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Kyocera unveils DuraForce Ultra 5G UW, first ultra-rugged android smartphone for Verizon 5g ultra wideband network

Device leverages Qualcomm® Snapdragon 765G mobile platform, military standard 810H toughness, ultra-fast 5G speeds and Augmented Reality to transform enterprise mobile experience

SAN DIEGO, CA, USA — January 11, 2021 — Kyocera International Inc., unveiled its first 5G ultra-rugged Android smartphone today, DuraForce Ultra 5G UW, which delivers ultra-durability, ultra-fast speeds and ultra-low latency on the Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband (UW) network. DuraForce Ultra 5G builds on Kyocera's 10+ years of rugged device expertise to create the most advanced, rugged smartphone to date for public safety, enterprise, small business and adventurous consumers alike.

The first rugged device on the Verizon 5G UW Network, DuraForce Ultra 5G leverages the best-in-class Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 765G mobile platform coupled with a 5th generation Artificial Intelligence (AI) engine to optimize the experience of the network's 25x faster download speeds and low latency2 for seamless performance. Kyocera's virtually scratchproof Sapphire Shield™ protects both the 5.45-inch FHD+ bright display and high-resolution cameras on the back. DuraForce Ultra 5G is Kyocera's toughest, most durable smartphone to date, certified military standard 810H (MIL-STD-810H) to withstand drops of up to 5 feet directly onto concrete, water immersion (IPX6/IPX8*), dust (IP6X*), extreme temperatures, salt, fog, solar, shock, hazardous work environments and more. HazLoc certified, the device is protected in Class I, Division 2 classified hazardous locations. And, when it's been put through the wringer all day, it can be washed off and disinfected to start over fresh the next day.

DuraForce Ultra 5G is an ideal workforce solution for industries with loud, harsh operating conditions, or for consumers who need their technology to keep up with their outdoor adventures.

Three cameras open up a new world

DuraForce Ultra 5G ratchets up the toughness and speed with 5G connectivity and the Snapdragon 765G chipset, which unites 5G and Augmented Reality (AR) to power breakthrough speeds for media, entertainment, intelligent multi-camera capabilities and extended battery life. The ultra-bright display with Advanced Outdoor Viewing and three cameras — 24MP main camera with dual LED flash, 16MP wide angle (117°) plus 8MP front-facing — open up a world of visual possibilities with a plethora of new camera features including:

  • Time of Flight — for fast auto-focus

  • 4-Cell Pixel Binning — four cells combine into one Super Cell to enhance images in dynamic lighting conditions (portrait mode only)

  • Super Night Vision — using multi-frame technology, scenes are detected in grids; noise, brightness and sharpness are improved frame by frame

  • Underwater Camera Mode — captures clear video and images when fully immersed in water

  • Action Overlay — provides outdoor enthusiasts the ability to add elapsed time, distance, speed, G-force, altitude, date/time and map of route traveled to photos and videos
Rugged Augmented Reality for Public Safety, Construction, Consumers & More

Augmented reality (AR) is truly a reality with DuraForce Ultra 5G, ARCore Certified for extended reality (XR) experiences including virtual, augmented and mixed reality. Home decorators and DIYers can visualize new furniture and design choices in their space with ultra-realistic 3D models — and buy them simultaneously from the smartphone. Students can leverage the latest educational apps to enhance distance learning. Digital tools like interactive history lessons bring ancient exhibits from museums around the world to 3D life. AR-enhanced visual search apps identify and explain items in students' environments — everything from wildlife and plants to tourist attractions. Immersive apps like Building Information Modeling (BIM) enable architects, engineers and construction firms to collaborate on projects in 3D CAD so designs, schedules and costs can be created and shared directly from the smartphone.

"As mobile workers become a rising share of the U.S. workforce, a rugged smartphone optimized for 5G speed and productivity will become a crucial business investment," said Akira Iino, Vice President at Kyocera's Communications Equipment Group. "5G speeds with AR and AI have immense potential to transform the workplace, but any shortfall in performance will ruin the experience. With DuraForce Ultra 5G, Kyocera now offers the perfect combination of an ultra-rugged device with rich features, 5G speeds with ultra-low latency, and an optimized chipset to make a real impact on the mobile experience for businesses, public safety, consumers and more."

Connectivity, productivity and reliability

DuraForce Ultra 5G makes enterprise users more successful with a wide range of productivity and connectivity tools, customizable with three tactile programmable buttons. Since large data and video files collected from the field can be transmitted quickly with 5G, remote workers can easily collaborate, saving precious time and frustration. Mobile video streaming, video conferencing with colleagues and multitasking with multiple apps simultaneously becomes a snap. This is the absolute loudest and clearest Kyocera device to date performing in ultra-noisy environments with 106dB broadband audio, ultra-loud dual front speakers and four noise-cancelling mics. Cellular/Wi-Fi calling with HD voice is crystal clear, and both Push-to-Talk Plus** (PTT+) and Mission-Critical PTT** (MCPTT) are easily accessible with programmable PTT and international orange SOS** button for emergency alerts.

Indoor performance has been optimized with enterprise-grade Wi-Fi for large buildings plus Wi-Fi roaming and QoS support, precise indoor positioning with 802.11mc and dual-band GPS as well as Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity for up to 10 devices. The device also supports Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) for robust private networks.

A variety of features enhance worker productivity. The touchscreen is designed to work when wet or with gloves, and facial recognition authentication (plus fingerprint security sensor) ensure ease-of-use in any workplace or situation. Covert Mode, ideal for public safety, eliminates sound, notifications and light emissions at the touch of a button. Focus Mode can temporarily turn off non-work related or unwanted notifications and reduce distractions on the job or in the virtual classroom.

Precision-engineered in Japan and TAA compliant, textured edges and angled corners with bumpers have been added to DuraForce Ultra 5G for superior grip and durability. Kyocera's standard two-year warranty includes water damage and the battery to protect business' tech investment. The large 4500mAh durable lithium polymer battery provides enough power to get through even the longest workday and can be charged via USB, Qi Wireless and charging contacts; battery care and eco-mode optimize ongoing battery usage, perfect for power users.

ABOUT KYOCERA

Kyocera International Inc.'s Communications Equipment Group (CEG) is the headquarters for Kyocera wireless devices in the Americas. Designed with durability, dependability, and long-term value as priorities, Kyocera mobile phones help people feel comfortable with new technology and use it to connect, perform and outsmart life and work challenges. At the heart of Kyocera's products is a belief that one size doesn't fit all and that people should do more with phones instead of being confused by them or having to alter their lifestyles to accommodate them. Kyocera strives to offer rugged devices as an integral part of a total solution offering for a wide range of industries such as public safety, transportation and construction. Joined by an ever-growing list of application and accessory partners, Kyocera provides tremendous flexibility in creating efficient and economical telecommunication solutions for varied enterprise needs. For more information, follow the company at facebook.com/kyoceramobile or twitter.com/kyoceramobile.

Kyocera Corporation (TOKYO:6971) (https://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 integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of industrial and automotive components, semiconductor packages, electronic devices, mobile phones, printers, copiers and solar power generating systems. During the year ended March 31, 2018, the company's sales revenue totaled 1.58 trillion yen (approx. USD14.9 billion). Kyocera appears on the "Top 100 Global Innovators" list by Clarivate Analytics and is ranked #612 on Forbes magazine's 2018 "Global 2000" list of the world's largest publicly traded companies.

Contacts Leasa Ireland
LPI Communications for Kyocera
310.750.7082
leasa@lpicommunications.com

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