Kyocera launches two new waterproof smartphones in the US
Kyocera showed off their new phones at CTIA in Las Vegas yesterday. The Hydro Edge and Hydro Xtrm build on last year's Hydro, and offer improved waterproofing among other features. The phones also do away with the rubber flaps and plugs we're used to seeing on waterproof devices, and look much more modern than their predecessor.
The lower end model, the Hydro Edge, has quite basic internals. It has a dual-core Snapdragon 1 GHz CPU, a 5 MP camera, a 4-inch WVGA (480 X 800) display, 3G connectivity, and runs Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.
The Hydro Xtrm, Kyocera's higher end model, is not only waterproof, but also dust-proof and built to survive being dropped repeatedly. Its features include a dual-core Snapdragon 1.2 GHz processor, a 5 MP back-facing camera, a 1.3 MP front-facing camera, a 4-inch WVGA (480 X 800) impact-resistant display, 4G LTE connectivity, Bluetooth 4.0, and also runs Android 4.1.
Both devices do away with normal phone speakers in favor of the company's Sonic Receiver technology which transmits vibrations directly to the eardrum and improves sound clarity in loud environments.
Prices have not yet been announced for the Hydro Edge, but it is expected to appear in stores this summer. The Hydro Xtrm will be available on May 24th for only US$29.99 with a 2-year contract. Both phones will only be available in the United States.
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Press Release
Press Releases
05/21/13
U.S. Cellular Launches 4G LTE Kyocera Hydro XTRM Smartphone
Waterproof, shock-proof device is online today and will be in stores May 24
Chicago & San Diego - May 21, 2013 - U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM) and Kyocera Communications, Inc. have announced that the waterproof, shock-proof KyoceraHydro XTRM is available online today and will be in stores on May 24 for $29.99 after instant rebate. The 4G LTE Hydro XTRM has Military Standard 810G certification for shock and drops and carries IP57 certification for protection against dust and immersion in up to 3.28 feet of water for up to 30 minutes.
This durable smartphone is the latest device to join U.S. Cellular's 4G LTE line-up and is ready to handle whatever life throws at it. Businesses and consumers who purchase this device from U.S. Cellular also receive a valuable rewards program that recognizes customer loyalty.
"Whether you are on a family vacation near a water park or campground or your job takes you outdoors in more extreme conditions, the Hydro XTRM keeps you connected to the people and information you need," said Edward Perez, vice president of sales and marketing operations for U.S. Cellular. "At U.S. Cellular, we want to provide a better wireless experience, and our customers can rely on this phone to keep working through accidental drops, unexpected rain or harsh environments."
The Kyocera Hydro XTRM has a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, is powered by Android™ 4.1 (Jelly Bean) and has a 4-inch impact-resistant touchscreen with reinforced housing for extra durability. It is tough enough to withstand the elements and powerful enough to download apps and videos seamlessly. Kyocera's innovative and award-winning Smart Sonic Receiver technology turns sounds in to vibrations that go directly to the eardrum, so you can hear clearly even in noisy environments such as sporting events with friends and family or in a bustling office with multiple people. And with front- and rear-facing cameras, it is ideal for snapping quality photos or video-chatting with friends and co-workers.
"Hydro XTRM is the next-generation device in the Hydro family of products for people who live life to the fullest and want a phone that can keep up," said Eric Anderson, senior vice president and general manager of global sales and marketing at Kyocera Communications Inc. "With its attractive styling and excellent performance, you may quickly forget that it's built to survive the daily grind of life's spills, falls and unexpected downpours. But you'll be thrilled when life happens and you're relying on the Hydro XTRM to get you through it all."
U.S. Cellular, in partnership with King Street Wireless, currently offers 4G LTE service covering 61 percent of its customers in select cities in Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. By the end of this year, 87 percent of U.S. Cellular customers will have access to 4G LTE speeds. For more information about the 4G LTE experience, visit uscellular.com/4G.
For more information about the Kyocera Hydro XTRM, please visitwww.kyocerasmartphones.com/hydro-xtrm or uscellular.com.
Purchase of a smartphone data plan, a new two-year agreement and a $35 activation fee is required. Additional terms, conditions and/or charges may apply. See uscellular.com for details.
4G LTE not available in all areas. See uscellular.com/4G for detailed coverage info. 4G LTE service is provided in partnership with King Street Wireless. LTE is a trademark of ETSI.
About King Street Wireless, L.P.
King Street Wireless, L.P. currently holds 700 MHz wireless spectrum in 27 states and is partnering with Chicago-based U.S. Cellular to deliver high-speed 4G LTE service to U.S. Cellular's customers in several of the carrier's markets. King Street Wireless is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia where it is recognized for its involvement in its community both through its economic development and philanthropic efforts. To learn more about King Street Wireless, visitwww.kingstreetwireless.com.
About U.S. Cellular
U.S. Cellular rewards its customers with unmatched benefits and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier offers national coverage and has a strong line-up of cutting-edge devices that are all backed by its high-speed network, which has the highest call quality of any national carrier. Currently, 61 percent of customers have access to 4G LTE speeds and 87 percent will have access by the end of 2013. U.S. Cellular was named a J.D. Power and Associates Customer Service Champion in 2012 for the second year in a row. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with U.S. Cellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.
About Kyocera Communications Inc.
Kyocera Communications Inc. is the headquarters for Kyocera wireless devices in the Americas. Designed with durability, dependability, and long-term value as priorities, Kyocera mobile phones help people feel comfortable with new technology and use it to connect, perform and outsmart life's challenges. At the heart of Kyocera's products is a belief that one size doesn't fit all and that people should do more with phones instead of being confused by them or having to alter their lifestyles to accommodate them. For more information, follow the company atwww.facebook.com/kyoceramobilephones or www.twitter.com/kyoceramobile.
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 (or "advanced") ceramics. Kyocera specializes in combining these engineered materials with metals and integrating them with other technologies, such as solar power generating systems, printers, copiers, mobile phones, electronic components, semiconductor packages, cutting tools and industrial components. During the year ended March 31, 2013, the company's net sales totaled 1.28 trillion yen (approx. USD13.6 billion). The company is ranked #492 on Forbes magazine's 2013 "Global 2000" listing of the world's largest publicly traded companies.
For more information, contact:
U.S. Cellular
Katie Frey
phone: 773.317.0002
e-mail: Katie.frey(at)uscellular.com
Kyocera Communications, Inc.
John Chier
phone: 858.882.3543
e-mail: john.chier(at)kyocera.com
Press Releases
05/21/13
Waterproof Kyocera Hydro Edge Splashes into Sprint and Boost Mobile this Summer
Las Vegas - May 21, 2013 - Get summer-ready and ditch the water-damage worries of texting near water. Today Sprint (NYSE:S), Boost Mobile and Kyocera Communications, Inc. announce the upcoming availability of the Kyocera Hydro Edge smartphone. Whether it's dropped in water or run through the sprinkler, Hydro Edge is built to withstand sprayed water or submersion in up to 3.28 feet of fresh water for 30 minutes.
Building on the success of the original Kyocera Hydro, which launched at Boost Mobile in 2012, Hydro Edge will be available this summer from both Sprint and Boost Mobile, one of Sprint's no-contract1 brands. Hydro Edge boasts many enhancements to its predecessor, including a dual-core processor, 4-inch touchscreen, Android 4.1 and Kyocera's Smart Sonic Receiver technology. Exact pricing and launch date will be announced closer to availability.
"Just about everyone knows someone who has damaged their phone in water," said Fared Adib, senior vice president-Product Development, Sprint. "Kyocera Hydro Edge is the perfect smartphone to eliminate the panic of water damage for busy parents or anyone who works outside - from lifeguards to landscape architects. Sprint is making it even more affordable to enjoy Hydro Edge by giving our customers the choice between Sprint and Boost Mobile for their device purchase."
The benefits of Hydro Edge from Sprint include:
- Upfront savings on the device with a new two-year service agreement or eligible upgrade.
- Truly UnlimitedSM data, text and calling to any mobile with no metering, no throttling, and no overages, all while on the Sprint network.
- Sprint is the most improved company in customer satisfaction, across all 47 industries, over the last five years, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI).
- Sprint customers have access to Sprint's Ready Now service where trained retail associates will work one-on-one with customers to personalize their Kyocera Hydro Edge and set up such features as email, Web and apps before leaving the store. Customers have the choice of sitting down with a Sprint retail associate at the time of purchase or scheduling an appointment online for a later time.
1Service on the Boost Mobile brand is subject to acceptance of certain terms and conditions.
Customers choosing to dip their Hydro Edge into the no-contract pool with Boost Mobile will appreciate:
- Boost Mobile's no-contract $55 Android Monthly Unlimited plan with unlimited nationwide talk, text and picture messaging, Web, email and calls to 411.
- Significant savings over the life of their Hydro Edge with Boost Mobile's Shrinking Payments: for every six on-time payments, the cost of Boost Mobile's Monthly Unlimited plan shrinks by $5, eventually getting down to as low as $40 a month. Payments do not need to be consecutive to qualify for the next savings milestone.
- Boost Mobile's award-winning experience: Boost has been recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as "Highest Satisfaction with the Purchase Experience among Non-Contract Wireless Providers."2
Regardless of how you pay for your wireless services, Kyocera Hydro Edge on Sprint and Boost includes:
- Android™Jelly Bean
- 1GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon®processor
- Smart Sonic Receiver technology - improves audio in noisy environments
- 4-inch capacitive impact-resistant touchscreen
- 5-megapixel camera with LED flash and video camera
"Kyocera Hydro Edge is the next generation of the original Kyocera Hydro, which launched at Boost Mobile in 2012 and has been a top seller ever since," said Eric Anderson, senior vice president and general manager of global sales and marketing at Kyocera Communications Inc. "People clearly see the value of an affordable smartphone that's also waterproof. With Hydro Edge, we're keeping those core values while taking performance to a new level."
Smart Sonic Receiver Technology
Hydro Edge features Kyocera's proprietary, award-winning Smart Sonic Receiver technology, which eliminates the need for a traditional speaker in a handset by using vibrations to transmit sounds directly to the eardrum. Placing the phone in contact with the general area of the ear creates clear sound even in very noisy environments, such as construction sites, sporting events, concerts and playgrounds. Removing the traditional speaker eliminates the need for a speaker cavity in the phone's housing, enabling cleaner aesthetics and enhanced waterproofing. The technology received multiple "Best of" awards when it was introduced at CTIA Wireless 2012, the wireless industry's largest U.S. trade show.
To support the growing need for data, Sprint is rolling out a new 3G/4G network designed to provide faster data speeds, improved call quality and easier connectivity. Sprint expects customers to benefit with better wireless signal strength, in-building coverage and fewer drops/blocks. For the most up-to-date information on Sprint network coverage, please visit sprint.com/coverage.
Please visit kyocerasmartphones.com/hydro-edge for more information.
2Boost Mobile received the highest numerical score among non-contract wireless providers in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2013 Non-Contract Wireless Purchase Experience StudySM - Vol. 1. Study based on responses from 3,533 consumers measuring 7 non-contract wireless providers and measures opinions of consumers who purchased a wireless product or service within last 6 months. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed July-December 2012. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com
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 55 million customers at the end of the first quarter of 2013 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 American Customer Satisfaction Index rated Sprint No. 1 among all national carriers in customer satisfaction and most improved, across all 47 industries, during the last four years. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 3 in both its 2011 and 2012 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 orwww.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.
About Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile, recently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as "Highest Satisfaction with the Purchase Experience among Non-Contract Wireless Providers," offers wireless phones and services with no long-term contracts. Boost Mobile redefines value for wireless consumers with its Monthly Unlimited with Shrinking Payments no-contract service, where the longer you stay the less you pay with on-time payments for unlimited voice, text messaging, Web, email and calls to 411. Boost Mobile offers nationwide service on the Nationwide Sprint Network, reaching more than 282 million people, with no activation or long-distance fees. Boost Mobile offers a selection of quality handsets from HTC, LG, Motorola, BlackBerry, Samsung, Kyocera and ZTE, ranging from entry-level to Android™ smartphone devices available nationwide at nearly 20,000 major retail stores, including Best Buy, RadioShack, Target, Family Dollar, Walgreens and Walmart, independent wireless dealer locations, and on HSN, a leading TV home shopping network. Re-Boost® Cards are available at approximately 100,000 locations throughout the United States. Experience Boost Mobile on the Web atFacebook and Twitter; and purchase products at www.boostmobile.com.
About Kyocera Communications Inc.
Kyocera Communications Inc. is the headquarters for Kyocera wireless devices in the Americas. Designed with durability, dependability, and long-term value as priorities, Kyocera mobile phones help people feel comfortable with new technology and use it to connect, perform and outsmart life's challenges. At the heart of Kyocera's products is a belief that one size doesn't fit all and that people should do more with phones instead of being confused by them or having to alter their lifestyles to accommodate them. For more information, follow the company atwww.facebook.com/kyoceramobilephones or www.twitter.com/kyoceramobile.
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 (or "advanced") ceramics. Kyocera specializes in combining these engineered materials with metals and integrating them with other technologies, such as solar power generating systems, printers, copiers, mobile phones, electronic components, semiconductor packages, cutting tools and industrial components. During the year ended March 31, 2013, the company's net sales totaled 1.28 trillion yen (approx. USD13.6 billion).
© 2013 Kyocera. All rights reserved. Kyocera is a registered trademark of Kyocera Corporation. Sprint is a registered trademark of Sprint Nextel. Android is a trademark of Google Inc.; use of this trademark is subject to Google Permissions. Snapdragon is a registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. All other marks are properties of their respective owners.
For more information, contact:
Sprint
Natalie Papaj
phone: 703.592.8412
e-mail: natalie.lariviere(at)sprint.com
Boost Mobile
Danielle Babbington
phone: 949.748.3418
e-mail: danielle.babbington(at)sprint.com
Kyocera Communications, Inc.
John Chier
phone: 858.882.3543
e-mail: john.chier(at)kyocera.com
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