Kyocera Makes a Splash in Vegas
Kyocera announced three new CDMA handsets at the CTIA Wireless trade show in Las Vegas yesterday. The new models introduced included the Neo E1100, Mako S4000 and Adreno S2400. All three of the phones are tri-band models, targeted at primarily at carrier customers operating in South America, and will be available in Q3 2008 at affordable price points. The news came on the same day that Kyocera finalized its acquisition of Sanyo’s mobile phone division, making it the 6th largest globally, and unveiled its first-ever GSM handsets.
Kyocera Neo E1100
The Neo E1100 stands apart because of a brilliant light-pipe that is an integral part of the phone’s external housing. As calls or messages are received, the light-pipe comes to life, along with a hidden OLED caller-ID display. Beauty is more than skin deep, however, as the phone’s reverse hinge opens to reveal a large, vibrant 2.2″ QVGA display. Other features include Bluetooth® 2.0, speaker-independent voice recognition and a 1.3-megapixel camera with dedicated side-key controls. Rounding out the feature-set are picture caller ID; MMS, EMS, SMS and instant messaging; built-in MP3 ringtones, screen savers and wallpapers; predictive text input for rapid text entry; BREW® 3.1.5; Web access and the ability to send and receive email.
Kyocera Mako S4000
For those who don’t want to break the bank for a phone that overflows with good looks, the Kyocera Mako S4000 answers the call. Targeting consumers who would gladly trade multimedia features for affordable style, this clamshell design offers a color external display and tempered edges that make it easy to flip open. Inside is a large, graduated keypad and a vibrant 1.8-inch display. The phone features Bluetooth, a VGA camera, WAP 2.0 and Brew 3.1.5.
Kyocera Adreno S2400
The sporty Kyocera Adreno S2400 clamshell phone focuses on “retro cool” with a tactile finish and curved edges. High-contrast colors on the large keypad and a large 1.8-inch display make it easy for dialing and texting. The phone also features MP3 ringtones and an external caller ID display.