Right on schedule, the Kyocera Echo on Sprint has begun getting its update to Android 2.3 Gingerbread. Alongside the usual Gingerbread goodness, this update includes Swype 3.0, some security patches, and a new feature called Eco Mode. The Eco Mode app will allow users to better manage the Echo's battery power by allowing the device to automatically changing settings like Display Brightness and Auto-Sync. Contrary to other reports, Kyocera has confirmed that this update doesn't include support for NFC or Wi-Fi calling. Sprint says that the update will be rolling out in waves. If you don't feel like waiting, you should be able to pull the update down manually by heading into Settings, then System Update, and then Update Android.

There you have it, Echo owners. Not the most thrilling update in terms of new features, but hey, all of the new Gingerbread goodness that the new software brings should keep you busy for a while. When you get everything up and running on your handset, be sure to come back and let us know how it's working for you! After all, part of the fun of getting good news is being able to share it with others, right?

UPDATE: Heads up, Echo owners: as JiggaC35 points out below, reports of this update transforming perfectly normal handsets into non-functioning bricks have been pouring in. Sprint has said that it's aware of the problem but hasn't yet issued a statement on the matter. In the mean time, it may be wise to avoid installing the update. I know, I know, the allure of Android 2.3 is tough to ignore, but which would you rather have: a working Froyo phone or a Gingerbread brick?

Via PhoneScoop, Sprint, Engadget, Android Central forums