Sprint (News - Alert) on Monday is expected to introduce a revolutionary, new, Android (News - Alert)-based smartphone that will come equipped with two 3.5-inch touchscreen displays, according to a recent Wall Street Journal report.

The new handset, to be known as the Echo, will be the world's first mobile device to offer dual screens that each provide the same technology on the same size display. The screens will be capable of working independent of each other, so that users can perform separate tasks, or in tandem, giving users the ability to drag items from one screen to another, a person close to the matter told the Journal.

Sprint's Echo will feature a "pivot hinge" that allows it to hide one of the touchscreens and be modified into what looks like a traditional smartphone. The handset is being manufactured by Kyocera, a Japan-based ceramics maker that got into the mobile phone space when it acquired Qualcomm (News - Alert) in 2000.

The new smartphone is expected to be officially introduced on Monday night at a Sprint event in Manhattan. When inviting the media to the event last month, the company's CEO, Dan Hesse (News - Alert), teased the product by referring to it as an "industry first" that shows that "the impossible is possible." Famed magician David Blaine will perform during the event.

For Sprint, the introduction of a unique mobile device may be a necessary step for the company to continue to attract consumers. As the Journal points out, Sprint's hallmark handsets, the Evo and the Epic, are no longer seen as being as innovative as they were just a few months ago.

"Having a new halo device for Sprint will be critical for them to maintain their momentum," Daniel Hays, member of the telecom wing of the consulting firm PRTM, told the news source. "Sprint's smartphone lineup is definitely in a need of a refresh."

In related news, Sprint announced last week that it recently became the first domestic carrier to offer international WiMAX (News - Alert) roaming access to 4G networks. The company rolled out the next-gen roaming services to customers who are visiting Taiwan and Jamaica. Unlike other international roaming plans that tack on usage charges, Sprint's deal offers completely unlimited data for $14.99.

Beecher Tuttle is a TMCnet contributor. He has extensive experience writing and editing for print publications and online news websites. He has specialized in a variety of industries, including health care technology, politics and education. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Tammy Wolf