Helio's Ocean 2 coming -- but not until 2009

This is one of those classic tales of joy and sorrow -- a tale of a phone that could've been Helio's undisputed flagship model of the year, a phone that could've saved the scrappy little MVNO from Virgin Mobile's gaping maw (alright, it couldn't have even come close to doing that, but we're running with it for the drama factor). On the high side, we've now heard confirmation straight from the source that the Ocean 2 is, in fact, a real device, but the problem is that it won't be coming out until next year because they "want to put it out when it's the best it can be." It's sure looking just about the "best it can be" from the videos we've seen recently -- and frankly, we think they should just throw this out there while kicking off development on an Ocean 3 ASAP -- but it looks like the decision's already been made, and we all know there's no such thing as moving a release date forward.

[Thanks, Blade G]

[Flunky Carter @ Sep 12th 2008 12:05PM]

myek!!~~!

[Flashpoint @ Sep 12th 2008 3:24PM]

iPhones are considered god among cellular phones.

This is as pathetic a competitor as the AmpD mobiles.

[Alex @ Sep 12th 2008 12:25PM]

dated device great... everyone was overly hyped about the Ocean 1. Same thing thumbs down.

[GON @ Sep 12th 2008 12:27PM]

Looks like a Zune.

[riggs @ Sep 12th 2008 1:16PM]

let the downvoting....BEGIN!

[konshuss @ Sep 12th 2008 12:30PM]

yeah ugly. looks like a poison pill from dr. mario

[Chris Hanson @ Sep 12th 2008 12:32PM]

Too Little...............TOOO LATE !!!

But I must admit that when I had me helio Ocean one.....it was one of the best phones I'd ever had.

-Excellent service
-No problems with phone or 3G
-No lag
-No dropped calls
-Could do MMS
-No stupid Predictive texting ...THAT YOU COULDN'T TURN OFF!!!

LEARN APPLE!!! LEARN!!

Bunch of morons for holding back simple stuff that even the most basic free phones have.

NO EXCUSE FOR not having these features none at ALL........

[Drew @ Sep 12th 2008 3:52PM]

Then how come you switched?

[ajfarson @ Sep 12th 2008 1:01PM]

http://www.openmoko.com/ looks like the ocean... choose your carrier, customize the OS, do what you want... As it should be if you OWN THE PHONE.

[Dubb @ Sep 12th 2008 7:55PM]

Can it be used on a CDMA network (Sprint/Verizon)? I've been trying to look for that information, but I can't find it, I'm assuming you can't.

[solarium_rider @ Sep 12th 2008 8:53PM]

Looks nice, but it doesn't appear to have querty keyboard or a dialpad like the ocean does...

[Cybergypsy @ Sep 12th 2008 1:11PM]

iPhone over that any day!

[Cybergypsy @ Sep 12th 2008 1:12PM]

But B&O Serene still fits my needs.....

[paul @ Sep 12th 2008 2:01PM]

I actually like this decision. The Ocean 2 I've seen is a fat brick that might have slightly improved software. Perhaps now they'll make it worthwhile instead of outdated.

[Blade Genexis @ Sep 12th 2008 6:42PM]

You are most welcome! I can't wait to order mine. ;)

-Blade Genexis

[Gio NYC @ Sep 12th 2008 7:47PM]

I have been Helio member for 1 year now. Not one dropped call ever. Perfect signal. Maybe because not too many people use the network. But i love it. I even get a signal in the subway sometimes. 3g network is blazing fast. I had T-mobile before and I had 2 dropped calls per day. I got fed up.

[John @ Sep 15th 2008 8:12PM]

Get ready! Here it comes. http://www.HelioCellular.com/ARTICLE-Helio-OZ2.html

[Muhammad IMran @ Sep 16th 2008 2:48AM]

sad news but we have Motorola-Alexandar as early ray of light others being N96 (Wimaxed) and Samsung
http://www.gsmarena.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=21045&start=0
http://www.gsmarena.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=21045&start=15

[Sunny @ Sep 19th 2008 5:40PM]

Hey Dubb helio is a cdma Company they use sprint and verizon towers but you dont get hosed on price!

Solarium_rider it does have the qwerty keyboard.

I feel a little disappointed after all the Hype of 3 Mega pixel more memory all that action but maybe they are holding back. Lets hope!!!!

I sell Helio now (Helio Powered by Virgin) and I loive everything about the company and the word is that Virgin will be releasing new phones more often which will make it so there is no reason to own anything other than a HELIO