http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/ Engadget Comments for Virgin Mobile to buy Helio for $39 million in equity http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/Jun 27th 2008 10:04AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/Jun 27th 2008 10:25AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/Jun 27th 2008 10:32AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/
All I want to know.]]>Jun 27th 2008 10:14AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/Jun 27th 2008 10:35AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/Jun 27th 2008 10:41AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/]]>Jun 27th 2008 10:28AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/Jun 27th 2008 10:41AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/
Thanks for the TOS help!]]>Jun 27th 2008 10:47AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/ Please let someone answer yes to this question with detailed instructions

signed,
your lovely engadgetier]]>Jun 27th 2008 10:49AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/
"In addition, Helio may transfer your service to another provider with appropriate notice."

I'm still gonna try...]]>Jun 27th 2008 10:56AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/Jun 27th 2008 11:46AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/
Doesn't look like Helio has the same language in their Membership terms.]]>Jun 27th 2008 12:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/Jun 27th 2008 10:49AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/Jun 27th 2008 11:37AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/Jun 27th 2008 11:59AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/1. No e-mail or letter yet. I'm sure I'll get one saring the "exciting news!"
2. Contract will probably roll over without changes to Virgin. This is what happened when other wireless brands got bought up
3. I actually like the Ocean despite a few interface quirks. Its no (new) iPhone, but it had 3g and gps a LONG time ago when these features were just speculation for the apple brand

]]>Jun 27th 2008 12:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/Jun 27th 2008 12:29PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.helio.com/page?p=virgin&

Q: Does this affect my current contract with HELIO in any way? When Virgin Mobile USA does acquire HELIO, can I end my current contract without paying an early termination fee (ETF)?
A: HELIO contracts remain in effect and unchanged by this transaction. HELIO members who wish to end their contract early will still be subject to an early termination fee (ETF).


Well, crap!]]>Jun 27th 2008 12:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/Jun 27th 2008 1:24PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/
I guess the question is, will they change the current pricing? Change the feature list? If they don't have free roaming and we start getting charged for it, will that be a base for getting out without ETF?

I got into Helio because I have family in Korea that I talk to... This is gonna blow so bad...]]>Jun 27th 2008 1:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/Jun 27th 2008 1:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/Jun 27th 2008 2:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/Jun 27th 2008 2:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/
1. qwerty slider phone
2. able to store/play mp3/wma or video's
3. upload of camera pics to flickr
4. gps/google maps
5. opera mini or better
6. picture caller id/individual rings
7. integrated web search (ie, start typing and it automatically connects to web search such as wikipedia, amazon, google, etc)
8. I like my ocean, but something better looking would be nice, something sleek and sexy, perhaps?
9. stereo bluetooth (though for now, I prefer wired, until someone comes out with somthing NOT stupid looking)
10....wow, my ocean is actually pretty cool. I was only thinking of having a couple of these but ended up at 9]]>Jun 27th 2008 2:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/_< i just got an email from helio....




HELIO + Virgin Mobile USA= J

Two great companies team up to bring you more.

HELIO and Virgin Mobile USA are teaming up to combine our strengths and deliver a better mobile experience. On June 27th Virgin Mobile USA announced that it had signed an agreement to acquire HELIO.

HELIO would gain access to Virgin Mobile USA’s extensive distribution network and broad customer base, while Virgin Mobile USA would gain access to HELIO’s exclusive, high-end devices and premium services. Both companies look forward to coming together to bring exciting prepaid and postpaid opportunities to their customers.

Q: What does this mean for current HELIO members? Can I still use my HELIO device, while keeping my HELIO service plan and number?

A: Current service plans will continue without interruption. HELIO members are at the center of this transaction and we’ll continue to bring them the innovative mobile services they’ve come to expect.

Q: Can new members still sign up for HELIO service?

A: Absolutely. HELIO will continue to offer exclusive, high-end devices and our innovative All-In plans.

Q: Will the HELIO brand be retained, or will everything migrate to Virgin Mobile USA?

A: Over time, we expect that all aspects of the customer experience will be integrated under the Virgin Mobile USA brand. Integration of the direct sales channel will begin immediately, and we expect that existing HELIO products and services will soon be offered through the Virgin Mobile USA website at www.virginmobileusa.com.

Q: So what’s next?

A: We’re excited by the possibilities our new, combined team offers. We have some big ideas, but as you can imagine, a little bit of housekeeping is in order before we share them. Stay tuned!

Q: Does this affect my current contract with HELIO in any way? When Virgin Mobile USA does acquire HELIO, can I end my current contract without paying an early termination fee (ETF)?

A: HELIO contracts remain in effect and unchanged by this transaction. HELIO members who wish to end their contract early will still be subject to an early termination fee (ETF).


]]>Jun 27th 2008 2:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/
Q: Does this affect my current contract with HELIO in any way? When Virgin Mobile USA does acquire HELIO, can I end my current contract without paying an early termination fee (ETF)?

A: HELIO contracts remain in effect and unchanged by this transaction. HELIO members who wish to end their contract early will still be subject to an early termination fee (ETF).
]]>Jun 27th 2008 2:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/
In an email I just got from Helio:

Q: Does this affect my current contract with HELIO in any way? When Virgin Mobile USA does acquire HELIO, can I end my current contract without paying an early termination fee (ETF)?

A: HELIO contracts remain in effect and unchanged by this transaction. HELIO members who wish to end their contract early will still be subject to an early termination fee (ETF).

And on their website:
http://www.helio.com/page?p=virgin&]]>Jun 27th 2008 2:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/
HELIO + Virgin Mobile USA= :)
Two great companies team up to bring you more.
HELIO and Virgin Mobile USA are teaming up to combine our strengths and deliver a better mobile experience. On June 27th Virgin Mobile USA announced that it had signed an agreement to acquire HELIO.
HELIO would gain access to Virgin Mobile USA’s extensive distribution network and broad customer base, while Virgin Mobile USA would gain access to HELIO’s exclusive, high-end devices and premium services. Both companies look forward to coming together to bring exciting prepaid and postpaid opportunities to their customers.
Q: What does this mean for current HELIO members? Can I still use my HELIO device, while keeping my HELIO service plan and number?
A: Current service plans will continue without interruption. HELIO members are at the center of this transaction and we’ll continue to bring them the innovative mobile services they’ve come to expect.
Q: Can new members still sign up for HELIO service?
A: Absolutely. HELIO will continue to offer exclusive, high-end devices and our innovative All-In plans.
Q: Will the HELIO brand be retained, or will everything migrate to Virgin Mobile USA?
A: Over time, we expect that all aspects of the customer experience will be integrated under the Virgin Mobile USA brand. Integration of the direct sales channel will begin immediately, and we expect that existing HELIO products and services will soon be offered through the Virgin Mobile USA website at www.virginmobileusa.com.
Q: So what’s next?
A: We’re excited by the possibilities our new, combined team offers. We have some big ideas, but as you can imagine, a little bit of housekeeping is in order before we share them. Stay tuned!
Q: Does this affect my current contract with HELIO in any way? When Virgin Mobile USA does acquire HELIO, can I end my current contract without paying an early termination fee (ETF)?
A: HELIO contracts remain in effect and unchanged by this transaction. HELIO members who wish to end their contract early will still be subject to an early termination fee (ETF).

-- Your friends at Helio]]>Jun 27th 2008 2:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/Jun 27th 2008 2:54PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/_<
any1 else thinking of switching]]>Jun 27th 2008 3:02PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/Jun 27th 2008 3:24PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/
I wan't out of the contract but I can't afford to be :/]]>Jun 27th 2008 3:42PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/Jun 27th 2008 4:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/Jun 27th 2008 6:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/Jun 30th 2008 3:29AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/Jun 28th 2008 4:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/
From Maine, to Idaho, to Hawaii - this small Fin has documented all my travels and allowed me to stay connected to friends in a way that no other provider would have been able to accomplish: geo-tagged pics, blogs, e-mail, IM, SMS, GPS, videos, and so much more... honestly, as long as they keep their service and pricing structure, I will most-definitely keep them until at least my contract renews.

It's a shame though, most of my friends were thinking of switching to Helio after they found out all that could be done with the service for the price, but this news has scared them away, given this indicates and confirms clear financial problems for the company. RIP Helio - I like you too! =)]]>Jul 6th 2008 4:33AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/I have been a virgin mobile user for years and I have always loved the prepay option. The phone I had, the slider sonic, did every thing I could ever want it to do but sadly it has died and now I have to find something new. But the phones on virgin suck, and so I started researching and found the ocean and now that is what I bought and I am waiting for it to get here. While I wait for the over night shipping (which has already been 3 days yet it still hasn't left the warehouse) I have done lots of research and now I don't know what to do. So many people seem to want to get out of their contracts with Helio and I am just getting into mine. And now I have seen rumors that the Ocean 2 will be on virgin so now I don't know what to do. I am worried I am going to get stuck with a contract then at Christmas time I will be able to get a better phone with the prepaid option. Any one want to comment and help me out? Thanks
]]>Jul 12th 2008 8:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/Anyone know if I'll be able to use my old Helio phone (ocean) with my current virgin service?]]>Jul 29th 2008 1:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/27/virgin-mobile-to-buy-helio-for-39-million-in-equity/Aug 7th 2008 1:28AM