Kyocera launches Android developer program for dual-screen smartphone Echo
The sheer number of Android handsets means standing out on the shop shelves is becoming some task.
Kyocera's Echo, which proposes to be the first dual-screen smartphone for Google's OS, offering a 'tablet mode' when both screens are juxtaposed, certainly offers something novel.
Concern that it needs to get developers onboard to support the hardware with similarly interesting software has resulted in Kyocera launching a developer program for the handset, handing studios bespoke tools to aid the development of apps specifically designed to run on the device.
The screen-space age
"Kyocera Echo's unique design gives third party developers a new opportunity to enhance and showcase the full functionality of their applications, without being restricted by screen space," said veep of sales and marketing Yasuhiro Ohishi.
Like PlayStation Suite, Echo represents another market within a market for Android, with OEMs increasingly looking to push the OS in different directions.
It's one of the advantages of an open system such as Android, though Kyocera is keen that consumers can also access the platform's existing roster of apps.
"Echo supports virtually all applications available from Android Market, yet we're excited to see so many developers embracing the new format and optimising existing and new applications for the dual displays."
Software star
Echo will ship with Android 2.2, with its screen set up offering a 4.7-inch viewing area when expanded to tablet mode.
To help studios take advantage, the firm's new developer program website sports an SDK, sample code, a reference guide and what the firm claims are all manner of support options.
Kyocera hasn't been slow in fostering early support, either. Already on board are EA, which plans to bring a new version of The Sims 3 to the platform, as well as big franchises from the likes of Gameloft (six games including Asphalt 6, N.O.V.A. and Assassins Creed) and Namco Bandai (four games including Pac-Man and Pool Pro Online 3).
Echo will launch in the US on April 17 via Sprint, though details regarding its release overseas have no yet been made public. Developers interested in serving up titles for the handset should visit the developer program website.
[source: FierceMobileContent]