This review was done at a recent technology expo and showcases the new Kyocera Echo which boasts the new dual screen technology of Kyocera. The phone has the capability of running both screen simulataneously to give the user the option of either a split screen, a screen with a keyboard on the adjacent screen, or in tablet mode. The phone has decent specs but some have complained of it's cheaper plastic exterior and gap between screens. It also lacks the single hand functionality that many users desire when on the go. Take a look at this review and decide for yourself.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Friday, June 27, 2014
Kyocera Hydro Edge Quick Review
Kyocera Hydro Edge
Quick Review
As the successor to the Hydro , the Edge can still survive a good dunking. But while this new iteration includes some welcomed improvements like a bigger 4-inch screen and a 5-megapixel camera (the original featured only a 3.2-megapixel shooter), the device still runs on 3G and has a a rather slow 1GHz processor.
If having an affordable smartphone that is able to survive multiple spills and dips is important (either from the water you encounter at the beach or simply the kitchen sink), the Edge is a good handset to consider. It's available on Sprint for $19.99 after users sign a two-year agreement, or off-contract under the carrier's prepaid arm, Boost Mobile, for $149.99.
But if that factor isn't a deal breaker for you and you can spare the extra cash, look into your carrier's other devices that sport better specs.
Design
The Kyocera Hydro Edge has a simple, matte-gray plastic construction that feels sturdy, but doesn't look at all chic. Like the XTRM, neither of the device's ports are covered. In fact, the only way one could even assume the handset is waterproof is by the toggle lock located in the rear, which keeps the battery door secured.
The phone measures 4.9 inches tall, 2.5 inches wide, and 0.39 inch thick. It weighs 4.5 ounces, and while the top half of the Edge is a bit heftier than its bottom half, it's still comfortable to hold in the hand.
Kyocera Hydro Edge (back)
To keep it watertight, the Edge sports a small toggle lock in the back for its battery door.
Josh Miller/CNET
On the left is a volume rocker, and up top are a 3.5mm headphone jack and sleep/power button. The right edge houses a shortcut key for the camera, and the Micro-USB port is located on the bottom.
The device has a 4-inch IPS touch-screen display, with a 800x480-pixel resolution and 233ppi. Though HD movies won't appear as crisp as you might expect on it, text and icons still displayed clearly and smoothly for me. Furthermore, the screen has a rather narrow viewing angle outdoors. However, when you crank maximum brightness all the way up and you hold up the handset directly at eye level, you can make out the display very well.
Beneath the display are three hot keys that light up white when in use for back, home, and menu. Long-press the home key to access recent apps. You'll notice that above the screen, there is no in-ear speaker. Like a handful of other Kyocera smartphones, the Edge features Smart Sonic Receiver technology, which uses an embedded ceramic transducer to transmit audio via the hard tissue inside your ear.
The back features a dimpled rubber texture, and the top half of the handset's body is contoured to be thicker than the rest of its body. I felt that both these characteristics helped with my grip as I held it.
On the back you'll find the camera, with its LED flash right below it. To the left is a small slit for the audio speaker. To remove the battery door, you'll need to switch the toggle lock at the bottom and pry the plate off. There you can access the 1,600mAh battery and the microSD card slot (which can accommodate cards with capacities of up to 32GB) underneath it.
Software features
The device ships with Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and comes with a number of Google's services, like Chrome, Gmail, Plus, Local, Maps with Navigation, Messenger, Search, Talk, and YouTube. The Google Play stores for Books, Magazines, and Music are included as well.
Under the Settings menu, there's also a software feature called MaxiMZR. This lets you limit the data connection of apps running in the background to conserve battery life. There is also a MagniFont Mode option for those who want to improve text readability by increasing the font size one level larger than the "Extra Large" or "Huge" setting that is common on Android handsets.
Sprint loaded some of its own apps, one of which is Sprint Zone, where you can check your account information and balance. There's also a ringtone portal called Sprint Music Plus, as well as Sprint TV and Movies, and Sprint ID.
Kyocera Hydro Edge (top display)
The Edge runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and feature's Kyocera's Smart Sonic Receiver technology.
Josh Miller/CNET
ID enables you to customize your phone with preselected apps, widgets, and other items depending on which ID profile you choose. For example, if you select the E! package, you'll get apps and widgets pertaining to the celebrity news channel. Note that deleting an ID package won't uninstall the apps that you downloaded -- you'll have to remove those apps manually. So far, there are 40 packs available, and once you start up the handset, the Sprint Default ID pack annoyingly starts downloading automatically.
Other goodies include the Reddit browser, BaconReader; ICE, which stores emergency contact info; Eco Mode, a battery- and energy-conserving app; a panorama app that works with the camera, a video editor; Lookout Security, which backs up and secures your data; Qualcomm Enhanced Location app that zeroes in on your location and saves battery power; and the navigational app, Scout.
Of course, there are basic apps too, such as native browser and e-mail clients, a calculator, a calendar, a clock with alarm functions, an address book, a weather app, a voice dialer, and a audio recorder.
For the most part, the Boost Mobile model has all the same apps, give or take a few exceptions. However, instead of having apps like Sprint ID and Sprint Zone, the names have been modified to Mobile ID and Boost Zone. And as previously mentioned, the Boost model does not support hot-spot capabilities.
Camera and video
The 5-megapixel camera has six photo sizes (ranging from 640x480 to 2,560x1,920 pixels), digital zoom, a flash, six picture modes including HDR and continuous shooting, 14 photo effects, three focuses, six scene modes, geotagging, three image qualities, blink detection, three auto-exposures, five ISO levels, five white balances, and grid lines.
Video settings include five video sizes (ranging from a 30-second MMS to 720p), digital zoom, continuous flash, time lapse, two file format options, and the same white balance, image effects, geotagging, grid lines, and auto-exposure options.
Photo quality was adequate, though it wasn't very impressive. For the most part, main objects came out clear and were easy to make out, but colors looked muted, and images weren't as sharp as I would have liked them to be, especially along the outer edges. In addition, the camera is quite slow. It takes a few seconds for it to focus, and you'll need to wait a few more seconds after pressing the shutter for the camera to ready itself for another photo.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Kyocera Hydro XTRM Safe Mode Fix
This basic tutorial displays how to put your Kyocera Hydro XTRM phone into safe mode, which is excellent for removing viruses or other malware issues. However, many times this option is selected accidentally and many users find it difficult to remove it from this state. This video displays the process of putting a Kyocera Hydro XTRM Metro PCS phone into safe mode and then how to take it out of safe mode. Enjoy the video and feel free to browse our link for Kyocera Hydro XTRM accessories below.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
The Kyocera Hydro Vibe Waterproof Test
The Kyocera Hydro Vibe
Waterproof Test
This test displays the waterproof abilities of the great new Kyocera Hydro Vibe. The Kyocera Hydro Vibe can be completely submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes! Bonggamom dunks her new Kyocera Hydro Vibe into a base of water to test it out!
Monday, June 23, 2014
Amazon FIRE PHONE
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Sunday, June 22, 2014
Echo's Unique Web Browser
The Kyocera Echo has a unique browser which allows you to view your screen in tablet view or in optimized view which allows you to surf two websites at the same time. There is no phone on the market that shares this capability. Not only is this phone a powerhouse in it's functionality, but these added features backed by Flash support will have you rapidly surfing and comparing sites in no time.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Operating Echo in Simul-Task Mode
The Kyocera Echo is filled with all kinds of unique features. One of them is the Simul-Task Mode. In this mode, the user can operate two applications at the same time on different screens. The applications that are simultask capable will appear in the lower right corner of those apps with a tiny blue icon. Just follow the tutorial above to learn this cool trick with your Kyocera Echo.
Friday, June 20, 2014
How to Connect a Bluetooth Headset to a Cell Phone
As mobile dvice become more and more plug and play friendly, there are a few simple steps that are necessary to assure a quality connection. Now, each phones operating system and menu will vary, but the general steps are the same. After the pairing has been initiated, its just a matter of identifying your device and Voila! Usually the phone will remember the device from that point forward and pairing will then be unnecessary. Good luck.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Kyocera Zio M6000 Screen Disassembly
Kyocera Zio M6000
Screen Disassembly
This video shows you step by step how to completely disasseble the Kyocera Zio M6000 and repair your cracked or damaged screen. As we are all active with our phones, mistakes inevitably will happen. Well, lucky for us places like eBay and other cheap stores exist on the internet where these replacement parts can be found at an affordable price. This video provides a great tutorial on how to replace that broken screen and also how to take apart your phone should any other problems exist. Please feel free to comment below. We also provide a selection of Kyocera Zio phone cases in the link below to protect your phone against any accidental drops in the future.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Kyocera Hydro underwater video
For those of you who are looking for visual proof of the capabilities of the Kyocera Hydro's underwater camera, this video is for you. The Kyocera Hydro has been designed with state of the art case technology to resist water and shock to a level that is unheard of in the industry. Enjoy the video above and feel free to follow the link below for great low cost high quality accessories.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
How to Root Kyocera Rise on the First Try
If you are looking to root your Kyocera Rise, then just follow the video above and be sure and download the applications below. Rooting your phone will allow you to use 3rd party apps that were otherwise blocked from your phone as well as downloading newer and better operating systems long before they are released. Just follow the steps closely and you will be enjoying a newly powerful Kyocera Rise with no limitations. If you are looking for great accessories for your Kyocera Rise, feel free to follow our accessories link below as well.
Monday, June 16, 2014
Kyocera Hydro Icon Available Tuesday June 17th
Hitting the shelves of Boost Mobile on Tuesday June 17th is the highly anticipated Kyocera Hydro Icon. Powered by Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, the Hydro Icon is an entry-level handset designed to take the beatings that come with summer. Be it a drop in the pool or falling out of a pocket, the MilSpec 810G and IP57-rated phone should take its licks in stride.
The Icon has a 4.5-inch display, 4G LTE, and 8GB internal storage (with microSD expansion). In terms of cameras, the it packs an 8-megapixel rear shooter and 2-megapixel front-facing selfie-snapper. Rounding out the hardware are a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, NFC (near-field communications), and a 2,000mAh battery with wireless charging capability.
Sunday, June 15, 2014
How to root your Kyocera Event Part 2
As technology grows and time passes, our devices slowly become obsolete. However, since all cellular devices are mini computers they are able to be updated much like your home computers. Operating systems and programs can be added and changed just like your laptop or desktop models. However, the phone companies have locked down these files to insure that nosy customers don't erase or change a file they shouldn't have that the typical phone kiosk guy could never fix. This is where the root comes into play. By manipulating these files you will be able to upload newer operating systems and programs that were previously blocked. This video explains the process and is easy to follow. Please feel free to comment and to check out our link below for great Kyocera products.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
How to root your Kyocera Event Part 1
As technology grows and time passes, our devices slowly become obsolete. However, since all cellular devices are mini computers they are able to be updated much like your home computers. Operating systems and programs can be added and changed just like your laptop or desktop models. However, the phone companies have locked down these files to insure that nosy customers don't erase or change a file they shouldn't have that the typical phone kiosk guy could never fix. This is where the root comes into play. By manipulating these files you will be able to upload newer operating systems and programs that were previously blocked. This video explains the process and is easy to follow. Please feel free to comment and to check out our link below for great Kyocera products.
Friday, June 13, 2014
kyocera phone that turns into a robot
that turns into a robot
This old video is a parody of all the useless functions of many phones. How funny it is that it shows the problems with auto-type long before it was fully introduced to the market. Sometimes just having a durable phone you can depend on is all that's really important. Please feel free to follow the link below for great Kyocera Accessories at a great price.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Top 10 Reasons Why You Should ROOT ANY Android Phone
Rooting is a common trick used for either setting your phone back to factory settings but also to gain access to your systems root files. This video explains all the benefits of jail breaking an android device despite the android systems open functionality. Jail breaking is a common function found on the extremely restricted Apple products but some devices are very restricted when it comes to software updates, weaker camera functions, etc. This video will allow your powerful device to never become obsolete.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Kyocera Rise Root Help
This video is designed for those of you who would like to reset their phone back to the original factory settings when the phone was purchased. This method of format will completely erase all apps and erase any custom settings that you or the previous user would have installed. This method is commonly used before a phone is sold or if the phone is performing undesirably and will not function otherwise. Please enjoy the video tutorial and feel free to check out our many accessories for the Rise below.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Kyocera Hydro Icon
Kyocera Hydro Icon
The all new Kyocera Hydro Icon is Kyocera's latest smartphone built with everyday-rugged protection. It's IP57 certified waterproof for up to 3 feet for 30 minutes. The Hydro Icon also has a 4.5" impact-resistant qHD touchscreen and is MilSpec 810G rated for Shock and Drops. With wireless charging, 8MP rear- & 2MP front-facing cameras and Smart Sonic Receiver to make sure you never miss a sound, you can live more and fear less with Kyocera Hydro Icon.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Kyocera Hydro Edge Water Drop Test
This video is designed for those of you who would like to reset their phone back to the original factory settings when the phone was purchased. This method of format will completely erase all apps and erase any custom settings that you or the previous user would have installed. This method is commonly used before a phone is sold or if the phone is performing undesirably and will not function otherwise. Please enjoy the video tutorial and feel free to check out our many accessories for the Rise below.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Top 6 Best Kyocera Phones with Sprint Plans
This video describes 6 great Kyocera Phones which are great designs. I'm not so sure I would put them up against the newer models which are much more powerful, but hey, everyone is entitled to an opinion. Enjoy the video and feel free to leave any comments below.
1. Kyocera Torque 4G Android Phone (Sprint)
2. Kyocera Rise Android Phone (Sprint)
3. Kyocera Milano Android Phone (Sprint)
4. Kyocera Echo Android Phone (Sprint)
5. Kyocera Brio Phone, Grey (Sprint)
6. Kyocera Duracore Phone (Sprint)
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Kyocera Phone Accessories
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Hydro XTRM - Durable Smartphone for Business
As an adventurer, author, and official Kyocera product tester, torrential downpours, mountains, and extreme temperatures are a few of Bear Gryll's workplace hazards. He assembled a team of professionals notorious for being hard on their phones to see how Hydro XTRM takes on other work environments and conquer their every workday.
Monday, June 2, 2014
How Liquipel Will Make Your Phone Waterproof
We all know how the Kyocera models are designed to make your phone water resistant, but this invention takes it to a whole new level. Liquipel is a new Nano-technological coating that is applied to any device and renders your device completely waterproof. The coating is applied through the use of a gas which penetrates and coats the device without short circuiting the valuable electronics inside. The coating is completely breathable which allows your device to breathe and not overheat. Please enjoy the video and feel free to leave any comments below. For anyone looking to protect their device beyond waterproofing, we provide screen protectors and phone cases at an affordable price by following the link below.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Kyocera HydroXTRM: Multitask Your Apps
Multitasking is part of our everyday busy lives. This brief tutorial shows you how to take full advantage of the many shortcuts and advantages that the Hydro XTRM offers. With so many features and these tips on how to maximize their potential, it makes the Kyocera Hydro XTRM a tough phone to beat considering their indestructible construction.
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