Last week we got our hands on the Sprint Playbook which indicated that the Kyocera Echo would be receiving a firmware update to Android 2.3. Accordingly, a page has now gone live on the official Kyocera Echo webpage confirming that an update to Android 2.3.4 is imminent. By the looks of the Echo webpage this update will bring some major features and enhancements to this unique device.

As indicated in the Playbook the update will include Swype 3.0 with "Tap Correction and Horizontal Word Choice List" (i.e. predictive text), an improved "Downloads application", and the eponymous "Echo Mode" which is essentially an app to manage the device's battery. Additionally, the update will bring pinch-to-zoom to the browser, gallery, Maps, and Sprint Navigation apps.

However, what was not mentioned in the Playbook is that the update will also include support for near-field communications (NFC) technology and (presumably) free internet calling over a wireless network. Engadget correctly points out that no mention of a NFC chip was previously made by either Sprints or Kyocera and so the fact that the device will now be able to interact with "posters, advertisements, [and] products" using NFC technology is indeed a surprising and welcome addition.

Finally, according to Engadget, the update should be rolling out to users any time now. So, keep an eye on your Echo!

Source: Kyocera Echo via Engadget