It looks like Kyocera’s unique dual-screen Android handset, the Echo, has been hiding away a near-field communications chip as well as Wi-Fi calling capabilities. Kyocera is officially listing features for the upcoming Gingerbread 2.3.4 update, and beyond NFC and Wi-Fi calling (presumably over the UMA standard), there are a few other additions.
- An upgrade to the Swype 3.0 virtual keypad, with Tap Correction and Horizontal Word Choice List (predictive text)
- An improved Downloads application, offering easy access to any file downloaded from the browser, email or another application
- Pinch-to-zoom in Browser, Gallery, Maps, & Sprint Navigation
The Kyocera Echo packs twin 3.5-inch touchscreens, which combined provide an 800 x 960 display. There’s a 5 megapixel camera on the back, and the whole package is powered by a 1 GHz processor and 512 MB of RAM. The software involved in splitting up Android across two screens obviously creates some complications, including limited app selection. You can check out our hands-on impressions and video of the Echo over here, and our full review over here.
Putting the sketchy performance of the Kyocera Echo aside, this update makes me wonder how many other manufacturers are secretly tucking away NFC into their handsets. There’s really not a lot that makes use of NFC right now, but it’s easy to imagine a not-too-distant future where we’re tapping our phones on sensors to watch trailers, check in to Foursquare, or pay for meals. It might make more sense for a manufacturer to get get their phone out a bit earlier by not having to worry about NFC software right away, and offer it as a new feature at a later date when there’s something you can actually do with it. Any Echo owners in the house excited about the Gingerbread update? It should be rolling out today, so keep an eye on your devices for a notification.
[via Engadget]