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Tuesday, 08/17/2004 6:28:33 AM

Tuesday, August 17, 2004 6:28:33 AM

Kyocera makes its mobile mark
Ian Cuthbertson
AUGUST 17, 2004

http://australianit.news.com.au/articles/0,7204,10439290%5E15841%5E%5Enbv%5E,00.html

IF the name Kyocera doesn't immediately bring mobile phones to mind, that could be about to change with the release of three CDMA Kyocera mobile phone handsets, and an intense multimedia marketing campaign, slated for September.

Better known for business machines than its mobile phones, the company is hoping the handsets will appeal to different demographics in Australia, particularly in CDMA's traditional stronghold – rural areas.

First cab off the rank, due here in September, is the impressive Koi, with its revolving form factor.

While this makes it sound like a microwave oven, it refers to the fact that the phone can be used in open and closed modes, with the top revolving to the right for a typical clamshell-user experience, or staying shut for the bar effect.

In line with Kyocera's new approach – Simple Rules – when closed, an incoming call delivers the usual ringtone alert to the user, but with choices such as answer or decline in text on the outside screen.

You simply scroll to the option you prefer, and press the side-mounted selector button. Simple indeed.

CDMA networks have traditionally been behind the times with the likes of multimedia messaging services, but perhaps reflecting the maturity and interoperability of the CDMA and GSM networks, the Koi has one of the largest digital cameras available in Australia, with a 1.2-megapixel unit built in.

In a nice touch, the camera's lens has a retractable cover.

As those who keep such phones in a pocket know too well, an exposed lens (even a glass lens cover) easily falls victim to dust, scratches and other unspecified pocket-borne grime. Standard battery life is 3 1/2 hours talk time, and 100 hours, or 4.2 days, standby.

With an optional extended battery, this is raised to five hours talk time and 216 hours, or fully nine days standby.

Like high-profile competing phones, the Koi will record short video clips, with sound. It is expected to retail for $699.

Next up is the SoHo (also known as the KX1), the first Kyocera phone designed by BMW.

No camera here, just a simple clamshell model with a funky sideways second screen, not yet seen on any phone in Australia.

This model is expected in October, retailing at about $399.

Finally, there's the sporty, ruggedised KX440 ($449), due in the fourth quarter to coincide with the appearance of Telstra's push-to-talk CDMA network.

Push-to-talk works like the walkie-talkie connections of old, which many people in the bush are used to.

It allows one person to press a button and speak directly to one, or multiple, phone users at the same time. The receiver hears an alert, then your voice is broadcast.

That should allow enough time to turn off the speaker phone if privacy is required.