Quick Kyocera DuraForce Review

Quick Kyocera DuraForce Review

By U.S. Cellular

DuraForce is a smartphone built for the active lifestyle. It’s certified for IP68, dust-tight protection and protection against water immersion for up to 30 minutes for 6 feet. It’s also military standard 810G durable and the touchscreen even works with gloves and while the screen is wet. Stay connected and protected with DuraForce.

Kyocera Hydro Edge Free WiFi Hotspot

How to Set Up a Kyocera Hydro Edge
Free WiFi Hotspot 

This is a great video that showcases the ability to provide a FREE WiFi hotspot through a few steps provided by Douglas Tecumseh on Youtube.  This video was performed on a Boost Mobile Kyocera Hydro Edge but offers a great look and follow through on the process.  WiFi Hotspots allow you to use your phone as a wireless internet access point for your tablets, laptops, or other wireless devices.  With Boost mobiles $40 for talk text and web accounts, this provides a unique way to enjoy wireless capabilities provided by your Kyocera Hydro phone.

How To Take a Screen Shot with the Kyocera Hydro Life Phone

How To Take a Screen Shot with the Kyocera Hydro Life Phone

This easy to follow video demonstrates how to take a screen shot of your Kyocera Hydro Life Phone.  This handy tip is useful when trying to explain problems with your phone and also to obtain photos from websites that do not provide a picture saving method.

Kyocera DuraForce

Kyocera DuraForce 

New Rugged Smartphone

Kyocera is hanging tough.

Long after its name has faded from the mainstream, the phone-maker is carving out a niche creating rugged Android smartphones with waterproof and shock-proof capabilities, plus more besides.

The DuraForce that's going on sale with AT&T November 7 (online and for business customers) and November 21 (in retail stores), is the start of a new chapter. This is Kyocera's first GSM phone. Previously using CDMA technology, this opening up to GSM tech means that Kyocera is one stage closer to distributing its tougher phones in other GSM markets outside the US.

Tough stuff

Like any good rough 'n tumble phone, the DuraForce is meets certain specifications. In this case, it's IP68 certified for dust and water exposure (6 feet for up to 30 minutes). It also meets Military Standard 801G for all sorts of fun guarantees against elements like temperature and environmental extremes (including solar radiation and salt fog!). It also includes push-to-talk functionality, like a walkie-talkie, that works over Wi-Fi and LTE.

If you're starting to think that the DuraForce may be too much phone for you, you have a point. While Kyocera will gladly sell it to individuals looking for a little more peace-of-mind without buying an extra case, the real customers are businesses and government agencies looking for a phone to pass out to the fleet.

Hardware specs

The phone has a 4.5-inch, 720p HD display and runs Android 4.4.2 KitKat. There's a 2-megapixel front-facing camera and a 8-megapixel shooter on the back. A 1.4GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor meets 16GB of internal storage and 2GB RAM (you can also expand up to 32GB more). A 3,100mAh battery promises up to 17 hours talk time and 21 days of standby time.

Pricing

If you aren't buying the DuraForce through a business contract, it'll cost $50 with a two-year agreement and $0 down with $19.95 per month for 12 months with AT&T Next 12. Alternatively, AT&T Next 18 pricing is $0 down with $16.63 per month, or you could buy it outright for $390 without a contract.

This review is brought to you by CNET

The Kyocera Proteus

The Kyocera Proteus 

Wearable Collapsible Smartphone 

  As Kyocera continues to Innovate and create great advancements in Solar technology and indestructible mobile advancements such as the famed Sapphire Glass™, many pieces of great technology are discovered along the way.

  With flexible AMOLED displays offering a lower voltage solution to LED, their flexible nature can provide many uses.  The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge has already displayed a clever use for this with it's access bar on the rounded edge using a flexible AMOLED display.

Kyocera has displayed their most recent beta designs for testing at CEATEC (The CEATEC name stands for Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies and is Japan’s largest consumer electronics show) and the flexibility is quite remarkable.

  The Kyocera Proteus can be said to be inspired by the Lenovo Yoga series of hybrid Ultrabooks – being able to bend its display in four different methods to cater to different times and places where the Yoga is used, hence its naming convention that depicts the flexibility of it all.

  As for the Kyocera Proteus, you can hold it in your palm in the same manner as that of a smartphone when you are using its smartphone function, or there is also the option of wrapping it around your wrist like a bangle, and that would then kick in its vital sensors located behind the display which will deliver biological information including your heart rate, how fast you are walking or running, as well as number of steps taken – all in an effort to help you achieve your fitness goals.

  Not only that, you can “drape” it over a thin rail, where this is known as the Clip Style – making it ideal for those who are traveling on a bicycle. It would be interesting to know what kind of battery the Kyocera Proteus would make use considering the flexibility of the device – would it use segmented batteries so that it can even be rolled into a bangle? Only time will tell.

Information provided in part by Edwin Knee of Ubergizmo.com

Kyocera TorqueXT

Kyocera TorqueXT

  Kyocera Communications Inc. today announced the availability of the new Kyocera TorqueXT at Sprint locations nationwide. An ultra-rugged 4G LTE Android smartphone, TorqueXT is capable of surviving and thriving under life’s most extreme conditions – whether it’s a tumble down a mountainside or a drop in a puddle on the morning commute. TorqueXT is ready to take on the ‘misadventures’ of real life, allowing owners to live more and fear less when it comes to their smartphones. The TorqueXT is available beginning today through www.sprint.com, Sprint retail stores, 1-800-SPRINT1 and Sprint Business Sales. With Sprint Easy Pay, well-qualified buyers can purchase Kyocera TorqueXT with $0 down and 24 monthly payments of $15.00 (excludes taxes and surcharges1).

  Building on the success of the original Kyocera Torque, the first ultra-rugged 4G LTE Android Smartphone for Sprint, the new TorqueXT adds the Android™ KitKat 4.4.2 operating system and a substantial 20 gigabytes of internal memory. It also supports the Sprint® Direct Connect® expanded next-generation nationwide push-to-talk network.

  “Every piece of research, and every conversation had with a customer, indicates a great consumer need for a rugged smartphone that is affordable and easy to use. People don’t want to be afraid of going through life’s daily challenges—whether during work or play—and having to worry about breaking their phones,” said Eric Anderson, senior vice president and general manager of global sales and marketing at Kyocera Communications. “Kyocera has again done what we’re best at by combining the most robust, rugged Mil-Spec features with an easy-to-use, affordable Android smartphone to create a durable mobile device that supports not only the construction worker using Sprint Direct Connect but also the outdoor adventurer or the busy parent navigating everyday life with kids.”

TorqueXT SURVIVES THE EXTREME & THE EVERYDAY

  Built to Military Standard 810G, Kyocera TorqueXT’s ultra-rugged design withstands dust, shock, vibration, solar radiation, water immersion and extreme temperatures. It is also certified for IP67, providing dust-tight defense and protection against water immersion for up to 30 minutes at a depth of up to 3.28 feet (one meter).

  TorqueXT has been tested to hold up against life’s extremes and features a ruggedized, impact-resistant display for added protection from scratches and cracks, a reinforced housing with non-slip Dura-Grip™ for extra durability, a long-lasting 2,500mAh Lithium Ion battery and added energy-saving features – MaxiMZR and Eco Mode apps for managing and conserving power consumption. It has a snappy 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon® MSM8960 dual-core processor, 20GB ROM/1GB RAM memory. Mobile payments are enabled by Near Field Communication (NFC) and the phone features Wi-Fi (b/g/n) and Stereo Bluetooth® (4.0 + LE/EDR) wireless technology support.

POWERFUL ENTERPRISE MOBILITY MANAGEMENT

  The Kyocera TorqueXT provides enhanced enterprise mobility management (EMM) tools, making it a smart choice for business users by providing access to all types of files using POLARIS® Office Viewer and Exchange Active Sync (EAS) with improved email client and advanced calendar and task functionality. With its strong security encryption with Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2 and secure data-at-rest and data-in motion support, the TorqueXT keeps data secure even through virtual private network (VPN) connections.

  The TorqueXT Dura Grid widget offers “most popular” settings which can be customized with the users’ most frequently used apps and settings, configurable in a six- or nine-position layout with large, high-contrast icons for improved outdoor visibility.

  Sprint is committed to offering U.S. consumers the best value in wireless and double the data on nationally available plans. With the Sprint Family Share Pack, Sprint offers double the sharable high-speed data for smartphones, basic phones, tablets and mobile broadband devices. Sprint also offers customers unlimited talk, text and data while on the Sprint network for $60 per month with the Sprint $60 Unlimited Plan. Or for your business needs, the new Sprint® Business Share Plan will again double the data, now delivering 240GB to 800GB of data to business customers with 50 to 100 lines.

The Kyocera Brigadier Speaker Test

The Kyocera Brigadier 

Speaker Test

With a terrific amplification system and Kyocera's ingenious design of vibration producing speaker systems, the Kyocera Brigadier is head and shoulders above the competition in speaker clarity and maximum volume.

Spoiler alert: The Brigadier is louder than the HTC One M8. 

Often we have to sacrifice audio quality when ruggedizing our phones. I've never understood why though, as rugged phones are often used on LOUD job sites. Thankfully the front facing speakers on Kyocera's Brigadier make a world of difference.

Kyocera Duo Smartwatch

Kyocera Duo Smartwatch

  Looks like Kyocera is planning on jumping into the smartwatch game with the exciting new Kyocera Duo.  As both a wearable sensor and also as a watch, Kyocera's popularity among rugged mobile enthusiasts is sure to find a multitude of uses once released.

  This model was just released to the public at CEATEC, short for Cutting Edge IT & Electronics Comprehensive Exhibition.  Although there is virtually nothing that has been released as far as specs go, one thing is for sure, with all of the patented technology that Kyocera has come up with in the past year focused on durability, the Kyocera DUO should not disappoint.

  The desirable round face and rugged metal exterior present a durable yet portable design that is lacking in many of the wearable models out there currently.

Sprint now offering Wi-Fi calling using Kyocera Vibe

Wi-Fi calling using Kyocera Vibe

  Sprint today announced the Kyocera Hydro Vibe is getting the Wi-Fi Calling update. The software update is rolling out now. An update notification will be pushed to all our Hydro Vibe customers automatically during the next few weeks.

Sprint States:

Wi-Fi Calling is available at no additional charge and lets you use voice and messaging services over existing home, office and public Wi-Fi networks. With Wi-Fi Calling, you will experience improved voice, data and messaging services in locations that previously had limited or no mobile network coverage.

Features and benefits of Wi-Fi Calling:

-Enhanced coverage: Customers will experience better call quality in locations with challenging network conditions.

-Easy setup: Once activated, everything is seamless and happens in the background.

-Unlimited voice calling and messaging on Wi-Fi: All domestic calling and messaging is FREE (standard CDMA international rates apply for international calls). 

Once the download is complete, you will be prompted to install the update. Installation will take a few minutes during which the device will be disabled. Once installation is completed, the device will be ready for use and Wi-Fi Calling can be activated by going to your Apps folder and selecting the Wi-Fi Calling icon.

Hydro life hard Reset For Metro PCs

Hydro Life

 Hard Reset 

For Metro PCs

This easy to follow video will show you how to set your Kyocera Hydro Life back to it's original straight from the factory settings.  This can sometimes become necessary when either selling a phone or if your phone has become virtually unusable.

Kyocera Hydro Life Review

Kyocera Hydro Life Review

This Kyocera Hydro Life review is brought to you by the preferred reviewer J. Williams.  There are many key issues which are brought up including some tips and tricks to make the Kyocera Hydro Life operate at optimal levels.  This Boost Mobile phone is thoroughly discussed including important topics such as Battery Life, Camera Quality, and Speaker Systems.  Enjoy the review.

Kyocera Rise Review

Kyocera Rise Review

This video showcase the oldie but goodie Kyocera Rise.  This phone is extremely popular for those of us who have to have a keyboard but still desire the indestructible quality of a rugged phone.  I still recommend a case and screen protector for this model but it's build quality far exceeds the average phone on the market in it's price range.  Here are a list of the phones specifications below:

Phone info

For Sprint, Virgin Mobile.

This is not a GSM device, it will not work on any GSM network worldwide.

GENERAL 2G Network CDMA 800 / 1900
3G Network CDMA2000 1xEV-DO

SIM Mini-SIM

BODY Dimensions 113 x 60.5 x 14.3 mm (4.45 x 2.38 x 0.56 in)
Weight 158 g (5.57 oz)

Keyboard QWERTY

DISPLAY Type IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen
Size 320 x 480 pixels, 3.5 inches (~165 ppi pixel density)

Multitouch Yes
SOUND Alert types Vibration, MP3 ringtones

Loudspeaker Yes

3.5mm jack Yes

MEMORY Card slot microSD, up to 32 GB, 2 GB included
I
Internal 2 GB storage, 512 MB RAM

DATA GPRS No

EDGE No

Speed EV-DO Rev. A, up to 3.1 Mbps

WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi hotspot

Bluetooth Yes, v2.1 with A2DP, EDR

USB Yes, microUSB v2.0

CAMERA Primary 3.15 MP, 2048x1536 pixels, autofocus

Features Geo-tagging

Video Yes

Secondary No

FEATURES OS Android OS, v4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)

Chipset Qualcomm MSM8655 Snapdragon

CPU 1 GHz

GPU Adreno 205

Sensors Accelerometer, proximity, compass

Messaging SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email, IM

Browser HTML

Radio No

GPS Yes, with A-GPS support

Java Yes, via Java MIDP emulator

Colors Black

- SNS integration

- MP4/WMV/H.264/H.263 player

- MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player

- Organizer

- Image/video editor

- Document viewer

- Google Search, Maps, Gmail,

YouTube, Calendar, Google Talk, Picasa integration

- Voice memo/dial/commands

- Predictive text input (Swype)

BATTERY Standard battery, Li-Ion 1500 mAh

Stand-by
Talk time Up to 8 h 40 min

Click Here for Kyocera Rise Cases and Screen Protectors

Kyocera Hydro XTRM Phone Cases and Screen Protectors

Kyocera Hydro XTRM Phone Case

 and Screen Protector Selection

We offer tons of high quality low cost Kyocera Hydro XTRM Phone Cases and Screen Protectors in a variety of designs and materials.  Below you will find a handful of our Hydro XTRM phone cases available on ebay as well as some great screen protectors.  FREE Shipping and as always a 100% satisfaction guarantee.  Our phone cases and screen protectors give you that extra layer of protection beyond the durable design of the Kyocera Hydro models.  Some even offer a convenient kickstand for hands free viewing.

Click On any of the images below to preview the item in Ebay

Taking Pictures with Quickshot

Taking Pictures with Quickshot

using Kyocera Hydro LIFE

This video demonstrates how to take pictures with your Kyocera device using the new quickshot feature.  The following demonstration is provided by MetroPCS and is demonstrated on the Kyocera Hydro Life mobile phone.

Using EcoMode on your Kyocera Phone

Using EcoMode 

on your Kyocera Phone

    This demonstration shows how to use the EcoMode feature which is present on most Kyocera phones.  This mode will save your precious battery by shutting down useless features of the phone that are currently not in use.  This simple adjustment will allow you to run your phone at an otimal level while saving energy for prolonged use.

New Kyocera Brigadier untold features

New Kyocera Brigadier 

untold features 

Aside from your typical scratch and drop tests, this video brought to you by Pocketnow shows you some other key features such as the auto flashlight feature, usage with gloves and more.  This phone is not only becoming the choice for those of us who need a rugged phone on the job ie; stuntmen, construction workers, superheroes, etc.  It's also needed by the clumsy everyday users such as myself.  

  

  Check out the video above and decide just how rugged of a phone you'll need and if these relatively new features are key to your next phone purchase.

Sapphire vs. Gorilla Glass

Sapphire vs. Gorilla Glass

  This video and review is brought to you by uBreakiFix through PR Newswire and offers a thorough review of the very tough Sapphire Glass's capabilities.  The glass is put through several tests and offers a good idea of the glass's construction and durability.  uBreakiFixCo does an unbelievable job of offering science and technology to further prove their decisions on what the advantages and disadvantages are of such a unique glass design.  Enjoy the video and their review below.

  With sapphire glass speculation escalating as we approach the September iPhone announcement, uBreakiFix, a national smartphone and tech repair company, did some in-house testing on sapphire glass to determine just how durable it is. Their conclusion may surprise you. Though sapphire is remarkably hard, second only to diamonds in fact - it turns out that it is also remarkably stiff. A combination that makes it quite brittle, and this brittleness may equate to broken screens. Sapphire may not be the indestructible cure-all that many have claimed it is.

  uBreakiFix released two separate videos detailing breaking and testing of sapphire this week. The first is an impact test on the new Kyocera Brigadier, a little known smartphone catered to adventure enthusiasts that hit U.S. markets last week. The phone is touted as nearly indestructible by Kyocera, and sports a sapphire display. "It was a great opportunity to get our hands on Sapphire in an actual Smartphone application," says David Reiff, the company's Co-Founder and Vice President. uBreakiFix tested the phone from 3ft, 4.5ft, 6ft and 8ft, and other than some scuffs on the perimeter plastic the sapphire screen remained intact. uBreakiFix claimed the phones durability was due to the raised perimeter bezel that protects the screen, not necessarily the sapphire. To prove it, they removed the display assembly from the phone and dropped it on its own. Without the protective bezel, the screen cracked with a drop from only 3ft. "Though Kyocera has built an impressively tough phone, we think the elevated screen bezel and other factors contribute to its impact durability, not necessarily the sapphire screen," claims uBreakiFix in the drop test video.

  In a follow up video that was a bit more thorough, the company stress tested multiple samples of sapphire and Gorilla Glass in a bend fixture. The video gets a bit technical, but the result seems to support the conclusion that sapphire is not a more impact durable material than typically used smartphone glass, though it is certainly harder. In a scratch test using a tungsten carbide scratching mechanism, sapphire was unaffected while gorilla glass and tempered glass suffered deep, visible gashes. In a bending test, uBreakiFix showed that though failure strength of the sapphire is about 25% higher than glass, it's unable to bend and absorb impact, which could mean impact cracks and shatters. uBreakiFix was quick to point out that this does not necessarily mean a more fragile iPhone 6.  "Our conclusion is that sapphire alone will not equate to an unbreakable iPhone, in fact the brittleness of sapphire glass poses significant problems for engineers to overcome, and we have serious doubts that it will outperform Gorilla Glass. But, we can't say if an iPhone 6 with a sapphire screen will be more or less durable overall.  Clever engineering and protective features may still create a very durable device regardless of the use of sapphire," finished Reiff.