The DuraPlus packed with an LED flashlight, 1,650mAh battery for 9.5 hours of talk time (with optional 2,300mAh extended battery available), Group Connect, TeamDC, NextMail, Guaranteed Talk Permit and One-Touch Direct Connect. It will be available in first half of this year. Further details on pricing and exact released date to be announced.

Kyocera DuraPlus, Exclusively from Sprint, Offers Industry-Leading Push-to-Talk Capabilities in Extreme Conditions on Sprint Direct Connect

Kyocera DuraPlus boasts military-grade durability and an embedded LED flashlight in a rugged candy-bar form factor

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http://www.kyocera-wireless.com/

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. & SAN DIEGO (BUSINESS WIRE), January 31, 2012 – Sprint (NYSE: S) and Kyocera Communications Inc. today announced the upcoming availability of Kyocera DuraPlus, an ultra-rugged device with military-grade durability, a long-lasting battery and a powerful built-in flashlight.

As the newest Sprint® Direct Connect® device, Kyocera DuraPlus offers a candy-bar form factor with a flat, stable bottom, ideal for convenient accessibility in vehicle mounts and freestanding operation. Kyocera DuraPlus will be available in the first half of the year. Pricing and exact availability will be announced closer to launch.

“Kyocera DuraPlus is the ideal device for use in the construction, public safety and utility industries that demand devices that stand up to the toughest work conditions while delivering industry-leading push-to-talk capabilities,” said David Owens, vice president – Product Development, Sprint. “This device is a dynamite addition to our Sprint Direct Connect portfolio, and we know our customers will appreciate the benefits of instant communication on a device that can withstand tough environments.”

Joining Kyocera DuraMax and Kyocera DuraCore in Kyocera’s Dura Series that specialize in handling the abuse of harsh working conditions, Kyocera DuraPlus is the ultimate communication tool for a variety of industries, including construction and transportation. It is certified to Military Standard 810G for resistance to dust, shock, vibration, temperature extremes, humidity, blowing rain and water immersion (up to 30 minutes in up to 1 meter of water).

The handset also features an embedded LED flashlight with a dedicated power button to help navigate power outages, read blueprints in unlit areas or for emergency response personnel working in dark conditions. A robust, front-ported speakerphone also provides excellent sound quality in noisy environments and remote speaker microphone jack allowing customers to use their phones with a heavy-duty remote speaker/microphone (sold separately; available exclusively from Sprint in the coming months).

Kyocera DuraPlus comes with a powerful 1650 mAh battery offering up to 9.5 hours of talk time; an optional 2300 mAh extended battery (sold separately) will also be available from Sprint for users who need even more battery life. An external charging port enables the device to be used with a single or multi-bay charging station (sold separately). This is especially helpful for businesses that issue devices to shift workers, such as shuttle drivers or security personnel.

“Kyocera designed DuraPlus from the ground up with demanding industrial and enterprise customers in mind,” said Eric Anderson, senior vice president and general manager of Sales and Marketing at Kyocera Communications. “Simple things like an LED flashlight, multi-bay charging, freestanding operation and the ability to use application-specific accessories go a long way toward better productivity on the jobsite and out in the field.”

Sprint Direct Connect is a portfolio of push-to-talk services that allow individuals and groups to get more done – quickly and easily with just the push of a button. Among the initial Sprint Direct Connect services:

Sprint Direct Connect – Instant, one-to-one push-to-talk calling nationwide on the Sprint network, with any other Direct Connect subscriber. Direct Connect is the core push-to-talk feature and is designed for interoperability across Sprint and Nextel network platforms.

Guaranteed Talk Permit – The assurance that when you hear the push-to-talk “chirp,” your call was successfully transmitted.

Call Alert with Text – Send an audio alert with an optional text message to let another Direct Connect subscriber know you are trying to reach them and why.

Group Connect® – Communicate with up to 20 other Sprint Direct Connect subscribers all at once – nationwide, at the push of one button.

TeamDCSM – Communicate with up to 200 other Sprint Direct Connect subscribers at the same time nationwide.

NextMail® – Send a recorded message to any email worldwide or mobile handset via text message by using the Direct Connect button.

Availability Notification – Request the availability status of another push-to-talk member and, if they are busy, request a notification when they are free.

One-Touch Direct Connect – Allows quick access to multiple direct connect options.

With more than 18 years of expertise, Sprint is the industry leader in push-to-talk, serving the world’s largest push-to-talk community of customers. Last year, Sprint launched Sprint Direct Connect, the industry’s next generation of push-to-talk service on its broadband CDMA network. The new service will expand customers’ push-to-talk coverage, broadband data capabilities, and enable new push-to-talk features.

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 53 million customers at the end of 3Q 2011 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. The 2011 American Customer Satisfaction Index showed Sprint is the #1 most improved company in customer satisfaction, across all industries, over the last three years. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 3 in its 2011 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation’s greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.

About Kyocera Communications Inc.

Kyocera Communications Inc. (KCI) is the headquarters for Kyocera- and Sanyo-branded wireless products and accessories in the Americas. The company’s devices are driving the convergence of telecommunications, broadband and multimedia. KCI was formed in April 2009 through the combination of Kyocera Wireless Corp. and Kyocera Sanyo Telecommunications Inc., two wholly owned subsidiaries of Kyocera International Inc. The former was created when Kyocera purchased QUALCOMM Incorporated’s consumer wireless phone business in 2000, while the latter was formed when Kyocera purchased the wireless phone business of Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. in 2008. Based in San Diego, KCI leverages Japan’s history of creating advanced consumer technologies around humanism and respect for the environment and blending them with a Western entrepreneurialism and style, resulting in a unique design language and a natural, user-friendly interface. For more information, please visit http://www.kyocera-wireless.com or follow the company on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kyoceramobilephones.

Kyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO)(TOKYO:6971) (http://global.kyocera.com/), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine ceramics (also known as “advanced ceramics”). By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of telecommunications equipment, copiers, printers, solar power generating systems, electronic components, semiconductor packages, cutting tools and industrial ceramics. During the year ended March 31, 2011, the company’s net sales totaled 1.27 trillion yen (approx. USD15.3 billion). The company is ranked #604 on Forbes magazine’s 2011 “Global 2000” listing of the world’s largest publicly traded companies.

[via Phonedog]

Other carriers will also jump into the Nokia Lumia 900. One of the is T-Mobile in which claimed to get the device on the third quarter of 2012, followed by Verizon and Sprint. The 900 will features a 12-megapixel camera instead of a 8 megapixels of AT&T’s 900 version.

[via Phonedog]

As you can see above, it’s the screenshot of the internal document for the device’s specs. The Viper 4G will features as the following:

• 4-inch WVGA touchscreen
• 1.2GHz dual-core processor
• 5-megapixel rear camera, VGA front-facing shooter
• 720p video capture
• 4GB ROM/512MB RAM
• NFC
• Sprint ID
• 3G/4G LTE connectivity
• 1,700mAh battery
• Android 2.3 Gingerbread

It seems to be quite decent smartphone. On top of it, the device will runs on Sprint’ 4G connection.

[via Phonedog]

However, the company immediately clarified and update the website in which they are also providing the Galxy Nexus in 32GB build-in storage. This might sounds a bit insignificant for most of us but the truth is, it is necessary since the device won’t allow the users to expand the memory using a microSD card.

[via PhoneDog]

The iPhone 4S comes in white and black colors. Pricing at $99 with a two-years contract or $549.99 without it. Customers who have order the iPhone 4 has to pay immediately.

[via PhoneDog]

On the other hand, BGR reported that Sprint will get the iPhone 5 as an exclusive and it would obtain a 4G WiMAX connection. While both AT&T and Verizon would launch the iPhone 4S this year followed by the iPhone 5 in the first quarter of 2012. The iPhone 5 for Sprint will packed with faster CPU, larger 4-inch screen (it would be similar to LG’s NOVA display but in a higher resolution), 1GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, iPhone 5 exclusive software and APIs (Assistant), slightly larger design overall, but thinner and with a larger battery, and finally, the dedicated Assistant button, possibly integrated with the new home button.

[via BGR]

The device will received several improvements such as,

• Volume adjustment from handset when backlight is off and in a Bluetooth call
• Initiation of a 3-way call in certain markets
• Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
• Updated color scheme (includes darker notification bar and black-based menus)
• New on-screen keyboard (supports multi-touch input and a smart auto-correction function)
• Improved cut-paste functionality
• New integrated download application for ease in accessing downloaded files
• Updated camera application
• Power management and task killer applications

You know how the routine for the updates, Menu > Settings > About phone> System Updates. Hope you guys enjoyed it!

[via PhoneDog]

The device packed with a 4-inch super-bright NOVA display, a 1GHz processor, a 5-megapixel camera, a 2-megapixel camera for video chat and support for sharing its 3G connection with up to five other Wi-Fi enabled devices. It would runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS. The pre-order starts on September 20th and the device will be available in Sprint retail stores on September 29th.

Press Release:

LG Marquee from Sprint Celebrates the Perfect Combination of Signature Style and Cutting-Edge Technology During New York Fashion Week

As Sprint’s first device available for advance pre-sale, customers can buy LG Marquee beginning on Sept. 20 at www.sprint.com/marquee for $99.99

TLC’s Stacy London and up-and-coming designers team up to invite consumers to make “The Bright Choice” with a MADE Fashion Week Campaign promoting the thin, light and bright LG Marquee

NEW YORK, Sept. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Sprint (NYSE: S) and LG Mobile today announced the upcoming arrival of an Android device that perfectly pairs fashion with technology – LG Marquee Android™, exclusively from Sprint. The device will be launched in partnership with non-profit design collective MADE, formally known as M.A.C. & Milk, at this year’s MADE FASHION WEEK in New York City. Keeping with the smartphone’s innovative convergence of technology and fashion, LG enlisted Stacy London of TLC’s “What Not To Wear” to act as resident style mentor to five up-and-coming MADE designers as they craft chic carrying cases for LG Marquee.

LG Marquee arrives on the Sprint Network on Sunday, Oct. 2 for just $99.99 (excludes taxes) with eligible upgrade or new two-year contract and after a $50 mail-in rebate via reward card(1) (pricing excludes taxes). It will be the first Sprint device to be sold in advance online. Pre-sale orders begin on Tuesday, Sept. 20, and end on Tuesday, Sept. 27, at www.sprint.com/marquee. Customers who pre-order LG Marquee will begin receiving their devices on Thursday, Sept. 29 – three days before the device goes on sale.

“These days, a wireless phone is much more than just a communication device – it also echoes one’s personal style and taste,” said David Owens, vice president – Product Development, Sprint. “Design has become a key factor in the purchase decision and the LG Marquee is sure to turn heads.”

“LG believes fashion and technology go hand-in-hand among today’s growing contingent of style-conscious and tech-savvy consumers,” said Tim O’Brien, vice president of marketing for LG Mobile. “By partnering with Sprint, MADE and Stacy London, LG effectively showcases three prominent phone features important to consumers: a sleek, thin profile, ultra light weight design and bright display.”

LG Marquee is an ideal mobile device for anyone who wants superior performance without sacrificing personal style. The sleek, ultra-thin smartphone features a 4-inch NOVA display and a virtual QWERTY keyboard. Encouraging consumers to make “the bright choice,” LG Marquee boasts a remarkably vivid and visible screen, even in direct sunlight.

LG Marquee ships with Android 2.3 and Mobile Hotspot capability supporting up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously. It also offers a 5-megapixel rear-facing camera for maximum versatility in creating and sharing media and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera making your face-to-face video chatting experience even more memorable. Equipped with a 1GHz processor and Adobe Flash technology, LG Marquee makes downloading, posting, commenting, watching and playing faster and easier than ever.

The device features Sprint ID, allowing users to customize up to five screens on the device with a couple simple clicks. Sprint ID allows users to cut through the clutter of Android Market’s more than 250,000 apps by simply selecting from a variety of mobile ID packs featuring apps, ringers, wallpapers, widgets and more. Available Sprint ID packs include: Fashion and Beauty, E!, MTV Music, Green, and NASCAR Sprint Cup.

LG Marquee requires activation on a Sprint Everything Data plan for smartphones(2). Sprint’s Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, Anytime(SM) includes unlimited web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, starting at just $69.99 per month plus required $10 Premium Data add-on charge. The Mobile Hotspot option is available for an additional $29.99 per month supporting up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously(3) (pricing excludes taxes and surcharges).

Celebrating Technology and Fashion

The LG Fashion Week campaign pairs Stacy London’s impeccable style with the innovative, futuristic eye of MADE. London brings years of fashion-industry experience to her LG style mentor role and will provide each of the MADE designers with creative consulting sessions as they design fashion-forward carrying cases to showcase the clean, modern, minimalist styling of LG Marquee. Participating MADE designers include Kevork Kiledjian, Katie Gallagher, The Lake and Stars, Erickson Beamon and Christian Cota.

“Being able to give our designers yet another platform for growth and exposure is part of the DNA of MADE; and allowing our designers to interact with major brands like LG is a great learning tool for future partnerships,” said Jenne Lombardo, Co-Director of MADE.

Celebrating a partnership of Sprint and LG’s rich style heritage, the campaign highlights the increasing influence of technology on today’s design community and includes a Fashion Week panel discussion and product launch reception hosted by London at Milk Studios on Thursday, Sept. 15. The MADE panel discussion, entitled “How Fashion Communicates,” will be moderated by Simon Collins, dean of fashion at Parsons The New School for Design, and will take an in-depth look at five key areas where technology has altered fashion design. As part of the esteemed panel, London will provide industry insights to discussion categories including designer communication, the rise of the blogger, public access to real-time happenings, retail and the shift from print to digital media.

The chic and functional LG Marquee carrying cases created by the participating designers will debut on Sept. 15 during LG’s launch event at MADE FASHION WEEK. The event will feature individual designer stations that will display the inspiration behind each case. In addition, at the end of the evening, London will announce her top designer pick for the overall campaign.

[via BGR]

The document was taken from Sprint website. Inside the document you will be able to find how to “Send a Photo by Multimedia Message” and “Turn Bluetooth On or Off.” It’s very interesting in some way. If you are curious, you can go head and take a pick on the 192 pages of the device user guide.

[via PhoneDog]

The Electrify has a 1GHz dual-core handset with Android 2.3, a 4.3-inch qHD display, webtop support, and 8MP rear / VGA front-facing camera. Check out the press release below.

MOTOROLA ELECTRIFY COMING SOON TO U.S. CELLULAR
Android Smartphone Combines Unparalleled Power and Versatility

CHICAGO (September 12, 2011) – U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM) announced today that the Motorola ELECTRIFY™ will join the carrier’s cutting-edge device portfolio later this month. The Android™-powered smartphone is designed to deliver the next generation of multi-media features and a powerhouse dual-core 1GHz processer for 70 percent faster overall performance1 and 75 percent faster browsing than leading single core smartphones2. With a best-in-class display, camera, webcam, loads of software applications and a dedicated media kickstand, customers will be able to seamlessly multi-task throughout the day. The ELECTRIFY will be available for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate along with purchase of a data plan.

“The ELECTRIFY is more than a “smart” phone,” said Edward Perez, vice president of sales and marketing operations for U.S. Cellular. “Its multi-tasking capabilities make it the perfect personal assistant for customers who depend on their smartphone to meet the ever-changing needs of their busy lifestyles. Our commitment to providing a variety of devices that enhance customers’ lives is one of the reasons consumers who switch to U.S. Cellular join the happiest customers in wireless.”

The Motorola ELECTRIFY features a 4.3-inch qHD (Quarter High Definition) touchscreen and a kickstand for convenient hands-free viewing of high-quality movies, TV shows and videos. Plus, with HDMI output and full Mirror Mode, customers will be able to connect the ELECTRIFY to any HD screen (via HDMI cable*), so the entire family can enjoy the latest movies or hottest new Android games on their television at home.

The ELECTRIFY’s premium 8-megapixel camera with dual LED flash and auto photo-enhancing software will allow customers to leave their camera at home and still capture incredible photos and videos. The device also features a front-facing camera for video chat on-the-go. Customers can take and store tons of photos and videos with 16GB of memory on-board that can be expanded to 48GB with a 32GB memory card purchase.

With Motorola’s exclusive webtop application, customers can expand ELECTRIFY’s power to include a larger screen and full keyboard for amazing functionality and productivity. Plug ELECTRIFY into the Motorola HD Station* and connect to an HD monitor to launch a full Firefox 4.0 browser, simultaneously surf the web, stream music, and run useful apps. Customers will have instant access to personal and corporate e-mails and will be able to download photos and videos in a flash on U.S. Cellular’s high-speed nationwide network, which has the highest call quality and network satisfaction of any national carrier.

[via Engadget]