Engadget Mobile http://www.engadgetmobile.com Engadget Mobile http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget Mobile http://www.engadgetmobile.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[KDDI au unveils summer '09 lineup: e-books, solar power, and 720p recording]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/05/24/kddi-au-unveils-summer-09-lineup-e-books-solar-power-and-720/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/05/24/kddi-au-unveils-summer-09-lineup-e-books-solar-power-and-720/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/05/24/kddi-au-unveils-summer-09-lineup-e-books-solar-power-and-720/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Japanese carrier KDDI au has now followed Softbank and NTT DoCoMo in pulling the red velvet cover off its summer 2009 devices, and as always, there are some neat tricks in here. From Toshiba, the Biblio is billed as an e-book reader; granted, it's using an LCD instead of an E-Ink display, but it's a doozy at 3.5 inches at 960 x 480. It features 7GB of user-accessible storage on board for books, and also has a slide-out dynamic keyboard that can display a numeric pad in the portrait orientation or full QWERTY in landscape. Moving on, the Sharp Sportio Water Beat -- as its name suggests -- is a waterproof sports-oriented set with advanced calorie and distance tracking (a la Nike+), but you're still never too far from your true destiny as a couch potato thanks to the phone's one-seg reception. Next, the Hitachi Mobile Hi-Vision Cam Wooo is the latest in the multimedia-centric Wooo series, becoming KDDI's first phone capable of 720p video recording at 30fps -- and there's HDMI-out on board for when the time comes to enjoy your footage. Finally, the SH002 is the realization of Sharp's solar phone concept from earlier this year, delivering one minute of talk time for every 10 minutes of charge time. There are other announcements in the mix here -- eight new phones in total -- but those were the killers of the bunch, and as always, this post is about as close as most North Americans will ever get to them.

[Via Engadget Japanese]

KDDI au unveils summer '09 lineup: e-books, solar power, and 720p recording originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Sun, 24 May 2009 23:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aubibliocasiocdmaclamshellev doevdofliphitachijapankddikddi auKddiAukyoceraotherssh002sharpsolarsolar phoneSolarPhonetoshibawoooSun, 24 May 2009 23:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Antenna developer sues boatloads of manufacturers]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/05/12/antenna-developer-sues-boatloads-of-manufacturers/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/05/12/antenna-developer-sues-boatloads-of-manufacturers/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/05/12/antenna-developer-sues-boatloads-of-manufacturers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Modern phones deeply rely on the ability to efficiently switch between two, three, or even more bands, a sad reality of the patchwork map of available spectrum the nations of the world have imposed on themselves. That kind of multiband tech requires really awesome miniaturized antenna tech, and a Spanish company, Fractus, says that a whole bunch of the world's top-tier manufacturers are blatantly violating its IP in the field. It's suing Samsung, LG, RIM, Pantech, Kyocera, Palm, HTC, Sharp, UTStarcom, and Sanyo for allegedly infringing on a total of nine patents it holds; the company doesn't specify what kinds of damages it's seeking, but something tells us it's a huge-ish number. Considering that we're pretty big fans of reception, this is a suit we can kinda get behind -- assuming Fractus' claims are legit, of course.

[Via Phone Scoop]

Antenna developer sues boatloads of manufacturers originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Tue, 12 May 2009 05:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antennafractushtckyoceralawsuitlgpalmpantechpatentresearch in motionresearchinmotionrimsamsungsanyoTue, 12 May 2009 05:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Kyocera shows off preposterous, beautiful EOS folding OLED phone concept]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/04/16/kyocera-shows-off-preposterous-beautiful-eos-folding-oled-phone/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/04/16/kyocera-shows-off-preposterous-beautiful-eos-folding-oled-phone/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/04/16/kyocera-shows-off-preposterous-beautiful-eos-folding-oled-phone/#commentsFiled under: ,


We're big fans of reality and feasibility, we swear, but something like this "EOS" concept phone Kyocera was showing off at CTIA is just too good to pass up. The handset folds up into what could roughly be described as a wallet shape, but folds out into two configurations: portrait QWERTY mode (pictured), and full-on widescreen OLED display (after the break). Samsung was showing similar screen-folding folding abilities, but a much less impressive handset, at CES. Things get even wilder, tough, with Kyocera envisioning shape memory keys that can morph flat when not in use, and a kinetic charging method based on piezoelectric generators and Mary Poppins. Sure, our great grandkids are going to have a good laugh at us for thinking this is lovable, but they always were a bunch of theoretical brats. Kyocera plans on implementing some of the concept ideas into its "near future" lineup of devices. We'll see how that pans out.

[Via Inhabitat, photo courtesy of Jeffrey Sass]

Continue reading Kyocera shows off preposterous, beautiful EOS folding OLED phone concept

Kyocera shows off preposterous, beautiful EOS folding OLED phone concept originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ctiafoldingfolding phonefolding screenFoldingPhoneFoldingScreenkyoceraoledscreen foldingScreenFoldingThu, 16 Apr 2009 18:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Kyocera G2GO and Laylo hands-on]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/04/03/kyocera-g2go-and-laylo-hands-on/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/04/03/kyocera-g2go-and-laylo-hands-on/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/04/03/kyocera-g2go-and-laylo-hands-on/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

To Americans, the full-QWERTY G2GO will end up being known better as the X-tc on Virgin Mobile when it launches next week; the Laylo numeric slider hasn't been announced for launch on any carrier just yet, but Kyocera assured us that they're in talks to bring it to market (likely also with Virgin Mobile, if we had to muster a guess). Neither device is going to blow anyone away with sheer, unadulterated functionality or beauty, but they make perfect sense for Virgin's value-conscious audience, and the G2GO / X-tc might be Virgin's best-looking QWERTY device to date. We struggled a bit with the Laylo's send and end keys -- they're not tactile, but the slide mechanism's loose enough to make you wonder about the build quality every time your fingertip touches the icon. Pre-production jitters, perhaps?

Gallery: Kyocera G2GO and Laylo hands-on


Kyocera G2GO and Laylo hands-on originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmactiactia 2009Ctia2009featuresg2gohands onhands-onHandsOnkyoceralaylom1400m2000mvnosvirgin mobilevirginmobileFri, 03 Apr 2009 15:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Kyocera intros G2GO M2000 and Laylo M1400 handsets at CTIA]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/04/01/kyocera-intros-g2go-m2000-and-laylo-m1400-handsets-at-ctia/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/04/01/kyocera-intros-g2go-m2000-and-laylo-m1400-handsets-at-ctia/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/04/01/kyocera-intros-g2go-m2000-and-laylo-m1400-handsets-at-ctia/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


As the handset news begins to flow at CTIA, we've got a new duo from Kyocera splashing down in CDMA land. Up first is the G2GO M2000 (a follow to the Lingo M1000), which sports a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, Bluetooth, 1.3 megapixel camera, 2.4-inch QVGA display, MP3 player, an accelerometer and a microSD expansion slot. Next, we're looking at the Laylo M1400 slider (shown after the break), which features Bluetooth 2.0, a calculator, scheduler, stopwatch, timer, tip calculator and little else. Not a peep on pricing, availability or what carriers will be picking this up, but we'll keep an ear to the ground for more.

[Via MobileBurn]

Continue reading Kyocera intros G2GO M2000 and Laylo M1400 handsets at CTIA

Kyocera intros G2GO M2000 and Laylo M1400 handsets at CTIA originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmaCTIACTIA 2009Ctia2009ev doevdoG2GOG2GO M2000G2goM2000KyoceraLayloLaylo M1400LayloM1400M1400M2000QWERTYsanyosliderWed, 01 Apr 2009 17:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Sanyo's QWERTY-packin' SCP-2700 lands on Sprint]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/03/31/sanyos-qwerty-packin-scp-2700-lands-on-sprint/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/03/31/sanyos-qwerty-packin-scp-2700-lands-on-sprint/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/03/31/sanyos-qwerty-packin-scp-2700-lands-on-sprint/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Not that we're blindsided by its official introduction or anything, but it's still good to see Sanyo's SCP-2700 in one clear, crisp, cohesive press photo. Available exclusively on Sprint, the QWERTY-equipped handset boasts a 1.3 megapixel camera, Sprint Navigation, threaded text messaging support and Bluetooth. Prospective buyers will need to choose between Impulsive Pink (with a subtle floral overlay) and Deep Blue (which has a tactile square designer pattern on its back), but considering that you've got until May 10th to decide, we'd say there's no real hurry. Oh, and pricing? $29.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and signing away your cellular soul for two long, painful years.

Sanyo's QWERTY-packin' SCP-2700 lands on Sprint originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>candybarcdmaev doevdokyoceraKyocera SANYOKyoceraSanyoqwertysanyoSCP-2700sprintTue, 31 Mar 2009 14:48:00 EST<![CDATA[ITT sues Verizon, phone makers aplenty over GPS patent]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/03/25/itt-sues-verizon-phone-makers-aplenty-over-gps-patent/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/03/25/itt-sues-verizon-phone-makers-aplenty-over-gps-patent/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/03/25/itt-sues-verizon-phone-makers-aplenty-over-gps-patent/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

This one's pretty light on specifics at the moment, but it looks like manufacturing giant ITT Corp is none too happy with Verizon and a whole host of cellphone manufacturers including the likes of Motorola, Nokia, LG, and Kyocera, and it's now gone so far as to sue the whole lot over alleged patent infringement. Apparently, ITT thinks that the group of companies all violated one of its GPS patents that relates to position information being transmitted in urban areas with line-of-sight obstructions. As a result of that alleged wrong doing, ITT says it has been "irreparably harmed," and that it "has suffered, and will continue to suffer substantial damages." To remedy that situation, ITT is asking for a jury trial, unspecified royalties, and a permanent injunction against all of the defendants, although it is being kind enough to allow for an exemption for any activities necessary to support 911 emergency functions.

[Thanks, Joel]

ITT sues Verizon, phone makers aplenty over GPS patent originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gpsittitt corpIttCorpkyoceralgmotorolanokiapatentpatent infringementPatentInfringementqualcommverizon wirelessverizonwirelessWed, 25 Mar 2009 15:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Virgin Mobile launches Kyocera X-tc: inexpensive QWERTY for all]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/02/04/virgin-mobile-launches-kyocera-x-tc/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/02/04/virgin-mobile-launches-kyocera-x-tc/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/02/04/virgin-mobile-launches-kyocera-x-tc/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Virgin Mobile's found this gem of a low-cost Kyocera set somewhere in the storehouses, dubbed it the X-tc and have started selling it. The X-tc has a slide out QWERTY keypad, 1.3 megapixel camera, Bluetooth, QVGA 262k color display, all manner of mail and messaging, all for $99 -- which includes shipping and activation. Sure, Virgin Mobile has the (ancient) Wild Card, and Ocean 2, but honestly, for the money and the basic good looks, we think this is a steal. So if you're looking for a basic messaging handset and want to stick to, or provide some loved one with service, hit up Virgin Mobile to at least check it out.

[Via PhoneScoop]

Virgin Mobile launches Kyocera X-tc: inexpensive QWERTY for all originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kyocerakyocera xtcKyoceraXtcvirgin mobileVirginMobileX-tcxtcWed, 04 Feb 2009 16:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Kyocera's NS01 wants to reside on your belt]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/02/01/kyoceras-ns01-wants-to-reside-on-your-belt/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/02/01/kyoceras-ns01-wants-to-reside-on-your-belt/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/02/01/kyoceras-ns01-wants-to-reside-on-your-belt/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


You know -- after gawking at smartphones all day, Kyocera's latest flip phone just looks stunning in its own simplistic way. Sure, there's nothing at all fancy about the NS01 that we mentioned in our KDDI blowout. It just makes / receives calls, sends the occasional text message and displays information on a 2.8-inch QVGA display; heck, even the two megapixel camera doesn't make it extraordinary. Still, the all white design just does it for us, and the included belt strap is simply too cute to ignore. 'Tis a shame we aren't privy to pricing details, but folks over in Japan should be able to snag one soon on KDDI.

Kyocera's NS01 wants to reside on your belt originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Sun, 01 Feb 2009 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmaev doevdoflipflip phoneFlipPhonejapankddikyoceraNS01Sun, 01 Feb 2009 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[KDDI au announces Spring 2009 collection]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/01/31/kddi-au-announces-spring-2009-collection/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/01/31/kddi-au-announces-spring-2009-collection/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/01/31/kddi-au-announces-spring-2009-collection/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


Japan's KDDI au wows with the timely delivery of one of its signature seasonal line changes. Spring 2009 looks to be off to a stunning start with OLED displays, 8-plus megapixel cameras, one-seg TV, 3D display, and just about every wireless connectivity option we can dream up. As per, these are all candybar-style sets with the notable exception of the sliding Sony Ericsson Cyber-shot S001 (black phone above) and the two-way Hitachi H001 (purple phone) above. We've created a gallery for each so hit the read link for the complete rundown.

Continue reading KDDI au announces Spring 2009 collection

KDDI au announces Spring 2009 collection originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 13:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DauCA001casiofeaturedfeaturesH001japanK001KDDIKDDi auKddiAukyoceraNS01NS02one-segothersP001pantechPremier3S001SH001sony ericssonsonyericssonT001toshibaSat, 31 Jan 2009 13:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Kyocera consolidates handset businesses, cuts 360 jobs in the process]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/01/30/kyocera-consolidates-handset-businesses-cuts-360-jobs-in-the-pr/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/01/30/kyocera-consolidates-handset-businesses-cuts-360-jobs-in-the-pr/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/01/30/kyocera-consolidates-handset-businesses-cuts-360-jobs-in-the-pr/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's only been a year since Kyocera snapped up Sanyo's cellphone business in a bid to expand its mobile empire, but it looks like the company is already being forced to reorganize its handset businesses into something leaner and, it hopes, meaner. The biggest shake-up comes in the company's U.S. offices, which will now be focused exclusively sales, support, and business development, leaving all the handset design to be done at its Kyocera Wireless and Sanyo Telecom units in Japan, which themselves will be further consolidated in an effort to "enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the combined global handset business," according to company President Rodney Lanthorne. All of that will result in the loss of some 360 jobs, most of which will come from Kyocera's operations in San Diego and Chatsworth, California, as well as its subsidiary in Bangalore, India.

[Via Phone Scoop]

Kyocera consolidates handset businesses, cuts 360 jobs in the process originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kyocerakyocera wirelessKyoceraWirelesssanyoFri, 30 Jan 2009 18:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitachi H001 with 3D display leads up KDDI au's Spring 2009 lineup]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/01/29/hitachi-h001-with-3d-display-leads-up-kddi-aus-spring-2009-line/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/01/29/hitachi-h001-with-3d-display-leads-up-kddi-aus-spring-2009-line/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/01/29/hitachi-h001-with-3d-display-leads-up-kddi-aus-spring-2009-line/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


So KDDI's latest lineup of new phones features the usual array of 8.1 megapixel cameras, wide VGA displays, one-seg TV tuners, and teleporters, but one particular handset stood out: Hitachi's Wooo H001. The dual-hinge flip's claim to fame -- well, besides the bizarre color scheme -- has to be the stereoscopic IPS display that presumably uses the same parallax barrier method shown off by the carrier late last year. The phone will happily serve up 3D-ified versions of various UI elements and mobile TV content, and when you start to get woozy (or Wooozy, as it were), just flip a switch and you're back to the reassuring flatness you're used to. It'll launch in three colors in April, and naturally, you'll have to be in Japan to get it.

[Via Akihabara News]

Hitachi H001 with 3D display leads up KDDI au's Spring 2009 lineup originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 01:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dca001casiocdmaclamshellcyber-shotericssonev doevdofliph001hitachijapank001kddikddi auKddiAukyoceraothersp001panasonicpremier 3Premier3s001sh001sonysony ericssonSonyEricssont001toshibawoooThu, 29 Jan 2009 01:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Willcom's BAUM and WX340K handsets are clearly delicacies]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/01/24/willcoms-baum-and-wx340k-handsets-are-clearly-delicacies/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/01/24/willcoms-baum-and-wx340k-handsets-are-clearly-delicacies/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/01/24/willcoms-baum-and-wx340k-handsets-are-clearly-delicacies/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Only in a market where a diamond-studded mobile sells out in three days during economic turmoil will you find a not-too-riveting handset being served up for brunch. Over at what we can only assume was a lively presser in Japan, Willcom has taken the wraps off of its WX340K flip phone and ultrathin BAUM candybar (both crafted by Kyocera). Outside of style alone, neither phone is all that mesmerizing, with the former packing a 2.7-inch QVGA display, two megapixel camera with AutoFocus, POP / SMPT support and a NetFront browser; the latter simply changes it up with a 2.4-inch LCD. Both critters fully support the FeliCa e-wallet system, though pricing and availability details seem to be missing. More completely odd hands-on shots are in the read link.

[Via Engadget Japanese]

Willcom's BAUM and WX340K handsets are clearly delicacies originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Sat, 24 Jan 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BAUMcandybarfeliciaflipflip phoneFlipPhonehands-onjapankyocerapicspictureswillcomWX340KSat, 24 Jan 2009 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Low-end Kyocera S1300 candybar survives the FCC]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/12/11/low-end-kyocera-s1300-candybar-survives-the-fcc/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/12/11/low-end-kyocera-s1300-candybar-survives-the-fcc/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/12/11/low-end-kyocera-s1300-candybar-survives-the-fcc/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


And by "survive," we mean "survives the awful FCC photography clinic." All kidding aside, the photos this time didn't turn out too bad, but maybe that's because this phone is about as plain as plain can get. In fact, we'd suggest this here candybar is just marginally more sophisticated that those incredibly simplistic senior phones, though it does include a tri-band CDMA radio, GPS, speakerphone and a presumably putrid web browser. It's practically a lock for someone like MetroPCS, but we suppose only time will tell.

[Via phonescoop]

Low-end Kyocera S1300 candybar survives the FCC originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 02:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>candybarcdmaentry levelentry-levelEntryLevelev doevdoFCCKyoceralow endlow-endLowEndS1300Thu, 11 Dec 2008 02:13:00 EST<![CDATA[KDDI au's fall / winter 2008 lineup]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/12/01/kddi-aus-fall-winter-2008-lineup/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/12/01/kddi-aus-fall-winter-2008-lineup/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/12/01/kddi-aus-fall-winter-2008-lineup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


As Japan's CDMA big dog, KDDI au holds a unique spot in the market -- but if you think that means they're light on offerings against the more popular HSPA models supported by NTT DoCoMo and Softbank, you'd be dead wrong. The carrier's latest lineup includes a monster camera-cum-phone-cum-camera from Casio, an AQUOS-branded Sharp that's just about big enough to replace your television (not really though), and updates of older models that are still high-tech enough to make most of us look like neanderthals.


Hitachi Wooo W63H

It looks like pretty much any other Japanese flip, but the W63H probably has just about the most gorgeous screen we'll never see. Why? Turns out this sucker packs 3.1 inches of wide VGA OLED bliss, which explains why it's using the same Wooo branding as Hitachi's line of HDTVs. The phone is also capable of smoothing out one-seg's standard 15fps frame rate to 30fps, features a 5-megapixel camera, and has 600MB of storage space on board. It's available in Garnet Orange (pictured), Sapphire Black, and Opal White.




Casio EXILIM W63CA

Let's jump right into the big guns, shall we? The W63CA matches the W63H's 3.1-inch WVGA OLED display, but ups the imaging ante with a massive 8.1-megapixel (well, 8.09-megapixel, technically) camera that features face-detecting autofocus -- and it's still 1.5mm thinner than the W53CA it replaces. At 17.4mm, it's not setting any records, granted -- but every little bit helps. This one can be had in Shine Pink, Ice White, Titanium Gold, and Metal Green.




Sharp AQUOS W64SH

If 3.1 inches isn't quite enough screen for you, step right on up to the AQUOS-branded W64SH from Sharp, offering a full 3.5-inches of wide VGA action with a high-contrast LED backlight -- all told, the largest display ever offered on a KDDI phone. You still make off with a 5.2-megapixel camera, 740MB of onboard memory, and global roaming capability, too. Earth Green, Mars Red, and Galaxy Black (get the theme?) are your color options here.




Toshiba W65T

If you tend to roll with the slider crowd and the mighty W64SH is just a little more phone than you need, we might recommend the W65T, Toshiba's entry with a 3.2-megapixel cam, 2.8-inch OLED display (REGZA branded, natch), and a motion sensor that doubles as a pedometer / calorie counter. It can be had in Live Pink, Fresh White, Splash Blue, or Jet Black.




Kyocera W65K

Even the especially uninteresting phones in the lineup manage to stay interesting by doing things like, say, varying the style of the keypad between colors. Depending on whether you choose the W65K in Clair White, Fleur Pink, or Luxe Silver, you'll get a different texture of shell and a totally different look to the keypad -- techy for white, stylish for pink, and sans for silver. Oh, and the whole package is waterproof, which seems to be a popular differentiator on a few models in Japan. Otherwise, though, you're getting stuck with a 2-megapixel camera and a mere 100MB of memory, so you'd better seriously take advantage of that waterproofness with an occasional toilet or bathtub accident. And if you're curious just how waterproof it is, well, "the unit will retain its functionality as a phone even if blasted with water projected at all angles through 6.3mm nozzles at a flow rate of approximately 12.5 liters/minute for more than 3 minutes from a distance of approximately 3 meters." So there you have it.




Sony Ericsson W64S

It kinda irks us that Sony Ericsson can make beautiful CDMA devices for Japan but won't bother to ship a few to the US, where CDMA carriers have been Sony Ericsson-less for years -- but that's just the way the cookie crumbles, we suppose. The W64S offers a 3.2-megapixel camera, 2.7-inch display, GSM global roaming, and "30 different patterns of illumination" on the stylized face. Grab it in Diamond Pink, Snow White, Lattice Black, or Mist Blue.




Panasonic W62P

KDDI pulls no punches with the W62P -- it's a "fashion accessory" more than it is a monster of Japanese technology, but for some buyers, we're sure that's quite alright. Panasonic's latest flip clocks in at just 12.9mm and offers a 2-megapixel cam, 2.9-inch primary display, and automatic opening with the push of a button (a feature we'd like to see on more flips around the world, actually). It comes in your choice of Candide Pink, Charmant Gold, and Intelligent Purple.




Toshiba W64T

Borrowing cues from the W62P, the W64T is billed as a "cosmetic phone that sparkles with elegance." Translation: "more show than go." The funky face is accompanied by a 3.2-megapixel cam, 2.8-inch WQVGA display, and the usual array of features like one-seg tuning, navigation, Osaifu-Keitai for NFC payments, and downloadable fonts. Scoop this one up in Shining Pink, Shining Turquoise, or -- you guessed it -- Shining White.




Sony Ericsson Full Change re

This is the same re that we saw from the summer collection, they've just added more colors to the palette. Sony Ericsson's fashion-friendly flip is now available in Glossy White, Clean Green, Blooming Pink, Active Orange, Sleek Silver, Deep Red, Lustrous Blue, Silky Lavender (pictured), Mat Black, and Luminous Gold, plus a special James Bond Quantum of Solace edition to tie into the movie's release, which Sony sponsors.

KDDI au's fall / winter 2008 lineup originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aquoscasiocdmaclamshellericssonev doevdoexilimfliphitachjapankddikddi auKddiAukyoceraotherspanasonicresharpslidersonysony ericssonSonyEricssontoshibaw62pw63caw63hw64sw64shw65kw65twoooMon, 01 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mobile phone sales drop 20% in Japan on less bountiful carrier subsidies]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/08/05/mobile-phone-sales-drop-20-in-japan-on-less-bountiful-carrier-s/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/08/05/mobile-phone-sales-drop-20-in-japan-on-less-bountiful-carrier-s/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/08/05/mobile-phone-sales-drop-20-in-japan-on-less-bountiful-carrier-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


It doesn't take a finance major to figure out these two things are correlated, but yes, the fact that NTT DoCoMo saw profits increase some 41% while handset sales across Japan plummeted 20% do in fact have a common link. You see, DoCoMo (among others) has decided to lower rates and reduce subsidies in order to better exploit market conditions; the end result is that consumers are buying new handsets less often, leading to decreased sales for firms like Sharp and Matsushita. Many analysts are suggesting that some of the smaller outfits are likely to band together in an attempt to take on the new market, with IDC analyst Michito Kimura proclaiming that Japan would have "fewer mobile phone makers, fewer handset sales agents and fewer cellphone models." Hard to say if that's a net positive or negative just yet, but it should be interesting to watch, regardless.

[Via mocoNews, image courtesy of Flickr]

Mobile phone sales drop 20% in Japan on less bountiful carrier subsidies originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 19:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebusinesscasioearningsindustryjapankyoceraNECntt docomonttdocomootherspressureprofitprofitsTue, 05 Aug 2008 19:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Virgin Mobile releases TNT! (their exclamation point, not ours)]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/07/05/virgin-mobile-releases-tnt-their-exclamation-point-not-ours/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/07/05/virgin-mobile-releases-tnt-their-exclamation-point-not-ours/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/07/05/virgin-mobile-releases-tnt-their-exclamation-point-not-ours/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


If the Arc's a little too rich for your blood, Virgin Mobile's gone ahead and released another handset this week that should fit the bill nicely. The TNT! is a Kyocera-sourced flip with a color primary display, banner-style monochrome secondary display, speakerphone, basic web access, and not much else -- but if you're just looking for a way to blow through some of those prepaid minutes you've got lying around, that's pretty much all you need. It's available now for $19.99.

[Thanks, Mike]

Virgin Mobile releases TNT! (their exclamation point, not ours) originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmakyoceramvnosvirgin mobilevirginmobileSat, 05 Jul 2008 20:11:00 EST<![CDATA[KDDI au announces Summer 2008 collection]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/06/08/kddi-au-announces-summer-2008-collection/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/06/08/kddi-au-announces-summer-2008-collection/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/06/08/kddi-au-announces-summer-2008-collection/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


In Japan, carriers tend to release new models in giant, blockbuster batches -- seasonal "collections" that leave the rest of the world green with envy. KDDI au is no exception, having just announced its predictably spectacular Summer 2008 lineup with entrants from Kyocera, Sony Ericsson, Sanyo, Sharp, Toshiba, Casio, and Korea's Pantech. Here's the rundown:
  • Hitachi Wooo W62H. KDDI is emphasizing this one's video and 3D gaming capabilities, both of which are assisted by the presence of a 2-way hinge for flipping out the screen in a landscape orientation. Comes in blue, silver, and black.
  • Sharp W62SH. The FM transmitter's kinda cool, and the three-inch WVGA screen should be perfect for watching Spiderman 2, which comes bundled with the phone. Purple, white, and gold are the color choices.
  • Sanyo W63SA. Global CDMA roaming and an integrated English-Japanese dictionary makes this one a solid choice for world travelers. Get this one in red, silver, or black.
  • Toshiba Sportio. As the name implies, this one's all about burnin' those calories with an integrated calorie counter. The candybar form factor is a refreshing change of pace in the lineup, but too bad about that QVGA display! Five colors to choose from here: orange, black, white, green, and red.
  • Casio G'zOne W62CA. Like its counterparts on Verizon, the W62CA is designed to take a beating without falling apart. It's impact resistant and waterproof, features a compass, thermometer, and GPS, and naturally, one-seg TV. Get it in green, black, or white.
  • Sanyo W64SA. This fashionable flip has some crazy light effects to go along with its crazy selection of colors, but other than that, it seems pretty pedestrian. If you can call a 2.8-inch WVGA display "pedestrian." It's available in pink, white, yellow, and black.
  • Sony Ericsson Full Change re. The WQVGA display is one metric ton of weak sauce, but as the "Full Change" name suggests, five individual pieces can be removed from the front, back, and top of the phone to create a totally customized handset. Shell choices include white, pink, green, orange, and silver.
  • Toshiba W62T. Seriously, what's up with all this WQVGA garbage? The W62T appears destined for the midrange, though the 3.2 megapixel camera ain't bad. Colors for this one are gold, pink, and black.
  • Kyocera W64K. Possibly leading up the bottom end of the collection, the W64K rocks a WQVGA display and a weak 2 megapixel cam. We see "basic capabilities" mentioned a couple times in the translated description for it, so that says pretty much all we need to know. Pink and gold are the only color options here.
  • Kyocera W62K. Whoa, and we thought the W64K was low end! 1.3 megapixel cam, QVGA (yeah, that's right, QVGA, not WQVGA) display. 'Nuff said. Beige, blue, and black are the choices here.
  • Kyocera W63K. The W63K candybar is just 10.8mm thick, but we're still not sure that we can forgive it for a meager 1.3 megapixel camera. Kyocera's seriously dragging here, in case you haven't noticed the trend. Black, burgundy, and beige.
  • Pantech W62PT. The only phone in the lineup sourced from a non-Japanese manufacturer, the Pantech's nothing to get too excited about with a QVGA display, but the presence of quick dial buttons directly below the screen indicates that this one's designed for folks that are looking for a simple, easy-to-use phone that's just enough to make voice calls -- and ironically, it's still better than a good percentage of the phones you'll find elsewhere in the world. It'll come in silver, gold, and pink.
Not a bad showing, especially considering that KDDI au stands out as Japan's major CDMA carrier in a country dominated by FOMA. Get 'em while they're hot, folks -- you know it's just a few months before the next collection debuts!

KDDI au announces Summer 2008 collection originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Sun, 08 Jun 2008 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aucandybarcasiocdmaclamshellericssonev doevdofeaturesflipfull changeFullChangegzonejapankddikddi auKddiAukyocerapantechresanyosharpsonysony ericssonSonyEricssonsportiosummer 2008Summer2008toshibaw62caw62kw62ptw62shw62tw63kw63saw64kw64sawoooSun, 08 Jun 2008 14:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with Kyocera's new CDMA and GSM wares]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/02/hands-on-with-kyoceras-new-cdma-and-gsm-wares/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/02/hands-on-with-kyoceras-new-cdma-and-gsm-wares/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/02/hands-on-with-kyoceras-new-cdma-and-gsm-wares/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


"Kyocera" and "GSM" are two words we're not used to putting in the same sentence, but we're going to have to start warming up to it now that the company has come rolling into CTIA with a full fleet of four GSM devices. Both its GSM and CDMA lineups here range from the very low end to the midrange; nothing terribly exciting, though the E3500 clamshell features a pretty familiar RAZR 2-esque design on the outside (complete with music controls) while managing to push the price point considerably lower -- of course, one only need open it up and glance at the size of the screen to see where the costs were cut.

Over on the CDMA side, we handled a limited edition Wild Card for Virgin -- not bad at all -- but the real draw here has to be the Neo E1100 with its "light-pipe" down the front. It's extremely difficult to show it off in pictures, but trust us, it works, and it's bright. Obviously it's a gimmick more than anything else, but rest assured, if your E1100 is sitting across the room on silent, you'll definitely know when you're getting a call.

Gallery: Hands-on with Kyocera's new CDMA and GSM wares

Hands-on with Kyocera's new CDMA and GSM wares originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmactiaedgeev doevdofeaturesgsmhands onhands-onHandsOnkyoceraWed, 02 Apr 2008 10:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Kyocera shows off new CDMA, GSM handsets at CTIA]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/01/kyocera-shows-off-new-cdma-gsm-handsets-at-ctia/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/01/kyocera-shows-off-new-cdma-gsm-handsets-at-ctia/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/04/01/kyocera-shows-off-new-cdma-gsm-handsets-at-ctia/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

ZTE isn't the only handset maker showing off AWS-friendly mobiles at CTIA, as Kyocera is making a similar splash with three new CDMA devices. Kicking things off is the Neo E1100, which boasts a 2.2-inch QVGA display, Bluetooth 2.0, 1.3-megapixel camera and a hidden OLED for Caller ID. Moving on, we've got the low-end Mako S400 clamshell, which touts a 1.8-inch screen, VGA camera, BT and a "large, graduated keypad." Rounding out the CDMA line is the Adreno S2400, which rocks a clamshell design, 1.8-inch LCD and a few other forgettable inclusions. Over on the GSM side, we're lookin' at the multimedia-lovin' E4600 slider, E3500 clamshell, E2500 candybar and the el cheapo S1600. Be sure and scrutinize those read links for more details on the whole lot, but don't expect to find any pricing info just yet.

Read - Kyocera Wireless Reveals Stylish CDMA Handsets at CTIA Wireless 2008
Read - Kyocera Wireless Makes Strategic Jump Into GSM Handset Market

Kyocera shows off new CDMA, GSM handsets at CTIA originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Adreno S2400AdrenoS2400cdmactiactia 2008Ctia2008E2500E3500E4600edgeev doevdogsmkyoceraMako S4000MakoS4000Neo E1100NeoE1100S1600Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Cricket Wireless offers unlimited data for $35 a month, look ma, no cap]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/03/23/cricket-wireless-offers-unlimited-data-for-35-a-month-look-ma/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/03/23/cricket-wireless-offers-unlimited-data-for-35-a-month-look-ma/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/03/23/cricket-wireless-offers-unlimited-data-for-35-a-month-look-ma/#commentsFiled under: ,

Here's a deal that's pretty tough to beat, Cricket is offering unlimited EVDO Rev. 0 data for only $35 -- after discount -- a month. What do you need to get yourself signed up you ask? The Kyocera KPC650 data card which will set you back $59 after various deals and rebates, willingness to shell out $35 beans for all you can chew data, and a willingness to not sign a contract. Fair, no? Of course, the service's footprint is really limited right now, so if you don't live in Nashville, Spokane, the Central Valley of California, Santa Fe / Albuquerque, or Portland, you can ignore this article. If anybody out there is already hooked up with this seemingly reasonable offer, drop us a line and let us know if you've found any snags. Here's hoping the market expands, really soon now.

[Via Gearlog]

Cricket Wireless offers unlimited data for $35 a month, look ma, no cap originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Sun, 23 Mar 2008 21:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cricketcricket wirelesskyoceraperipheralsunlimited dataUnlimitedDatawireless passportWirelessPassportSun, 23 Mar 2008 21:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Kyocera's mobile biz to China: we out, peace]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/03/kyoceras-mobile-biz-to-china-we-out-peace/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/03/kyoceras-mobile-biz-to-china-we-out-peace/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/02/03/kyoceras-mobile-biz-to-china-we-out-peace/#commentsFiled under:

Worn down by a brutally competitive local market dominated by cheaper handsets from both domestic and larger foreign manufacturers, Kyocera's throwing in the towel and leaving the Chinese market behind. President Makoto Kawamura revealed that its Chinese phone business, a joint venture with a local manufacturing firm, has lost between ¥700 and ¥800 million (about $6.55 to $7.49 million) every year since its inception in 2001, so it's giving up to concentrate on the Japanese and North American markets along with its shiny new acquisition from Sanyo. Pulling out ain't cheap, though: the company is ceding 45 percent of its 70 percent joint venture stake back to the manufacturer, the remainder to a Hong Kong-based company, and writing off about ¥850 million ($7.96 million) in debt. Maybe they'd have fared better making fake Touches? We're just throwing out ideas here.

Kyocera's mobile biz to China: we out, peace originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Sun, 03 Feb 2008 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinakyoceraSun, 03 Feb 2008 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[KDDI au announces Spring 2008 collection]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/01/28/kddi-au-announces-spring-2008-collection/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/01/28/kddi-au-announces-spring-2008-collection/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/01/28/kddi-au-announces-spring-2008-collection/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


Yes, friends, the time has come once again for Japan's carriers to upheave their still-fresh lineups and replace them with even fresher ones. Here we take a look at KDDI au's just-announced Spring '08 collection, including a model with an e-ink display and another with a 3 inch OLED. Wowza! Note that not all of these handsets are new -- some are carryovers from the carrier's Winter '07 collection, so we won't be covering those here. Read on.

Continue reading KDDI au announces Spring 2008 collection

KDDI au announces Spring 2008 collection originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 04:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aucasiocdmaclamshellev doevdofeaturesfliphitachijapankddikddi auKddiAukyoceraotherspanasonicpantechsanyoslidersonysony ericssonSonyEricssontoshibaw61caw61hw61kw61pw61ptw61sw61saw61tw62sw62saMon, 28 Jan 2008 04:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Willcom picks up a pair of sleek new candybars]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/01/21/willcom-picks-up-a-pair-of-sleek-new-candybars/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/01/21/willcom-picks-up-a-pair-of-sleek-new-candybars/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/01/21/willcom-picks-up-a-pair-of-sleek-new-candybars/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Check it, Willcom faithful. Two new candybar-styled handsets have emerged for your carrier of choice, and we must say, we're pretty envious. Up first is the Kyocera WX330K (or Honey Bee, as we prefer), which checks in at 42- x 120- x 9.9-millimeters, is available in five different hues and features a two-inch QVGA display, Opera 7.2 browser, IrDA and an eye-catching Call button (of all things). Next up is the elusive X Plate, a 64-gram sophisticated toy that boasts a 1.8-inch LCD along with Java and Flash support. Plenty of pics waiting in the links below, so go on, take a peek at what America's missing out on.

Read - Kyocera WX330K
Read - X Plate

Willcom picks up a pair of sleek new candybars originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>honey beeHoneyBeejapankyoceraphsW-OAMwillcomWX330Kx plateXPlateMon, 21 Jan 2008 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Sanyo sells cellphones (by the seashore) to Kyocera]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/01/21/sanyo-sells-cellphones-by-the-seashore-to-kyocera/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/01/21/sanyo-sells-cellphones-by-the-seashore-to-kyocera/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/01/21/sanyo-sells-cellphones-by-the-seashore-to-kyocera/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Sanyo just made official what's been rumored since August: the sale of its troubled cellphone division to Kyocera. The deal is set for completion on April 1st at a value of about $350 million. The deal involves about 2,000 employees moving from Sanyo's mobile phone operation to Kyocera where they can reminisce with ex-Qualcommers about the good ol' days.

Sanyo sells cellphones (by the seashore) to Kyocera originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Mon, 21 Jan 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionbreaking newsBreakingNewskyocerasanyoMon, 21 Jan 2008 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon launches Kyocera KPC680 EV-DO Rev. A ExpressCard]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/20/verizon-launches-kyocera-kpc680-ev-do-rev-a-expresscard/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/20/verizon-launches-kyocera-kpc680-ev-do-rev-a-expresscard/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/11/20/verizon-launches-kyocera-kpc680-ev-do-rev-a-expresscard/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Still waiting around to hop on the Rev. A highway? Although last week would've been a swell time to do so, now's not too bad either, and Verizon Wireless customers have yet another option at their fingertips. The Kyocera KPC680 ExpressCard is available now for anyone interested, and enables BroadbandAccess users to reach average download speeds of 600kbps to 1.4Mbps and upload speeds that range from 500kbps to 800kbps when situated in a Rev. A area. Additionally, this thing sports a "breakthrough" (ahem) antenna design that "moves the antenna away from the device as it is opened, providing greater sensitivity, dual external antenna ports for signal flexibility and a compact form factor." Get yours now for just $49.99 after a mail-in rebate and throwing your John Hancock on a two-year agreement.

Verizon launches Kyocera KPC680 EV-DO Rev. A ExpressCard originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmaev doev-do rev aev-do rev.aEv-doRev.aEv-doRevAevdoexpresscardKPC680kyoceramobile broadbandmobile internetMobileBroadbandMobileInternetperipheralsrev arev. aRev.ARevAverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwTue, 20 Nov 2007 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[KDDI au's Autumn and Winter 2007 collection]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/10/27/kddi-aus-autumn-and-winter-2007-collection/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/10/27/kddi-aus-autumn-and-winter-2007-collection/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/10/27/kddi-aus-autumn-and-winter-2007-collection/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


It's that time of year again -- that magical time when Japanese carriers pull out all the stops and deliver a mind-numbing swath of new models at once. KDDI au's rocking seven all-new models for its fall / winter '07 collection, perhaps most notably the Infobar 2 candybar that bubbled out of its ongoing concept design program. All told, we have entries from six manufacturers here spanning the candybar, slider, and clamshell (naturally) form factors, so it pretty much goes without saying that KDDI customers should have no trouble finding the phone of their dreams in this motherlode. Forge on for a closer look at each of the new models.

Continue reading KDDI au's Autumn and Winter 2007 collection

KDDI au's Autumn and Winter 2007 collection originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Sat, 27 Oct 2007 19:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aucdmaericssonev doevdofeaturesinfobarinfobar 2Infobar2japankddikddi auKddiAukyoceraotherssonysony ericssonSonyEricssontoshibaw54sw56tSat, 27 Oct 2007 19:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Virgin Mobile deals the Kyocera Wild Card]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/10/19/virgin-mobile-deals-the-kyocera-wild-card/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/10/19/virgin-mobile-deals-the-kyocera-wild-card/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/10/19/virgin-mobile-deals-the-kyocera-wild-card/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Virgin Mobile is officially dipping its toes into smartphone water with its latest offering, the Kyocera Wild Card. Of course, how deep into that particular pool both companies are going is a question for the ages. The Wild Card isn't exactly the most robust phone you'll ever get your hands on, though the flip-phone does offer a QWERTY keypad, dual screens, a 1.3-megapixel camera, Bluetooth integration, and a WAP browser. The hitch is that you'll have to view that browser on a 128 x 160 screen, which is painfully, embarrassingly small -- though they do throw in Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man to keep you distracted. Hey, for a price point of $99, you could do way, way worse. The phone is available now from your friendly neighborhood Virgin Mobile dealer.

Virgin Mobile deals the Kyocera Wild Card originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Fri, 19 Oct 2007 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmaflip phoneFlipPhonekyoceramvnospre paid wirelessPrePaidWirelessqwertyvirgin mobileVirginMobilewild cardWildCardFri, 19 Oct 2007 09:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Kyocera said to be ever so close to buying Sanyo's cellphone biz]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/10/11/kyocera-said-to-be-ever-so-close-to-buying-sanyos-cellphone-biz/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/10/11/kyocera-said-to-be-ever-so-close-to-buying-sanyos-cellphone-biz/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/10/11/kyocera-said-to-be-ever-so-close-to-buying-sanyos-cellphone-biz/#commentsFiled under: ,

Kyocera has already shown it was pretty serious about buying Sanyo's cellphone business, and it now looks like that persistence may be about to pay off, with the two companies reportedly all but set to announce a deal. While the final price has apparently yet to be fixed, Nikkei says Kyocera has offered 70 billion yen (or nearly $600 million) for the business, although that price may wind up being a bit lower after Kyocera has done all its due diligence. As Reuters points out, if the deal goes through, it would make Kyocera the world's seventh-largest cellphone business, up from its current 10th place position. That possibility should become clear soon enough, as the deal could apparently be announced as early as today.

Kyocera said to be ever so close to buying Sanyo's cellphone biz originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Thu, 11 Oct 2007 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionbusinesscellphone businessCellphoneBusinesskyocerasanyoThu, 11 Oct 2007 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Kyocera Lingo clamshell comes to Cricket]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/10/05/kyocera-lingo-clamshell-comes-to-cricket/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/10/05/kyocera-lingo-clamshell-comes-to-cricket/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/10/05/kyocera-lingo-clamshell-comes-to-cricket/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Cricket customers can now pick up Kyocera's newest QWERTY-packin' clamshell for around $200, and aside from the slightly unattractive design, you will find quite a lot to keep your thumbs happy. Dubbed a "text messaging machine," the Lingo (also known as the M1000) boasts a standard numeric keypad on the outside and flips open to reveal a QWERTY keyboard. Furthermore, you'll get a 1.3-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, a Li-ion battery good for three hours of yappin' (or 200 hours in standby), voice recognition, dual color displays and a speakerphone to boot. If you're interested, it's available directly from Cricket as we speak.

[Via PhoneScoop]

Kyocera Lingo clamshell comes to Cricket originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Fri, 05 Oct 2007 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothcdmaclamshellCricketkyoceraleapleap wirelessLeapWirelesslingoqwertyFri, 05 Oct 2007 14:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Kyocera's Wild Card for Virgin Mobile does 3G]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/20/kyoceras-wild-card-for-virgin-mobile-does-3g/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/20/kyoceras-wild-card-for-virgin-mobile-does-3g/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/20/kyoceras-wild-card-for-virgin-mobile-does-3g/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Bluetooth fever: catch it! Virgin finally caught wind of this newfangled Bluetooth standard with its most recent release, the Super Slice, and we're glad to see the trend continues. Hints of the Switch_Back's replacement -- christened "Wild Card" apparently -- are starting to circulate around Virgin's US site, and fans of the original are probably going to like what they see. The center d-pad placement on the QWERTY keyboard and the smallish innter display both carry over, while Bluetooth is a key add-on. It gets better, though: the Wild Card looks set to possibly become Virgin's first 3G device, with "high-speed data service" specifically mentioned on page 9 of the user's manual. Bleeding edge, eh? What's next, Virgin, a 2 megapixel cam?

[Thanks, Mitchell K.]

Read - Small picture of the Wild Card
Read - Kyocera Wild Card user's manual [Warning: PDF link]

Kyocera's Wild Card for Virgin Mobile does 3G originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmaev doevdokyoceram1000mvnosqwertyvirginvirgin mobileVirginMobilewild cardWildCardThu, 20 Sep 2007 09:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Kyocera gettin' serious about buying Sanyo's mobile biz?]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/14/kyocera-gettin-serious-about-buying-sanyos-mobile-biz/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/14/kyocera-gettin-serious-about-buying-sanyos-mobile-biz/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/09/14/kyocera-gettin-serious-about-buying-sanyos-mobile-biz/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Sure, it was all fun and games when folks were just tossing about the idea, but it seems that Kyocera may be taking this whole deal a bit more seriously than we previously assumed. Reportedly, "Kyocera [is aiming] to buy Sanyo's cell phone operations for about ¥50 billion ($435 million)," and just in case you still had doubts, these same sources are suggesting that the two are "entering the final stage of talks." Of course, a Kyocera spokeswoman declined to comment on the validity of the claims, but if this deal does indeed get done, it will create "the world's seventh-largest mobile phone maker."

Kyocera gettin' serious about buying Sanyo's mobile biz? originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 13:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionkyoceramergersanyoFri, 14 Sep 2007 13:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Virgin Mobile rolls out MARBL from Kyocera]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/04/03/virgin-mobile-rolls-out-marbl-from-kyocera/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/04/03/virgin-mobile-rolls-out-marbl-from-kyocera/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/04/03/virgin-mobile-rolls-out-marbl-from-kyocera/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


See, that wasn't such a bad wait, no was it? A few weeks after we told you about the MARBL coming down the pike for Virgin Mobile from frequent partner Kyocera, the cheap flip is now available for public consumption from retailers everywhere. At $30 sans contract (remember, Virgin is a prepaid MVNO), the MARBL doesn't offer terribly much in the way of features, but it does manage to pack a speakerphone, internal antenna, and color display -- and hey, it doesn't look half bad. Just as long as you're cool with the name, Motorola, we are, too.

Virgin Mobile rolls out MARBL from Kyocera originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Tue, 03 Apr 2007 23:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmaclamshellflipkyoceramarblmvnosprepaidvirginvirgin mobileVirginMobileTue, 03 Apr 2007 23:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Kyocera Bluetooth Music Gateway streams jams from your mobile]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/04/03/kyocera-bluetooth-music-gateway-streams-jams-from-your-mobile/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/04/03/kyocera-bluetooth-music-gateway-streams-jams-from-your-mobile/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/04/03/kyocera-bluetooth-music-gateway-streams-jams-from-your-mobile/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Kyocera's Bluetooth Music Gateway most definitely isn't the first of its kind, but the dashing musical liaison is indeed adding a hint of differentiation to the streaming Bluetooth middleman category. Encased in a sleek black / metallic gray enclosure "about the size of a deck of playing cards," the three-ounce BT-enabled device receives streaming tunes via your A2DP-capable cellphone, DAP, or PMP, and then channels the audio to your home stereo via a pair of stereo RCA cables. Furthermore, users with an AVRCP device can enjoy volume / track control right from their mobile, removing the need for a separate remote control and furthering its overall appeal -- and before the non-Bluetooth users go crying foul, Kyocera's also offering up an optional $34.99 adapter that converts any 3.5-millimeter stereo jack into a Bluetooth transmitter. The Bluetooth Music Gateway should be landing sometime in the April timeframe, and you'll be looking at $99.99 with the Wireless Audio Adapter thrown in, or $79.99 without.

[Via Slashphone]

Kyocera Bluetooth Music Gateway streams jams from your mobile originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Tue, 03 Apr 2007 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a2dpaudioavrcpbluetoothBluetooth Music Gatewaybluetooth streamingBluetoothMusicGatewayBluetoothStreamingkyoceramultimediamusicmusic streamingMusicStreamingperipheralsstreamstreamingTue, 03 Apr 2007 15:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Kyocera introduces 5 new handsets at CTIA]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/03/27/kyocera-introduces-5-new-handsets-at-ctia/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/03/27/kyocera-introduces-5-new-handsets-at-ctia/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/03/27/kyocera-introduces-5-new-handsets-at-ctia/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Kyocera, the well-known CDMA handset specialist, has busted out a slew of new handsets today at CTIA. "Typical clamshell" and "variation on the theme" seem to be the orders of the day, with Kyocera only bringing one non-flip out to play. From left to right, at the top of the list is the E5000 (check that sweet-looking hinge) featuring a 1.3 megapixel cam, EV-DO, Bluetooth with A2DP support, and touch sensitive keys on the face to access your tunes. Next up, the M1000; this side flipper opens to reveal a QWERTY keypad, has dual displays, Bluetooth 1.2, and voice digit dialing. The E2000 brings the music-centric features with memory expansion to 2GB, front-mounted music controls for quick access, a 1.3 megapixel shooter, all packed in a styling piano-black enclosure. The E1000 brings most of the same features as its sibling, the E2000, but lacks the EV-DO love and the expandable memory slot. Rounding out this year's offering is the lowly S1000, this diminutive candy bar boasts 3 hour talk time, a straightforward keypad for texting, and weighs in at only 76 grams. Alright, we admit, we're suitably impressed with Kyocera's portfolio at a show where most of the heavy-hitters seem to have already emptied the bank of new releases for the year -- keep it coming, folks.

[Via Phone Scoop]

Kyocera introduces 5 new handsets at CTIA originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Tue, 27 Mar 2007 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1xrttCDMACTIAev doEV-DOevdokyoceraTue, 27 Mar 2007 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Virgin Mobile adding another cheap flip, "Marbl"]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/03/12/virgin-mobile-adding-another-cheap-flip-marbl/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/03/12/virgin-mobile-adding-another-cheap-flip-marbl/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/03/12/virgin-mobile-adding-another-cheap-flip-marbl/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The Oystr looks poised to give way to the Marbl in the "what $30 will buy you" department on Virgin Mobile -- the US' prepaid Virgin Mobile, that is, not its DVB-H-havin' cousin across the pond. The Kyocera-sourced clamshell follows Virgin's typical keep-it-simple strategy with a minimal internal display and clean exterior (read: no cam or external display to be found). That said, the phone doesn't look half bad -- and seeing how this is prepaid, that $30 is going to get you this thing outright. No word on an exact release date, but Virgin's site lists it at "Coming Soon" and -- in our experience, at least -- waits are measured in days once a carrier admits that they're going to launch a model.

[Thanks, Charlene]

Virgin Mobile adding another cheap flip, "Marbl" originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Mon, 12 Mar 2007 05:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmaclamshellflipkyoceramarblmvnosprepaidvirginvirgin mobileVirginMobileMon, 12 Mar 2007 05:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Willcom rolls out WX321J, WX320K]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/01/26/willcom-rolls-out-wx321j-wx320k/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/01/26/willcom-rolls-out-wx321j-wx320k/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2007/01/26/willcom-rolls-out-wx321j-wx320k/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It may not exactly be a 9-phone spectacular, but Japan's Willcom certainly doesn't want to get left out of the launch party, and they're parading a pair of new handsets to prove it. The WX321J candybar from JRC looks like the more interesting of the two, offering up biometric security, NetFront, microSD expansion, a 1.3 megapixel cam, and a QVGA display. 'Course, Kyocera's WX320K wins in the looks department on account of its color selection; it's no slouch on the spec sheet, either, toting the same camera and QVGA display but swapping out NetFront for Opera. And no, unless you live in Japan, you can't have either.

[Via Engadget Japanese - WX321J, WX320K]

Read - WX321J
Read - WX320K

Willcom rolls out WX321J, WX320K originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Fri, 26 Jan 2007 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>candybarclamshellflipjapan radio companyJapanRadioCompanyjrckyoceraothersphswillcomwx320kwx321jFri, 26 Jan 2007 16:04:00 EST<![CDATA[More details on Kyocera's K323 for Verizon]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/11/19/more-details-on-kyoceras-k323-for-verizon/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/11/19/more-details-on-kyoceras-k323-for-verizon/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/11/19/more-details-on-kyoceras-k323-for-verizon/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Not everything can be cutting edge now-a-days and maybe the LG VX8600 just isn't your cup of tea. No worries, we've got you covered; here comes the the Kyocera K323. Feature-packed it's not, but the clamshell can still hang with the best of the (low tier) lineup with an all-digital dual band radio, VGA camera with flash, 65k inside color screen, speakerphone, Bluetooth (no OBEX profiles folks), and support for VZnavigator. Look for it sometime mid-January for a reasonable $220 at full retail, $150 on a one year, and $100 on a two year contract before the mail in rebate of $50. Check after the break for a posterior shot!

Continue reading More details on Kyocera's K323 for Verizon

More details on Kyocera's K323 for Verizon originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Sun, 19 Nov 2006 21:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmak323kyoceraverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwSun, 19 Nov 2006 21:12:00 EST<![CDATA[HP and Flextronics team up to deliver higher quality cameraphones]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/11/18/hp-and-flextronics-team-up-to-deliver-higher-quality-cameraphone/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/11/18/hp-and-flextronics-team-up-to-deliver-higher-quality-cameraphone/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/11/18/hp-and-flextronics-team-up-to-deliver-higher-quality-cameraphone/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's no surprise that cameraphones are emerging as some folks' point-and-shoot of choice, and we've already seen LG and Schneider-Kreuznach team up to deliver higher quality shots from your multi-functional mobile, but now HP and Flextronics are trying the knot in order to allow users to capture photos "with the same high quality they achieve from their digital still cameras." The five-year deal gives Flextronics -- makers of Kyocera, Sony Ericsson, and Motorola handsets -- exclusive use of HP's image processing technology in return for an undisclosed royalty. The same technology used in HP's long-standing lineup of Photosmart digicams will soon be hitting the depths of your pocket, and promises to produce "significantly improved results" over current options, delivering shots that are "good enough to print." Although we're not sure if these forthcoming modules can outsnap the 10-megapixel SCH-B600, we're all well aware by now that megapixels aren't everything.

[Via CNET]

HP and Flextronics team up to deliver higher quality cameraphones originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Sat, 18 Nov 2006 11:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameraphoneflextronicshpkyoceramegapixelmotorolaoemothersqualitysensorsony ericssonsonyericssonSat, 18 Nov 2006 11:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Moto Q in Black hits the Great White North]]>http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/11/13/moto-q-in-black-hits-the-great-white-north/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/11/13/moto-q-in-black-hits-the-great-white-north/http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/11/13/moto-q-in-black-hits-the-great-white-north/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Well folks, it appears that our friends to the north have greased Motorola's palms with a few extra loonies, eh. Indeed, the northerly division of Motorola will be the first company to launch the new Moto Q in Black, available exclusively from Bell Canada. This new piece of ebony elegance comes with all the same features you'd expect from the previous Q: EV-DO, 2.4-inch screen, 65,000 colors, 64MB RAM / 128MB ROM, and a 1.3 megapixel camera. It's basically the same as the old Q, except that it's black (duh), with a soft touch finish. It's available for C$150 ($132) with a new voice plan, and minimum C$60 ($53) data package on a three-year contract. To our American countrymen and countrywomen who are already making a run for the border, a word of advice: that same trick with the loonies probably won't work with US Customs when you try to smuggle it into the lower 48. Instead, just sit tight and wait until this handset hits Verizon -- sometime soon, we hope.

Moto Q in Black hits the Great White North originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Mon, 13 Nov 2006 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bell canadabell mobilityBellCanadabellmobilityblackcanadakyoceramoto qMotoQmotorola qMotorolaQMon, 13 Nov 2006 13:02:00 EST