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Metago Launches Version of ASTRO File Manager Customized for Kyocera Echo, the Nation's First Dual-Touchscreen Smartphone
Most Downloaded File Management Tool in Android Market, ASTRO App Tops 12 Million Users and 50,000 Downloads Per Day
San Diego and Atlanta - July 7, 2011 - Kyocera Communications, Inc. (KCI), provider of Kyocera- and Sanyo-branded wireless phones in the Americas, and Android™ application developer Metago Inc. today announced the launch of a new version of the popular ASTRO File Manager customized for the dual-touchscreen design of the Kyocera Echo smartphone. The Echo-optimized ASTRO File Manager displays results much like on a typical PC, allowing users to select from a list of files on one of Echo's displays and open the file on the second display. ASTRO for Echo was developed by Metago and is free for download in the top apps section of the Kyocera Echo microsite - www.echobykyocera.com
Receiving a 5-star rating from CNET, named "Best Tool App" by Android Awards and touted as "…probably the best all-purpose utility for Android phones" by PC Magazine, ASTRO File Manager allows Echo users complete control over the management and back-up of content in the smartphone's onboard memory or microSD® card. The new, customized version of ASTRO leverages Echo's dual 3.5-inch touchscreen displays to give users a more complete view of files, content and third-party apps.
"We loved optimizing ASTRO for Kyocera Echo's dual-touchscreen design - the two displays are an ideal way to leverage the app's functionality in an entirely new way. And we'll soon be adding a powerful, unique sync and backup service for ASTRO as well, making a great product even better," said Kevin Payne, founder and CEO of Metago. "Android is a fantastic operating system, but it lacks true content-management functionality, which is why more than 12 million people already have turned to ASTRO File Manager to address that need."
ASTRO's apps tools offer quick and easy directory navigation, searching, editing, bookmarking, sending attachments, back-up applications, zip files and more. Applications can be stopped, opened or ignored and users can move files to folders, flipping between files with the simple touch of a finger and without toggling back and forth as with standard smartphones. ASTRO also optimizes installation and deletion of unused files to free up internal memory as needed.
"Whether it's running multiple applications at once or giving a true PC-like experience with email, the Kyocera Echo is a unique smartphone in its ability to manage and present information," said Yasuhiro Oishi, president of Kyocera Communications Inc. "The new, optimized version of ASTRO File Manager adds new power to the dual-touchscreen design by making all that information easier and more convenient to manage than ever before."
Metago joins many top developers who already have optimized apps for the dual-touchscreen. The Kyocera Echo microsite lists top apps customized for the device, broken into more than 30 categories and classified by "Featured," "Top Paid," and "Top Free" apps.
Kyocera launched its Android Developer Program earlier this year with a software development kit (SDK) and additional materials to support the creation of Android applications optimized for Echo's dual-touchscreen platform. Top developers, including Electronic Arts™, Gameloft™, NAMCO BANDAI Games America, Jibe Mobile™, MobiTV, mSpot®, Location Labs, TeleNav®, and Swype®, among others, already have created and/or optimized applications and features spanning across a wide range of app categories.
Kyocera Echo, the nation's first dual-touchscreen smartphone, is available for $99.99 (excluding taxes) with a new two-year service agreement or eligible upgrade exclusively in all Sprint (NYSE: S) retail channels, including the Web (www.sprint.com), and Telesales (1-800-Sprint1).*
About METAGO
METAGO is a leading mobile device application firm headquartered in the Atlanta, Georgia metro area. The Company sells file management, backup, sync and other innovative applications for Android mobile phones and devices which help users to get the most out of their Android smart phone. For more information on METAGO, visit us online at www.metago.net.
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 www.kyocera-wireless.com or follow 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, office-document imaging equipment, solar power generating systems, semiconductor packages, electronic components, cutting tools and industrial ceramics. During the year ended March 31, 2010, the company's net sales totaled 1.07 trillion yen (approximately US $11.5 billion). Kyocera marked its 50th anniversary in 2009, and the 40th anniversary of its U.S. operations. It is ranked #554 on Forbes magazine's 2010 "Global 2000" listing of the world's largest publicly traded companies.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Please visit toolkit.kyocera-wireless.com for downloadable images.
*Requires a two-year service agreement or eligible upgrade (or new line activation) on an Everything plan with data plus $10/month Premium Data add-on. Pricing excludes surcharges and taxes.
©2011 Kyocera. All rights reserved. Kyocera is a registered trademark of Kyocera Corporation. Android and Android Market are trademarks of Google Inc.; use of these trademarks is subject to Google Permissions. Electronic Arts and EA are trademarks of Electronic Arts, Inc. Gameloft is a trademark of Gameloft. Jibe Mobile is a trademark of Jibe. MobiTV is a registered trademark of MobiTV. mSpot is a registered trademark of mSpot, Inc. TeleNav is a registered trademark of TeleNav, Inc. Swype is a registered trademark of Swype, Inc. All other marks are properties of their respective owners.
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