Helio Ocean unboxing and hands-on
By Ryan Block 
posted May 9th 2007 2:31PM
posted May 9th 2007 2:31PM
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I thought Earthlink had said they were getting out of this Helio venture as it was a major drag on their earnings?
Can this device be purchased standalone for use on Sprint's service?
No... just like every other HELIO phone, it can only be activated on HELIO service. Would you ask if you could activate an Alltel device on a Verizon network?
Every forum I see related to a Helio device always has at least one person that either doesn't read the back story, or goes to an in-depth tech site and doesn't read the articles.
Helio is an MVNO, meaning that they buy usage of the towers from another provider. Every Sprint/Verizon/Alltel/etc. provider has a set of ESNs (electronic serial numbers) locked to their service. They will not activate a phone with a foreign ESN. Plus, even if you could get it activated on Sprint's network, you would only have the basic voice features. No additional data/text/pic messaging/etc.
Sorry for the rant. Just gets under my skin.
Man, I've already ordered one. This is like the Sidekick on every performance-enhancing steroid in the world.
Looks like a great phone but how practical is it to carry around in a pocket everyday? It looks a little thick
can we get a comparison shot next to a RAZR or iPod for the sake of comparison?
I'm glad to see that Helio is interested in better products rather than just amassing customers like all other US cell carriers.
Actually, you could take it to a Korean, Chinese, African, or something-or-other CDMA network, and have them activate it. Verizon and Sprint (and their MNVO's) only don't allow foreign ESN's on their network, their phones are unlocked. I know that Altell used to accept foreign ESN's, I don't know if they still do.
Tottally thinking of switching out of the craphole that is Cingular and getting this but NO ONE ever mentions how the SERVICE end of the equation is? So, hows Helios actual service?
I have been with every major carrier and Ampd and Boost Mobile. All of those services had flawed coverage and, when I had to call them for something, they would nickel and dime me for everything. When I joined Helio, they took care of me and their coverage is unrivaled (Bay Area, CA). Their staff is extremely helpful and always want to make sure you are completely satisfied. I would highly recommend them for their service and the plan prices alone. The phones are a wonderful bonus! Hope that helps.
Ian, you heard wrong. Earthlink hasn't said they're getting out of Helio. They were aware of the startup costs for a phone company offering cutting edge phones. Heck, the Ocean-- their flagship phone-- isn't even in stores yet.
The Ocean is thicker than the iPhone, though not as long or tall, and has extra round edges (pill shaped). Small price to pay for actual keyboards for messaging and email.
@"Ian" - No... just like every other HELIO phone, it can only be activated on HELIO service. Would you ask if you could activate an Alltel device on a Verizon network?
Every forum I see related to a Helio device always has at least one person that either doesn't read the back story, or goes to an in-depth tech site and doesn't read the articles.
Helio is an MVNO, meaning that they buy usage of the towers from another provider. Every Sprint/Verizon/Alltel/etc. provider has a
set of ESNs (electronic serial numbers) locked to their service. They will not activate a phone with a foreign ESN. Plus, even if you could get it activated on Sprint's network, you would only have the basic voice features. No additional data/text/pic messaging/etc.
@ - "WHAT?" Actually.. I have the Verizon XV-6700 and I used the specs for size on the Ocean to compare between the two. It's actually a hair smaller. Which means for the functionality (let's face it, it does more than all but the most expensive smartphones.. and does most of it better) it's worth the size. There's also no protruding antenna, so it should slide into a pocket just fine. I care about my devices, so I don't slide them into my pockets anyway... plus, having a device with an external main screen should mean that you're going to have a holster or something for it anyway. I have the XV-6700 and a Chocolate... both of which I have cases for. This this is going to replace both of them... and I'm going to gain a better camera, better integration, faster response, and the speakers that I miss from my XV-9800 ("the V"). If you're in the market for a device with a keyboard that does everything, this is your one stop shop... if you need a 4 year old played out thin phone such as a razr or the capacity possible in an iPod with video, and you need to be able to slip it into your pocket, then no.. this one probably isn't for you.
Sorry for the rant everyone. Just gets under my skin.
plus, having a device with an external main screen should mean that you're going to have a holster or something for it anyway.
Right next to your Bat Shark repellant...
Thanks Goodman.
prokanda,
My question was valid seeing as they use Sprint service. If you didn't like my question save the rant and just plain don't answer in future. I was also concerned that IF Earthlink were to drop this venture and the service go "dark", would a Helio customer be able to re-up with Sprint. Please don't answer this as I see no purpose to another rant mode.
Actually Helio stuff on the internet has been quite confusing.
Helio "stuff" may seem confusing... but as in stuff I'm also guessing that you're not talking about the fact that they're a totally separate provider than Sprint, right?
I wasn't referring to the question about Earthlink at all. I was referring to:
"Can this device be purchased standalone for use on Sprint's service?"
It's not that I didn't like your question, it's that many people on many forums have asked this before. My response wasn't just a rant, it was also full of information. Such as the fact that NO you cannot activate a HELIO phone on a SPRINT network. The protocols are different. They just buy cell tower usage. It's not a simple repackaging of sprint service. It's also not just sprint. When Helio phones go out of the sprint area, the signal is suplimented by Verizon towers.
All of these answers and additional forums are available not only here at engadget but also at phonescoop and several other sites.
Bottom line, Helio phones work on the Helio service, just like any other CDMA provider. They are not interchangeable with the parent company of the "rented" towers they utilize. Basic MVNO rules here.
oh.. and it's called free speach, I'll respond to whatever I like, whenever I please.
Free speech is fine. Just try to be civil.
*speech.... ugh.
i'll wait for the iphone.
When I think of the phones they have in Korea and Japan, I do NOT think of any of the Helio heandsets they have released so far. Where are the dual cameras for video conferencing? VGA screens? And I'm not impressed with a 2mp camera, especially since I've had one for 2 years already with my Sony Ericsson (another reason why I can't justify getting the first iteration of the iPhone). Will someone step it up already?
I never really liked the idea behind Helio until now... but theres no chance in hell I'll drop my T-Mobile service.
Is there any way to get this baby unlocked with a t-mobile plan?
Ehh, I guess it depends on the area. I live in VA and I visit family in RI. In VA Sprint has the best signal, followed closely by Verizon. GSM carriers around here just plain suck on coverage. T-mobile doesn't even get signal in my house. I loved my Sidekick II, but I was always losing signal on it.
When I traveled to RI though, I got much better signal with my T-mobile (and my family up there got excellent signal with Cingular/AT&T). Verizon up there was on par with Cingular as well.
Does it have skype?
But the real question is, can I unlock this and use it on..justkidding :)
almost makes me want to switch service
I think the real question is "will it blend?"
That really would make me cringe... would be a waste of what looks to be an awesome do-everything device.
I'M CURRENTLY ON THE WAIT LIST FOR THE OCEAN. SANTA MONICA HELIO GETS THE OCEAN TODAY, I'M SURE OF IT BECAUSE ONE OF MY FRIENDS WHO WASN'T ON THE WAIT LIST GOT THE OCEAN. I GET A MESSAGE FROM CRISTI (MANAGER) SAYING THAT, "ALL OCEANS ARE ACCOUNTED FOR AND WAIT LIST PEOPLE WILL GET THEIR PHONES NEXT WEEK." SO I CALL THE STORE PRETENDING TO BE A NEW CUSTOMER AND THEY SAY THEY HAVE A BUNCH OF OCEANS FOR SALE. WHAT'S GOING ON HERE? WHO'S DECISION WAS THIS AND WHO'S IDEA CAN BE SO SHADDY LIKE THIS? WHAT WAS THE WAIT LIST DESIGNED FOR THEN?
GREED IS ALL I CAN COME UP WITH...
So, I got one today.
I've been a Sidekicker since the 1 came out 400 years ago and I rolled with the 2 and (no suprises here...) the 3. I've kept my T-Mobile service and and rocking this Ocean thing for the next 30 days (or less if it sucks).
Initial thoughts:
It's all the things previously discussed in the "hands on" Engadget was so kind to provide. It's smooth, but almost too smooth. A wipe of the screen with the bottom of your t-shirt is enough to get the slider to open wide. If you dig the dual-slide you are in business but it's not really necessary for most; don't we all just look for buds in our contact lists? Regardless, it adds to the cool factor which is why you are digging on it anyhow.
First issue is the qwerty keyboard. The only way to type numbers is to hold the CTRL key and hit a number. Wierd.
It's not intuitive. The button you think should do something normally doesn't. It takes a bit to get used to the functions. Often, the function you want is buried somewhere deep in a menu.
Ok, something good. It's faster than the EDGE network that has been slowly killing me on T-Mobile. A 3G network could have saved my monthly fee (although the Sidekick 3 isn't able to hack the speed anyway). I'm paying $6 for the TV feature and at this point am happy to see video even though the content already has me pretty bored.
And another cool thing... The Google Maps app is sweet. It allows the GPS part of the phone to get you directions, listings and even (kinda) guides you around while you track where you are off to. It's like the cheap way to keep away from TomTom.
The browser doesn't display web pages nearly as well as the Sidekick 3. Pages optomized for the gadget seem to do just fine, but venture into the vast network of computers (some call it the internet) and you'll be sad. No Flash. No Java. As long as you are digging around pages coded in that 'ol favorite we call HTML you will be fine (kinda).
Messaging features suffice but it's not that "ALL IN ONE" I was hoping for. Importing my contacts from Outlook took far too long as you have to import a CSV file into the online address book in the MYHELIO mail app. It should be MUCH simpler.
The music player works but something is wrong in the phone I have. After putting my music files in the MUSIC folder on the phone it found zip, zero and zilch. Move the music files to the VIDEO folder and WHALLAH! It'll play them all... But how lame that I had to attempt to cut and paste all my music just to see if there's a chance it would work.
And the first phone I got was a dud! Plug it into the wall and it shuts off. Credit should be given to the Helio rep in Santa Monica as Krisit (God Bless You!) popped by the Coffee Bean in Hollywood to drop me a new one.
Final Thoughts: If you have a Sidekick 3 and aren't jonzing for streaming video in your hand or a speedy 3G experience, stay where you are. Your 'kick just works and the Ocean still has a ton to work on. However, all you other folks digging around could get a decent deal on this thing. Take an old phone with you to a flagship for $50 off. Then ask about the AMEX deal and you can deduct another $100 (if you have an AMEX). Lastly, remind them about the online promo code B2BAGOD and you may end up saving another $75 on the phone and $30 on the waived activation fee and get a free Bluetooth headset. Just don't tell em I sent you! OH WAIT! Do tell them because I'll get a month of free service...
People must I tell you again... NO more questions regarding the Helio, Im fed up with it! Ive told all of you all over and over again your stressing me out over these Helio questions. Now as the foremost expert in Helio (Qualifiactions are Reading the manual and reading reviews on engadget and giz) Should you have any further questions please reply to this message. Be advised a Fee will be charged for my Bull!@#$ reviews and I may and probably will be nasty and childish... thank you for your support.
The new Ocean launched Friday, 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 the Helio website and use the promo code B2BDGOD
I ordered it Friday and got it this morning, and it's freaking awesome!
The new Ocean launched Friday, 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 the Helio website and use the promo code B2BDGOD
I ordered it Friday and got it this morning, and it's freaking awesome!
@ Jack: hahahahahahaha. blendtec and helio are working on that right now.
as for the service, most MVNO carriers get about the same reception as the network they use, and helio uses sprint's EV-DO network. so ask any of your friends with a sprint power vision phone, i know my A900 gets great service.
and the iPhone comparisons need to stop, hype is annoying and the iPhone is an overrated hype-box with not enough features or data speed to match either its price tag or its expectations.
but some questions about the ocean:
since its a double-slide, what happens if you slide both parts open at the same time?
how does mobile AIM work? does it cost extra? are there alerts for new IMs the way there are for new texts?
and speaking of extra cost, helio's not gonna charge more for ocean service than it does for a regular phone, right?
and a question as unavoidable as the blendtec, DOES IT PLAY DOOM? hahaha
and as for unlocking, the ESN itself can be reset on any CDMA phone if you know the right people or have the right tools, it's just a matter of getting an ESN that works on a certain provider. (example: 2 ESN-reset A900s from sprint, one with an alltel ESN, another with a VZ ESN)
I have the Ocean. I received mine via FedEx on Wednesday. You can't slide open both parts at the same time. Mobile AIM doesn't cost extra to use unless you don't get the "all in" plan which includes unlimited everything (except minutes, but they have an unlimited minutes usage plan too). As for anyone who's asking about coverage..
Helio runs off Sprint towers and uses their EVDO. When you go roaming it switches to Alltel and/or Verizon or voice usage only.
Bye Bye Crap-hole Cingular... My Helio Ocean arrives tomorrow, and then you'll be getting the call from me to cancel my service with you!
My Ocean should be arriving Thurs and I can't wait to try it out. The all in plan includes "unlimited" data usage, but it really isn't unlimited. I have read multiple articles stating that over a certain amount of usage is labeled excessive and abusive..(i think 160mb) Does anyone know how hard/easy it is to reach that amount? This is the main reason for me going with Helio.. because the Data plan is not a separate charge and the overall price is good. Oddly enough, the 'phone' part of the device is what I will be using the least.
One would think they would charge you extra for the extra usage, but they reserve the right to cancel your service if you exceed the limit..? Hmm. I hope i never go over that limit because the phone is useless on any other carrier.. kind of a catch 22 there.
LOL @ Fat Joe trying to review the phone.. he gave it "mad props" but all he did the whole time was watch his videos and listen to his music on it. Not really a review if ya ask me. The camera man had to keep him on track and keep asking him what he though of the phone. =/
I got my Ocean today. I am suspending my T-Mobile account for a month so I can try out Helio (who has a 30 day full refund policy). So far, I love the phone but the only problem I'm having is reception in the house. I read in another comment that Helio is on Sprint's network, which makes sense because my friend with Sprint gets crappy reception at my house.
Anyone know if they're expanding their network any time soon? Or even better, a way to unlock it so I can take it to T-Mobile?
I hate to a nuisance but for those of you who are getting coverage that is impeccable would it be too much to ask where exactly you are? I also wanted to know if anyone who has it is in orlando? I've been with T-Mobile for a very long time and am totally new to this network. Actually any type of Florida coverage feedback would be great!!
Cheers!
Also, has anyone gotten a bill yet? What is the total bill (that is if you got the 500 min plan) with tax an all?
this is a probably a repeated question but i'm DYING to know.... can i use this phone with phone with a AT&T SIM card? i want to get this phone but i also want to make use of the internet capabilities... so can some1 answer this question for me?