Sprint's just dropped a quick teaser on Twitter that asks its followers what they "think the next new Sprint phone will be," ending with a hashtag suggesting they check back in three days -- no hint whatsoever as to what kind of handset it could be. Clearly, Sprint's nearing the point when an upgradedEVO 4G would be nice, but with the lack of carrier exclusivity, the CDMA iPhone would make a nice fit, too. Any other guesses out there?

Kyocera Echo Useable as Mini Tablet Thanks a lot to "Tablet Mode"

The recently revealed Kyocera Echo smartphone can do a number of things thanks to its two 3.5-inch touchscreens, one of which is transforming into a "tablet mode," where the two displays can be arranged side to side for a single, connected workspace.

Other specs for the Echo include a 1 GHz Snapdragon processor, a single 5-megapixel camera, 1GB of memory (expandable up to 32GB through the built-in SD card slot), 3G connectivity, and wireless hotspot connectivity.

The device isn't perfect, however. Aside from some unremarkable specs (with the exception of the dual touchscreens), the Echo is also bulky in its "standard mode" -- when one screen is tucked under the other via the metal pivot hinge connecting the two -- and the battery life is a mystery since the device is still in production. Should the latter become an issue, however, Kyocera is prepared; the Echo will come with a phone charger that is outfitted with a swappable second battery, free of charge.

There is also the issue of the operating system, which will be Google Android OS 2.2 (Froyo). Sprint and Kyocera are allegedly considering a future upgrade to 2.3 (Gingerbread), which would help, but for now it seems like a somewhat dated choice for the Echo's OS.

It won't be long before the Kyocera Echo hits the shelves. Sprint customers will be able to get their hands on it this spring for $199 subsidized with a two-year contract. Below is a demo video of the Echo, and for more details about the upcoming smartphone, take a look at the Hands-on Preview over at our sister site, shoppingkoo.

Kyocera Echo Review and Information - By ShoppingKoo

Kyocera Echo

Description

The Kyocera Echo is an upcoming Android OS smartphone with an unusual design featuring a pair of 3.5-inch touchscreens. This device is going to offer a number of different configurations depending on what the user is doing, including a tablet shape with a 4.7-inch, 960 x 800 viewing area.

On the inside is going to be Google's Android OS and a selection of software modified to take advantage of this smartphone's two screens.

Quick Specs

Operating System: Google Android OS 2.2
Processor: 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon
Screen Resolution: 480 by 800 pixel x2
Screen Size: 3.5 inch x2
Keyboard Type: On-screen
Communications: Bluetooth, CDMA, EVDO, Wi-Fi
Meda Type: microSD, microSDHC
Camera Resolution: 5.0 megapixels
GPS: Yes
Release Date: 5/31/2011