The Helio Ocean

All hail the new king of Helio's lineup: "Ocean." That ain't really hyperbole, either; the Pantech-sourced device first seen in the FCC's claws a few months back easily has enough tricks up its sleeve to put it atop Helio's already impressive stable of featurephones. Most striking, of course, is the dual-slide design with QWERTY in one direction and numeric in the other -- a first, as best we can tell -- that gives users the best of both worlds without compromising much girth (21.8mm to be exact). Other unique goodies (besides the requisite EV-DO and GPS) include a contact list with integrated "presence detection" showing contacts' statuses on a variety of instant messaging services, Exchange Server and ActiveSync integration(!) for the suits out there, geo-tagged photo uploads with Helio UP, multi-client communications app for Yahoo!, AOL, MSN, Gmail, and email, and a click-free web search mechanism -- users simply begin typing from their home screen to seek out sites in its new full-HTML browser. The Ocean also has built-in Google Maps (as did the Heat and Drift), will rock out to PlaysForSure tunes for a claimed 15 hours (pretty frickin' impressive if that figure holds up), offer 200MB of internal storage with microSD expansion, USB mass storage mode, a 2 megapixel cam, and stereo Bluetooth support. Look for it to start showing up on shelves before summer sets in for $295.

Gallery: The Helio Ocean

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[Justin @ Feb 6th 2008 2:43PM]

THIS PLACE ROCKS!!! Retailers say, "Pick me..Pick me" Forget it!!!! Helio retailers submit their lowest price to AuthorizedMerchants.com, then AuthorizedMerchants tells customers who has the best price. It was too easy! I got my Ocean for $79 and I got a free car charger. Ha Ha LOVE IT!!

[John HelioCellular.com @ Jun 5th 2008 2:43PM]

Hello Again,

The last time I blogged, I said we were #3. We are now #1
And for a limited time you can get a new Helio Ocean for just $99. You'll also get a pre-paid Helio visa card rebate. Get a new Helio Ocean and make a buck...not a bad deal:) This is for a limited time and certain restrictions apply. Make sure to mention promo code NAECO
HelioCellular.com

[Justin @ Aug 11th 2008 11:47PM]

You can find new, used and replacement Helio phones at http://www.HelioCellular.com/Helio-Ocean-Replacement-Upgrade.html This is a great place to Find used Helio phones. Their Helio tips and tricks section is off the hook!

[luke @ Jan 8th 2009 11:38PM]

this is happening to me too, any suggestions on what i do??

[Johan @ Mar 26th 2007 6:11AM]

QVGA display?

For effective web browsing .. 800 is OK and 480 is the absolute minimum.
I guess we have to wait for the iPhone to prove this, and that people would be willing to web browse from their phone.

And yes, such resolution displays do exist in a mobile phone form factor:

http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20061227/125955/

[craig @ Mar 26th 2007 10:16AM]

The iPhone isn't going to prove anything. It has more than the common resolution on phones today but less than some. People browse on QVGA displays already and, though the experience sucks, it's not clear that Apple's resolution will be sufficiently better. Furthermore, the iPhone is a step forward in screen size and a step back in user input.

Linking to a new panel is nice. Linking to a device that uses it would be even better. Where's the cellphone that uses this 800x480 panel?

Yes, we all want higher resolution panels. Over time we will get them. Meanwhile, I need a phone.

[Erwps @ Mar 26th 2007 6:58AM]

The last pic indicates there's EVDO support. Nice.

Too bad about the lack of Windows Mobile, but it's a nice phone otherwise.

[ocdude @ Mar 26th 2007 6:58AM]

Is it me, or does this just look like a rebranded Mylo?

[andy @ Apr 24th 2007 2:58PM]

nothin like the mylo! ocean is a cell phone and the mylo isn't plus it doesn't have all the e-mail providers ...plus it's a brick! oh yeah and it's not a cel phone.

[Rick P @ Mar 26th 2007 7:14AM]

Would the Helio "Pause" be the last model from this company.

[sane @ Mar 26th 2007 8:56AM]

Looks like an OREO™ ;-)
nice looking for a slider

[elan @ Mar 26th 2007 9:00AM]

Glad to see someone else thinks it looks like a Mylo at first glance.

[Anthony @ Mar 26th 2007 9:59AM]

I checked the FCC forms and it says the users maunal won't be available till May 21, 2007. Does the confirm the release date? The helio site says coming in spring so might this be the actualt date?

[Used both @ Mar 26th 2007 11:34AM]

QWERTY, HTML, and EV-DO. And no Windows. This is the one I've been waiting for.

[josh @ Mar 27th 2007 12:20AM]

I wouldn't be too fast to say that the lack of windows mobile is a bad thing. Let's see the UI first before you go there. My guess is it has a ui built around working with the specific layout of the button on this device. Probably something less clunky than windows mobile.

The sidekick UI proved that more complex is not always better, by executing one of the most *usable* portable UIs ever made.

I'll wait to reserve judgement until i see some UI, but for a $295 price there is possibly a lot of value here. And do we really need another non-inspiring windows mobile device?

[allan @ Mar 26th 2007 1:41PM]

I love it but sadly I just got with Verizon a couple of months ago.... :( ....why cant Verizon get a phone like this....cry,cry,cry

[Eric @ Mar 26th 2007 1:21PM]

Now if Helio could come to Canada I'd be happy.

[Goodman @ Mar 26th 2007 2:02PM]

Checked out their web page. 3G web browsing with full keyboard. GPS that tells you where you are (via Google Maps), where your friends are, where businesses are, and where you took your pictures. 2 megapixel camera that does video. Plays for Sure music with stereo Bluetooth and over-the-air music downloads. Streaming video, Micro SD, Mobile MySpace blogging, Gmail, bright screen, 3D gaming, etc. And no Windows Mobile! Please, sweet Jesus, let it not be buggy!

DO YOU HEAR ME JESUS???

It's like the Sidekick 9! :-)

[Jay @ Mar 26th 2007 3:44PM]

Sony's lawyers should get in touch.

Oh sorry, that's right. Only Apple are allowed to complain about plagiarisers and copyists....

[joe @ Mar 26th 2007 5:48PM]

hawtness!

looks better than mylo IMO!

[amygoetz @ Mar 27th 2007 10:33AM]

75.00 OFF DEVICE
30.00 ACTIVATION FEE
25.00 OFF OF ALL IN PLANS FOR 4 PLANS
50.00 AMERICAN EXPRESS GIFT CARD(email [e-mail] with your full name and order number to get the card)

USE THESE CODES TO GET THE ABOVE DEAL
DRIFT BLACK – B2BAGDD
DRIFT WHITE – B2BAGDW
HEAT BLACK – B2BAGHTOX
HEAT GOLD - B2BAGHTGD

[owenspackman @ Apr 5th 2007 10:23AM]

I contacted helio. they said they would not be offering upgrades. which sucks.

I contacted my dealer. he said he would upgrade my Drift to Ocean for $195. $100 off, which isn't bad. Plus $50 for every customer i send him. So, if you're on Helio and want to upgrade, or just want a Helio at a decent price (i got my drift for $100 off!!) then email me at [e-mail] and i will give you his contact details.

Owen

[Shed @ May 4th 2007 9:49AM]

Hey i called helio and they said that when you want to upgrade all you have to do it pay the difference between your phone and the new one.

so if you paid for a drift at 200-250... whatever it is, you have to pay 50-100 bux and you have your new phone.

my buddy already has the Ocean, i asked where did you get it and he said that he couldn't tell me.

It's AWESOME! can't wait to get mine...

[Jeff @ May 7th 2007 3:23PM]

This phone is almost ideal.... I need to know if it will allow me to

1. install an ssh client
2. tether to my laptop
3. run a slingplayer client

It is these three constraints that have kept me tied to windows mobile, whose user interface is borderline useless (voicecommand makes it remotely barable)and palmos which was great is sadly only available on hardware that is more than 1 generation old now.

--Jeff

PS anyone who uses helio have any opinions about the quality of service / price etc?

[Mike Stark @ May 10th 2007 9:08PM]

The new Ocean's launching tomorrow, and I came across a promotional code to save some serious green when you go to buy it.

==> $75 off the $295 pricetag
==> $30 Activation Fee waived
==> $25 off first four months of service ($100 total)

Go to www.helio.com and use the promo code B2BDGOD

I'm anxious to trade-in my Heat, even though I just got it a couple months ago...

[Peace2all @ Jun 5th 2007 11:10PM]

I wanna THANK YOU for saving me alot of money!!! I ordered my Helio Ocean today and it only cost me $236.62 plus I have $25.00 knock off of my bill for the next 4 months! SWEET!

I am a sidekick 3 user now and I hope to love the Helio Ocean. :)

[danfury @ Jun 8th 2007 2:51PM]

thanks so much! i tested the code to see if it was a sham, nope. that sealed the deal with me. ordered my 'device' today. thanks very much for sharing that info!

[Mr.Richard @ May 17th 2007 11:29PM]

What os does this device use?
If it will run ANY remote control client at all, then I want it. I don't care whether its TS, RDP, VNC, or whatever. As long as I can log in to a remote computer with this device, its perfect.

[Dave @ May 18th 2007 10:35AM]

I ordered Helio's Ocean and have been using it for about 4 days now and I gotta tell you, its a good phone but there are issues. Hopefully they can tweak the software and fine tune the users experience.

The phone has a simple interface UNTILL you use the web browser. It is beyond confusing as to how to get to some of their touted features. The browser needs better forward and back page buttons. It has a back button but needs a forword.
The video stream link section forces you to scroll through pages of video clips your not even interested in just to get to the ones you want. It would be nice if they grouped the videos by show names first and then list each episode. The main web page isn't customizable so you cant just quick pick the sites you use daily. your forced to save them through a bookmark listing in a menu. Very annoying considering how much clicking it takes to navigate web pages.

Integration of media The phone has a nice camera and the ability to snatch images off websites. The audio player is surprisingly loud and clear. The problem starts when you want to use this media in say contact cards or use a song as a ring tone. Either the steps needed are just too complex to do, or the software isn't sufficient in assisting the user in making it happen.

Like I said the phone is good but the software needs work. The phone's software should make it simple to add a image from the web to a contact card, wallpaper or to select a song as a ring tone. they need to make the phone work for the user instead of the user working for the phone.

[James W West @ May 22nd 2007 5:31PM]

This looks like it is going to be a pretty nifty device!

[Matt @ May 22nd 2007 9:39PM]

Um, is it just me or is this thing somewhat pudgy? I mean, compared to most other new phones. I guess I'll find out when engadget sends me one :)

[James Sauceda @ May 22nd 2007 9:47PM]

Helio Ocean FTW

[Anthony Wang @ May 22nd 2007 11:07PM]

sweet!! I want one!

[Elliot Shear @ May 23rd 2007 2:23PM]

Most outragous mobile device !
I am the tehc leader of my 8,000 man
service company. Would love to get "braggin" rights
on this puppy..Would even write an end -use review
for this great on-line blog !

[Edi Jenkins @ May 25th 2007 11:48AM]

coool

[dddado @ May 25th 2007 7:30PM]

I want one

[Tom Hill @ May 25th 2007 11:08PM]

Like the look & dual slide -- count me in.

[Don't call it a phone, call it a piece of crap. @ Jun 4th 2007 9:09PM]

1) The Helio Ocean goes black at random times and just shuts down. This happened to mine the second day I had it. I called them and this is a known problem, even though they don't tell people.

2) I tried to return it, but their customer service is complete crap. They refuse to take my belt pouch back and give me a refund for it. They want to charge me for the minutes I used on the phone during the two days before I found out that their phone is a piece of crap. Oh yea, that's right, don't call it a phone, call it a piece of crap.

[Shawn @ Jun 5th 2007 9:34PM]

Very cool. I want one.

[Adina @ Jun 7th 2007 5:40AM]

Do you know if the 160 megabyte data limit that they had on the Helio Hybrid also applies to the phones? I'm thinking about getting an Ocean but if I can only use 160 mb of data every month then I'm not sure its worth it. But then again I have no clue how easy or hard it would be to rack up that much data usage.(any of you have any ideas of what it would take to get to 160 mb?) I was really excited about the Ocean and the All-In plan of $65 for 500 minutes and "unlimited" data usage but now I'm kind of weary of it. Any help would be MUCH appreciated.

[Adina @ Jun 16th 2007 10:46PM]

Ok ignore my last comment, I just ended up writing their customer care or whatever and they said that the 160mb limit doesn’t apply to their devices, it just applies to their wifi internet card that they don’t even have anymore.

[Lawrence Waters @ Jun 12th 2007 2:32PM]

But does it do laundry?

[kravinravin @ Jun 19th 2007 2:56AM]

I've been having some weird issues with my screen as well....
I managed to catch a bit of a shotty picture of it when it happened a few mins ago.....it's like the screen is duplicating the image a few times, sometimes it just freezes and i have to take the battery out, or after about 30 seconds it unfreezes and goes back to the default screen

it also sometimes gets a flash of colored lines or "snow" for just a few seconds when I plug it in or turn it on.... just started out of nowhere about a week and a half ago.

think i'll be takin it back for a replacement....



http://www.geocities.com/kravinravin/oceanscreen.jpg

[Nick @ Jun 21st 2007 2:37PM]

I just got my new Ocean and got $75 off the device $25 off for 4 months and no activation fee.

I used a new promo code B2BYMOD

[John @ Jul 18th 2007 12:54AM]

i just got my helio ocean yesterday and after about a day and a half of non stop usage, it keeps freezeing up and now i cant even restart the phone because it freezes durring to boot prosses. called helio and there sending me a new one. cant argue with that and i do love the phone but this may turn into a big issue. thank god for the 30 trial (though if i cancel, i'm already about $30 deep in data charges)

[Rob @ Jul 24th 2007 5:48PM]

Just got my Helio Ocean for 179.00 WITH A HEADSET, CAR CHARGER, 1GB MEMORY CARD AND CARRYING CASE. This was the best deal I could find. Just got my phone last week and I LOVE this thing. Call this place up: 800-801-4174.... Metro Cellular

[Phil_da_thrill @ Sep 13th 2007 12:38AM]

Hey rob did you get your ocean through eBay? i've seen metro cellular on there and i've been thinking about getting my ocean through them. How was the whole transaction? This would really help out a lot. thanks

[Promo Codes @ Aug 13th 2007 8:46PM]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Ashley Penland and I am a Account Executive for B2B @ Helio. All prior promo codes have expired and are unable to be used on Helio.com. There is a new discount availible that I can offer. Here it is, enjoy:

35% off any Device
No Activation fee ($30)
10% off $85 & $100 rate plan monthly ($306- $360 discount)
33% off $145 unlimited plan monthly ( $1,722 discount)
It is a 24 month contract. Great News!!! The discount is good for 36 months

Phones:
Heat - $100 ($65 after discount)
Drift - $145 ($94.25 after discount)
Ocean - $295 ( $191.75 after discount)

Let me know !!! This is a limited time discount

Ashley Penland
[e-mail]
Device: 818.859.5064

[Promo Codes @ Aug 13th 2007 8:49PM]

Hi Everyone,My name is Ashley Penland and I am a Account Executive for
B2B @ Helio.

All prior promo codes have expired and are unable to be
used on Helio.com. There is a new discount availible that I can
offer. Here it is, enjoy:
35% off any Device
No Activation fee ($30)
10% off $85 & $100 rate plan monthly ($306- $360 discount)
33% off $145 unlimited plan monthly ( $1,722 discount)
It is a 24 month contract. Great News!!! The discount is good for 36 months

Phones:Heat - $100($65 after discount)
Drift - $145 ($94.25 after discount)Ocean -
$295( $191.75 after discount)

Let me know !!! This is a limited time discount

Ashley Penland
[e-mail]
Device: 818.859.5064

[JT @ Oct 7th 2007 1:53PM]

Had the same problems with Helio and Ocean. Apparently I'm not the only one.

Check this out:

http://hubpages.com/hub/My-Helio-Nightmare