Gizmodo
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review
Ocean 2 Review (Verdict: A Great Phone If It Were 2007)
The Helio Ocean was an amazing phone in its day, so we were excited to see all the cool updates hitting Virgin Mobile's Helio-branded Ocean 2. Turns out, there's not much cool to be found. More » -
ocean 2
Virgin Mobile's Helio Ocean 2 Is Official, Being Launched By Britney Spears
MobileCrunch has lots of photos of the Helio Ocean 2 for Virgin Mobile, which we last saw in a spy shot a few months back. It's definitely real now. More »
8,022
By Jason ChenComment by Substance_D: Circus is a very catchy song. My friend always plays it in her car. That and 'Single Ladies' by Beyonce. ALL... 15 Responses | Other threads
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pantech matrix
Pantech Matrix Dual Sliding Phone Has More Buttons Than Sense
Formed from the same genetic ooze as Pantech's Slide Duo smartphone and rebranded Helio Ocean handset, the Matrix is a mildly frustrating device: spec'd with the best, but dressed in the worst. An HSDPA-enabled handset with GPS, a full QWERTY keyboard in addition to a dialpad, and two cameras should have the software to leverage the hardware, but AT&T and Pantech have chosen to stick with an in-house OS rather than opt for Windows Mobile as they did with the Duo QWERTY smartphone. Still, it doesn't look like a bad feature phone for people who message more than they talk, and it's available today at AT&T stores. [Crave]
7,508
By John HerrmanComment by Qu33f_Machine: How the hell does it slide one way or another way and somehow not overlap buttons? This is making my... 1 Responses | Other threads
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helio
First Images of Helio Ocean 2
Not so long ago, the FCC leaked the Helio Ocean 2. But those pictures were black and white technical drafts, not featuring nearly enough colors and blinky lights to captivate our stimuli-needing attention spans. But a new FCC filing includes real shots of the new Helio Ocean. And from what we can tell, it's got a fancy, iPhonesque silver frame around the face. How do these designers know that we can't resist metal-colored paints? Our one weakness! [FCC via Electronista] -
virgin mobile
Virgin Mobile's First Helio-App Handset Due September 28th: The Shuttle
Virgin Mobile USA is soon to launch its first handset that uses tech from newly acquired Helio. Just as predicted, the slider phone will indeed include advanced features like social networking and other mobile services "through partnerships with Accuweather, ESPN, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, Yahoo!" and others. There's also Virgin Mobile's first location-based services like "Buddy Beacon" (a friend-finder) and "Where," which supplies local service info. The 3G EV-DO handset is set to cost below $100, have a 1.3-megapixel cam, Bluetooth and a 2-inch screen, and will be exclusively out at Best Buy Mobile and BestBuy.com on 28th September. Press release below. More » -
palm
Helio, Sidekick UI Designer Working On New Palm OS
This is some pretty exciting news for us Palm fans who've been waiting (and waiting and waiting) for something new from the handset maker. It turns out Palm has hired Matias Duarte to design the UI for the next Palm OS. You probably haven't heard of him, but he's the guy behind the impressive interfaces for the Sidekicks and Helio's phones. The idea of giving this guy a large install base and a touchscreen to play with is a good one. Palm's got an uphill battle to take on the iPhone, but this could be how they do it. [Engadget]
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By Matt HickeyComment by Ken_Darrow: Good thing he has the iPhone as a template to base his new UI. LOL more » | Other threads
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helio
Phew: Keep Your Advanced Features When Your Helio Turns Into Virgin
In today's news of Virgin buying Helio for 39 million dollars, it has been revealed that the advanced features Helio was known for (and paid dearly for in the end) will be ported over as Virgin takes over operations. The infrastructure will also allow future handsets from Virgin to include modern day amenities like Google Maps with GPS, YouTube and MySpace apps, stuff Helio was very early on compared to the rest of the industry. [Virgin] More » -
cellphones
Virgin Mobile to Buy Helio, Kill It, Consume It
It appears that the rumors were right, kinda fake telecom provider Virgin Mobile will buy kinda fake telecom provider Helio. Once the acquisition is complete, Virgin Mobile will consume Helio and hopefully become stronger from the nourishment, but the trendy Helio logo will be gone forever. Since both companies run on Sprint's network, it shouldn't be that big a deal from a technical "will my phone still work??" standpoint. Although Helio was extremely progressive in features and pioneered "all in" plans. We don't know if Virgin is interested in giving users the world like Helio did in the financially challenging MVNO space. [Yahoo and Electronista]
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cellphones
This Might Just be the Helio Ocean 2
Is this the Helio Ocean 2? According to someone on the Helio City forums who grabbed this screenshot from a since-removed YouTube video, yes. Is Helio even going to be around long enough to release another version of the Ocean? We'll see, but I'm not placing any bets one way or the other. But the fact that this shot makes the phone look very similar (and just as thick) as the original doesn't make me optimistic. [Helio City via Engadget] -
helio
Helio Stores And Kiosks Closing Soon, Company In Trouble?
A tipster told us that the talks between Virgin Mobile and SK Telecom/Helio are going nowhere, with Virgin backing out unless there's some sort of bankruptcy declaration or huge liquidation. Our tipster says that Helio's corporate stores and kiosks will be closing very soon, which is backed up by similar info from Engadget. They say that there's no merger between Helio and Virgin, and that customers might just be moved over to Virgin's network. More »
4,903
By Jason ChenComment by diesel828: Not that I'm a big Helio fan, but uh... where exactly are the sources for this besides an anonymous tipster?... more » | Other threads
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helio ocean 2
Is This the Helio Ocean 2?
Engadget got their hands on a Helio Ocean 2 shot, and it looks quite similar to the sketch we saw on the FCC site a while back. If this is it, it's still rounded and dual-sliding like the first, but supposedly has various upgrades like a 3-megapixel camera, 1GB internal storage, 30FPS video recording and a touch-sensitive D-Pad. We're not sure how we feel about that touch sensitive part—most TS D-Pads we've used have been kinda awful—but we can't wait for the final version. [Engadget Mobile]
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By Jason ChenComment by chackett: I sure wish someone had some real information about the features, release date and cost of the Ocean2. Some folks... more » | Other threads
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virgin mobile
Virgin and SK Telecom Actually In Talks Despite SK's Denials
Even though SK Telecom denied being in talks with Virgin Mobile to merge it and the Helio brands, Virgin Mobile is having none of it. VM said that they were in the "early stages" of discussions, but there aren't any "assurances that any transaction will result." Sounds like someone at Virgin is using the press as a weapon in their discussions. [Marketwatch]
920
By Jason ChenComment by Tom_Servo: @JustEaton: It's 8:02am on 5/15/08 and everything appears groovy in FireFox. more » | Other threads
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cellphones
SK Telecom Denies Merger Talks With Virgin Mobile
Despite mocoNews' and WSJ's reports last week that SK Telecom and Virgin Mobile were set to merge the Helio and Virgin Mobile USA brands, SK Telecom denies these rumors and says it's fully committed to Helio. Dow Jones quoted SK Telecom spokesperson Mina Ryu as saying the all-stock transaction merger was "groundless." While SK Telelcom did say they were actively pursuing opportunities for expansion in the US, they clearly stated they weren't in "any sort of talks" with Virgin Mobile. [mocoNews] -
cellphones
Helio and Virgin Mobile to Merge?
mocoNews reports talks are going on between Helio and Virgin Mobile USA about a possible merger between the two wireless phone carriers. Helio has had some finanical issues over the past year, and its owner, SK Telecom, has been looking to make a splash in US markets. Current talks include SK Telecom buying out Virgin Mobile USA, infusing it with cash, and having Virgin Mobile buy out Helio via stock purchase. Seeing as both carriers operate on Sprint's network, technical logistics won't be a huge hurdle, which leaves financials to deal with. But this is still very much in the early stages. [mocoNews via Phone Scoop] -
cellphones
Helio Becomes First Carrier to Offer Push Gmail
If you are the proud owner of a Helio Ocean, Fin or Mysto, you have the honor of being the first to enjoy push Gmail on your cellphone. Using the "ultimate inbox" feature, simply set up your Gmail account and press Menu > Send/Receive. Then you will be prompted to enable new mail notification. It's just that easy, baby. -
cellphones
Helio Ocean 2 Hits FCC, First Impression is Same-Old Same-Old
The FCC has just leaked this image of Helio's Ocean 2. How do we know that? Well, it's carrying an OZ2 model and OZ was the alternative moniker of the original Helio Ocean. We can't tell much else from the drawing, such as whether the Mark 2 Ocean will have the dual slider of its older brother, but we can see the body design will remain true to the original. However, having been overly impressed by the original, we're sure this baby is going to kick ass whenever it does land. [FCC via Crunch Gear] -
opera mini
Opera Mini Browser Now on Helio Ocean, Officially
Sure, with a little third-party app hacking you've been able to get Opera running on some Helio phones for a while. But today Helio and Opera have released Opera Mini in what's the first official deployment of the tiny browser by a US service provider. Apparently Helio listened to their enthusiast community and then worked to tailor the software. Press release below the screenshots. More » -
friend finder
Buddy Beacon 2.0 Launches Facebook and iPhone Apps, Reaches Multiple Carriers
Buddy Beacon, the friend-finding service so beloved by Helio users, is to widen its circle of friends, as of today. As well as being available on multiple carriers (which means that you and your mates don't need to share the same mobile provider) version 2.0 includes applications for Facebook and iPhone, which will allow users to stalk each other from their computers. Press release is below. More » -
helio
Helio and Buzzd Make Location-based Yelp-like Service For Your Phone
Yelp is great, but what if you could find restaurants and clubs based on where you are right now? Thanks to Helio phones' GPS service and the Buzzd software, you can. It works as a built-in app on your Helio phone (the two companies partnered up today) and will allow you to even message your friends to update them on where you're going right from the service. There's even real-time activity finding to figure out what's going on right now, something we're sure Jack Bauer would appreciate if he weren't so busy shooting up terrorists. [Buzzd] -
dealzmodo
Helio Unlimited Minutes Plan for $99 (Normally $145)
Helio's unlimited minutes plan dropped from $145 to $99 last week. I've no idea how long this sale will go on for. [Phone Scoop via Gadget Review] -
cellphones
Helio's Mysto Slider Now Available Everywhere
The previously NYC and Santa Monica-only Helio Mysto has finally expanded to a nationwide release, meaning you can grab one online or at your local meatspace Helio store. Here's one bit of info we haven't mentioned before: the Mysto's web browser is "location aware," meaning you can have location data for certain web-based applications. Neat stuff. [Helio] -
cellphones
Helio Mysto Arrives, but Only the Korean-Language Version
Here's a weird move by Helio: its launching its new phone, the Mysto, quietly today. Why quietly? Well, it's only releasing the Korean-language version of the new slider. Soon enough, the English version will follow, but apparently because of its ties to Korea's SK Telecom only the Korean version is available for now. If you really want an English version, a few will be available at the Helio stores in NYC and Santa Monica on December 26th before a full launch in late January. More » -
helio youtube 2 hands-on
Helio's YouTube 2.0 Client Hands-on and Impressions (Verdict: It's Good)
YouTube and Helio aren't strangers in the least, but compared with the iPhone's gorgeous implementation, Helio's first version was found to be a little lacking. No more. The latest release, available today, bumps Helio up onto the same tier as Apple's offering. Here's what we think.
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By Jason ChenComment by takemetoyourtoaster: here is what they need to make, something like the flip, with wifi, so they can upload them to youtube... more » | Other threads
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rumor
Helio Mysto Gets Official in Picture Form, Will Cost $150?
While CrunchGear says they've got no specs to go with this picture of the "first official pic" of Helio's upcoming Mysto, its looks match up quite nicely with past mumblings that the Mysto is in fact Samsung's U600 slider. If it is, expect it to be tricked out a bit since the GSM model now available lacks 3G, though it comes with MP3, AAC and WMA support and FM radio out of the box, promising to be a decent little multimedia phone for $150 after some Helio tweaks. [CrunchGear] -
dealzmodo
American Express My WishList Post-Black-Friday Super Deals Go Live Nov. 27
We just got the advance word on the American Express holiday My WishList deals, running from November 27 to December 13. If you recall, Amex sells certain hot products for super cheap in very limited supplies, but you have to go to the site and try to buy it on a certain day (and yes, with an American Express card). It's really just a game, because demand always comically dwarfs supply. But there are other products that go on sale immediately, and are available at low but not necessarily insane prices until they sell out. And they always sell out. Before you go and shoot your wad during the Black Friday frenzy, you might want to check out this year's lineup, edited down to the most Giz-appropriate selections (i.e. no spa retreats or studded mini clutches):
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helio
Helio Ocean Gets Doc Viewer and Exchange 1.2 Support
Helio's Ocean is getting a free file viewer that can view Word, Excel, Powerpoint, PDF, plain text and html, as well as most major image formats. The Ocean is also gettting Mail for Exchange 1.2 support for calendar sync. Good to see Helio continue to evolve the handset. I hope most of this functionality is built into the next generation Ocean but I hope that it's built on something more robust and open *Android*cough than the Ocean 1's OS. More » -
cellphones
Helio Cuts All Phone Prices by $50, Flashes Some Leg, Winks
First they dropped their all-in plan to $99 a month, and now they've gone and slashed the prices of all their phones by $50. Helio really wants you to switch to them in a bad way, which could be a sign that they aren't doing so hot, or they may be paving the way for a new device to drop. Either way, now that you can get an Ocean for less than $200 and get an all-in plan for less than $100, I certainly wouldn't blame you for taking the bait, as that is as good a deal as you're likely to get in the cellphone world right now. [Product Page via Boy Genius Report] -
cellphones
Helio Offers Unlimited Service for $99/Month, Refurbed Ocean for $99
Good news for people thinking of picking up a Helio Ocean: Helio has lowered its rates for its all-in plans, giving you all-you-can-eat service for $99 a month. It's also starting to offer refurbished phones through the Helio Refreshed service, with the Ocean now available refurbed for a mere $99. That's a pretty awesome deal for one of our favorite phones seeing it lists for $295 new. [Helio via Electronista] -
cellphones
Is the Helio Mysto Really the Samsung U600?
The fabled Helio Mysto could actually be a Samsung U600 if the rumors coming from a source at PhoneArena prove to be correct. The rumor also states that a Helio version of the phone would switch to a CDMA receiver and EVDO, but would otherwise remain its sexy-looking self —including its super trim .42-inch profile. As with all rumors, this info should be taken with a grain of salt, but I wouldn't mind seeing what Helio could do with the U600. [PhoneArena via Electronista] -
cellphones
Helio Drift Gone, Helio Mysto Coming Soon
It's been only a year, but the Helio Drift slider has been phased out of Helio's lineup, and should be soon replaced by a Helio "Mysto." Heliocity discovered a new filing at the USPTO for the Mysto, but unlike the FCC, the USPTO doesn't tell tales of lovers gone by. It's unlikely that the Mysto is the next generation Helio Ocean, seeing as the Ocean's only been on the market for about half a year. So the only questions is whether the Mysto is a slider or a flip—Helio, unlike Kirstie Alley, doesn't seem to like candybars. [Heliocity] -
helio
Helio just got a hot beef injection in the form of $270 million from SK Telecom, which means the cellphone provider should be around for a couple years at least, allaying any fears you may have about jumping on board. [CNN]
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By Jason ChenComment by Ibstrange1: I just started with helio, i called them up and they gave me the Ocean for $150, and threw in... more » | Other threads
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cellphones
AT&T's Dual-Sliding Pantech Duo In the Wild
The Pantech Duo, seen previously as the Helio Ocean, has just been spotted in the wild by a tipster. He takes some sample shots next to his V3xx RAZR, which should give you a good idea of how large it is in comparison. If it's as thick as the Ocean, prepare to be either appalled or flattered when your friends comment on your third testicle. [Update, added side shot] More » -
apple
What Helio, Nokia, Samsung and Motorola Think About the iPhone
It's been three months since the iPhone launched, which is plenty of time for four cellphone manufacturers/designers to form an opinion about what's good, bad and effective about Apple's phone. More »
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By Jason ChenComment by Trackback: Back on June 29th, when the iPhone launched, we had some of the experts in the Techdirt Insight Community give... more » | Other threads
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cellphones
First Helio Fin Review and Full Gallery
The Fin clamshell is Helio's best looking piece of hardware, bar none. (And pun intended.) Samsung's Ultra designers made sure of that, giving the phone an 11.4mm thick profile, OLED external screen, and sturdy magnesium shell, making it almost as thin as an iPhone, but not quite as slim as a candybar like the Sony Ericsson W880i. The software is Helio's latest as well. More » -
smaller is better
Sizemodo: Helio Fin vs. Ocean vs. iPhone vs. HTC Touch
Here's how the Helio Fin, the thinnest clamshell in the US, stacks up against other equally thin phones. As you can see, it's pretty much the same thickness as the iPhone, which is amazing since the Fin actually flips open. It's slightly thinner than the HTC Touch, and is dwarfed by the bulge-tastic Helio Ocean. More Sizemodo after the jump. More » -
cellphones
Live Helio Ocean Fin Grope [UPDATE: Archive Video Up]
Noah unboxed this baby this morning, but I'm looking forward to tearing the back out of my Fin's box right now. BTW I haven't showered, yet, so don't mind the bedhead. Hit the jump for the live video. UPDATE: Archive video of the hour-long grope is live. More » -
cellphones
Helio Fin Unboxing - Meet The Thinnest Clamshell In The US
Clamshells make up 79% of the US market for cellphones, so it's no surprise that Helio is introducing one to its lineup starting today. Here's the unboxing, with Sizemodo to come. More » -
surprises
The Helio Fin is a Magnesium-Cased Samsung Ultra Flip Phone!
Holy crap. The Helio Fin is the company's first clamshell, and is built on Samsung Ultra phone DNA. As such, it's only 11.4mm thick, and hot damn, it's the only one made of magnesium. It's also the only Helio handset to have Garmin turn-by-turn GPS software on it, although you'll have to rent it to a sick tune of $3 a day. (Bleh!) The cameraphone is a generous 3MP, however. More » -
helio
Custom Apps Now Possible on Helio Ocean (Opera Mini)
Not only is the iPhone getting its third-party cherry popped, the Helio Ocean is now running third-party apps now as well. The first proof of concept app is Opera Mini, the smallish browser from Opera that lets even lousy phones browse like a star. To get it to work on your Ocean (even though the default Ocean browser is just fine for us), just follow the directions on Heliocity. After you're done, you may want to check to see how you can support them to get even cooler apps on the Ocean. [Heliocity]
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By Jason ChenComment by invicta: We have started loading the Opera Mini in all our of our Helio Oceans for free. You can check it... more » | Other threads
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helio
ActiveSync and Exchange Support for Helio Ocean
Helio is announcing Activesync support for the Ocean. The phone will then be able to sync calendars, email and contacts from an Exchange server. They're also doing a file viewer app that will view PDF, Word, Powerpoint and Excel docs. $10 a month for Helions with All-In service plans. More »
helio
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