Update: We've gotten numerous reports in the comments on this post, in our forums and at Sprint's forums saying this update's bricking phones. Sprint acknowledged earlier in the day that there might be issues, but we've yet to receive a follow-up. For now, we'd hold off on installing this update.
Sprint and Kyocera this morning confirmed that the dual-screen Echo -- read our full review -- is getting its Android 2.3 Gingerbread update. On top of the OS bump, it's getting an update to Swype 3.0, as well as a new "Eco mode" to help out on battery life -- something the Echo desperately needs. (Remember that it actually comes with two batteries and a spare charger.)
Something the update doesn't bring, contrary to earlier reports, is some hidden NFC capability. No great surprise there -- if the Echo had an NFC chip in it, we would have heard about it by now.
But don't let that cast a dark cloud over this update. If you've got an Echo, look for the over-the-air-update to start pushing right ... about ... Now!
Source: Sprint
