Introducing YotaPhone: the mystery dual-screen Android from Russia

YotaPhone, the baffling dual-screen Android phone which first made waves in January, is set to be released before Christmas in Russia, Germany, Austria, France and Spain.
UK customers will have to wait until early next year for the phone which will be available only from the manufacturer’s online shop, while 15 other countries have been confirmed for launch in Q1 2014.
YotaPhone is 4.3?inch device with a 720×1280 HD LCD display on the front and, crucially, a 360×640 e-ink display on the back. The front LCD display works just like any other phone, while the e-paper reader on the back is able to receive notifications and display maps and news while conserving precious battery-life.
Yota Devices CEO Vlad Martynov explained at a launch event in Moscow: “Once we determined that an electronic paper display would work as a second screen, an array of new and improved user experiences became obvious.”
“For example, Yotaphone combines a smartphone and e-reader into one device for those who enjoy reading on the go. You can save images and information on the second screen, and it stays there, even if you lose battery power.”
Yota Devices is a new company and Yotaphone is its first product – as such it comes in at a hefty ¢499 as it struggle to strike deals with manufacturers.
It might be worth sitting this one out and seeing how it pans out for YotaPhone, but if you’re still keen keep your eyes peeled on the company’s website.
Meanwhile, we’d love to know what you make of the device in the comments below.