Kyocera rolls out new "Strobe" phone

MetroPCS and Kyocera today announced the availability of the Strobe, Kyocera’s newest mobile phone. The candy bar style phone flips open to reveal a second full color screen and keyboard.

When folded out, the phone reveals a QWERTY keyboard and resembles a look much like the Sidekick line of phones offered by T-Mobile. The screen is slightly larger than the one on the outside of the phone to simplify the creation or text messages or make playing small games more enjoyable.

The Kyocera Strobe comes with a VGA camera with digital zoom, self-timer, and resolution adjustment. It also has Java support for downloadable games, ringtones, and wallpaper. Several pre-installed applications are included, such as a calculator, alarm clock, and voice memo storage.

Additionally, the Strobe is equipped with a WAP 2.0 Internet browser. It has Bluetooth wireless technology, which allows for compatibility with wireless headsets, shared Internet connections, and file transfers. Kyocera said that the battery provides as much as 6 hours of talk time on one charge.

The Kyocera Strobe will be available through MetroPCS, a CDMA service provider that currently has full coverage in cities throughout Georgia, Florida, California, Texas, and Michigan. According to Kyocera’s Web site it will also be available from Alltell wireless, as well as Virgin Mobile.