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Kyocera Koi Features 1.2 Megapixel Picture Quality, MPEG-4 Video and 16 MB Onboard Memory in a Unique Swivel Design
Jan. 14, 2005 Cricket(R) Communications, Inc., a leading provider of unlimited local and domestic long distance wireless services, and Kyocera Wireless Corp., a leading global manufacturer of CDMA wireless phones and devices, today announced the immediate availability of the nation's first megapixel camera phone at a flat-rate service provider, the Kyocera Koi(TM). The fashionable, easy-to-use Koi marks Kyocera's entry into the megapixel camera phone market and Cricket's first megapixel camera phone offering.
Along with its unique "swiveling" design and large external display, Kyocera
Koi features a 1.2 megapixel digital camera with built-in flash and 5x digital
zoom, MPEG-4 video record and playback, and 16 megabytes (MB) of onboard memory.
Koi provides a camera phone solution to consumers with sharp, clear resolution
for saving, printing and framing photos as large as 4" x 6". The handset also
features a sliding protective lens cover so the lens won't get scratched in
purses or pockets. Koi's unique swivel-to-open design adds additional style
appeal for the user who wants a cutting-edge look.
The Kyocera Koi is available to Cricket(R) customers for $299.99. MMS/picture
messaging will be available early this year.
"As with our popular Slider(TM) Series, the Kyocera Koi is another great
example of our ability to combine intriguing new designs with superior
technology and features in a phone that make sense and are easy to use," said
Jim Kelly, chief operating officer, Kyocera Wireless Corp. "The 1.2 megapixel
camera on Koi produces images that turn the camera phone into a true
next-generation multimedia device without compromising the original intended use
of the handset -- as a wireless phone."
"The Kyocera Koi offers cutting-edge technology so our customers have access
to the latest and hippest handsets," said Nitu Arora, vice president, product
development for Cricket. "Megapixel camera phones continue to grow in
popularity, and our unlimited, contract-free, flat-rate pricing makes it a
perfect choice for value-conscious consumers."
The phone will also offer a wide array of ringtones and graphics through
Cricket Clicks(TM), including: RealTone Jukebox(TM), allowing subscribers to
download real song clips as their ringtone; FlixTones(TM), downloadable movie
clips as a ringtone; Soda Pop Mail(TM), receive and send email from your phone;
Wallpaper Universe(TM), cool, customizable wallpapers; and two popular games,
Air Raid(TM) and Tetris(R). More information on Cricket Clicks(TM) is available
at www.mycricket.com/clicks/.
The easy-to-use Kyocera Koi can be used in open or closed mode; opening the
cover automatically launches Koi into "camera" mode even when the phone is
closed, making it simple to catch life's spontaneous moments. The large
262,000-color display is always visible to the user, and both the phone and
digital camera can function when the phone is "closed" by using the jog dial and
shutter button on the side of the phone. Expanding on Kyocera's renowned user
interface, the phone features an extremely intuitive and user-friendly
"pinwheel" menu option to quickly scroll through its many features. Large,
easy-to-press keys are also ideal for quick and accurate number input and text
messaging.
About Kyocera Wireless Corp.
Kyocera Wireless Corp. is a leading supplier of innovative, feature-rich CDMA
wireless devices and accessories for customers worldwide. Kyocera Wireless
maintains an operating belief in the genius of simplicity and strives to make
the wireless experience as simple and intuitive as humanly possible. The company
is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyocera International Inc., which acquired
QUALCOMM Incorporated's CDMA consumer wireless phone business in February 2000.
Based in San Diego, the company is ISO-14001 and ISO-9001 certified and has won
city, state and federal awards for its environmentally friendly manufacturing
and recycling practices. For more information, please visit www.kyocera-wireless.com.
Kyocera Corporation, the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group,
was founded in 1959 as a producer of 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, semiconductor packages, electronic components, cameras, laser
printers, copiers, solar energy systems and industrial ceramics. During the year
ended March 31, 2004, Kyocera Corporation's consolidated net sales totaled
approximately US$11 billion (JP 1,140,814 million Yen) with net income of
approximately US$655 million (JP 68,086 million Yen).
About Cricket
Cricket is a simple and affordable wireless solution offering unlimited
anytime minutes within a Cricket(R) calling area over its high-quality,
all-digital network. Cricket(R) service is an affordable wireless alternative to
traditional landline service. With a commitment to predictability, simplicity
and value as the foundation of its business, Cricket designs and markets
wireless products to meet the needs of everyday people. Cricket offers unlimited
anytime minutes starting at $29.99 a month (plus taxes and fees) with no
long-term agreements required. Cricket(R) customers can also make long distance
calls on an unlimited basis through several packaged offerings or on a
per-minute basis. Operating in 39 markets in 20 states stretching from New York
to California, Cricket(R) service is available to customers in more than 840
different municipalities. For more information, please visit www.mycricket.com. Cricket is a business of
Leap Wireless International, Inc. (OTCBB:LEAP), headquartered in San Diego. Leap
is a customer-focused company providing innovative mobile wireless services
targeted to meet the needs of customers who are under-served by traditional
communications companies. For more information visit www.leapwireless.com.
(C) 2005 Kyocera Wireless Corp. All rights reserved. Kyocera is a registered
trademark of Kyocera Corporation. Koi and Slider are trademarks of Kyocera
Wireless Corp. Tetris(R): (C) Elorg 1987-2003. All other trademarks are the
property of their respective owners.
*Additional fees may apply.
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