Yota Devices has announced that the YotaPhone is now on sale, offering the best of both - but we don't mean Hovis. Instead, meet the device that brings the smartphone and eBook reader together.
We first saw the YotaPhone at CES 2013 and our first impressions were that it was a good idea. Now we have had a proper play and we go hands-on with the final device, that's now on sale in various countries around the world.
Hands-on: YotaPhone review - Pocket-lint
CEO Martynov concluded the launch of the YotaPhone with the statement "we truly believe smartphones will never be the same after the YotaPhone launch" and in fairness it has at least put a different perspective on things. It is set to be priced around €499, heading towards the premium end of the Android market and you get quite a lot of smartphone for your money.
We really love the design of the YotaPhone and we think the idea of E Ink screen is great, especially as you can have a piece of information like a map or address when your battery has died. Yota Devices have patents for software allowing you to switch between the displays and the design itself, so it might be a while before another device like this is released.
The gestures could take a while to get used to, and while we found them a little slow at times, it might be a different matter after a little practice. With no Kindle app support as yet, it could be worth waiting to see what the next generation YotaPhone brings. But if you can't wait that long and fancy a smartphone that is a little different, then it's worth giving this device a go, but bear in mind there's strong competition on all sides, with higher spec models at the same price, or very capable models that are more affordable. The real sell here is that second screen and how well you can put it to use.
We first saw the YotaPhone at CES 2013 and our first impressions were that it was a good idea. Now we have had a proper play and we go hands-on with the final device, that's now on sale in various countries around the world.
Hands-on: YotaPhone review - Pocket-lint
CEO Martynov concluded the launch of the YotaPhone with the statement "we truly believe smartphones will never be the same after the YotaPhone launch" and in fairness it has at least put a different perspective on things. It is set to be priced around €499, heading towards the premium end of the Android market and you get quite a lot of smartphone for your money.
We really love the design of the YotaPhone and we think the idea of E Ink screen is great, especially as you can have a piece of information like a map or address when your battery has died. Yota Devices have patents for software allowing you to switch between the displays and the design itself, so it might be a while before another device like this is released.
The gestures could take a while to get used to, and while we found them a little slow at times, it might be a different matter after a little practice. With no Kindle app support as yet, it could be worth waiting to see what the next generation YotaPhone brings. But if you can't wait that long and fancy a smartphone that is a little different, then it's worth giving this device a go, but bear in mind there's strong competition on all sides, with higher spec models at the same price, or very capable models that are more affordable. The real sell here is that second screen and how well you can put it to use.
