Overland Park,
Kan. – Sprint and Kyocera Communications announced the launch of two devices in
their lineup, the Kyocera Milano and Kyocera Brio.
Designed for heavy
texters and “Android newbies,” the Milano features a slide-out QWERTY keyboard,
Swype technology, Android 3.2 (Gingerbread), 3.2-megapixel camera/camcorders, 512MB
onboard memory, included 2GB MicroSD card, Wi-Fi hotspot capability supporting
up to five devices, and Google Mobile Services.
It also has an Eco
Mode — a proprietary preloaded power-management application from Kyocera that
helps users manage battery life on their devices, the companies said. Users can
select a battery-level point when they want their phones to enter a
low-power-consumption mode. Phone functions, such as screen timeout and
brightness, will be automatically adjusted.
The Milano
requires activation on one of the Sprint Everything Data plans plus a required
$10 Premium Data add-on charge for smartphones, Sprint said.
“The touchscreen experience on smartphones is
extremely popular, especially when optimized with an app like Swype, but many
smartphone users are still looking for the familiar tactile experience of a
full QWERTY keyboard,” said Eric Anderson, sales and marketing senior VP and
general manager at KCI. “Kyocera Milano delivers an easy-to-use, customizable
Android experience with multiple keyboard options in a compact package for less
than $50. It’s ideal for those making the leap to Android but not wanting to
give up their QWERTY keyboards.”
The Brio has a candy-bar
form factor with a curved QWERTY keyboard. Features include a 1.3-megapixel
camera; email, text messaging and web browsing; Sprint Mobile Email and Sprint
Mobile Email Work; a MicroSD card slot that supports up to 32GB; and Bluetooth
2.0.
Pricing plans for the Brio include Talk plans
starting at $39.99 per month and Everything Messaging plans with voice services
and unlimited messaging starting at $49.99 per month, Sprint said.
Both devices
launch Sept. 9 in all Sprint retail channels. The Milano will be priced at
$49.99 (excluding taxes) and the Brio will be available for free (excluding
taxes), both with a new two-year service agreement or eligible upgrade and
after a $50 mail-in rebate via reward card.
