Engadget

Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget 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/<![CDATA[Virgin Mobile looks ready to euthanize Helio brand, Ocean 2 vanishes]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/virgin-mobile-looks-ready-to-euthanize-helio-brand-ocean-2-vani/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/virgin-mobile-looks-ready-to-euthanize-helio-brand-ocean-2-vani/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/virgin-mobile-looks-ready-to-euthanize-helio-brand-ocean-2-vani/#comments

Back in our day, the kiddies all ran around with Helios, VK Mobile looked like it could be the next Pantech, and "Kickflip" was a phone, not a skateboarding move. Okay, fine -- we knew like one or two people that used Helio, VK Mobile never even made a dent in the US market, and skateboarding had a lock on kickflips long before the wireless industry did -- and actually, that perfect storm of bad news may have ultimately led the once-promising MVNO to the sad situation we have here today under Virgin Mobile's stewardship. Virgin has now all but erased the memory of Helio from its website, leaving just the Ocean and Mysto to soldier on -- and the phones now go by their ODM's names (Pantech and Samsung, respectively) rather than Helio proper. The strangest part is that the Ocean seems to have outlasted its replacement, the Ocean 2, which is now gone -- unless you hit up Virgin Mobile's Korean language site, a sub-brand in itself that it inherited from Helio and has a track record of giving members of the community better, faster access to hot devices. Any way you slice it, though, it never made sense for Virgin to run two brands -- Helio's fate was sealed the moment the sale was finalized, but considering the company's spot-on mantra of "bring awesome Asian phone tech to North America," we'll always have a soft spot in our hearts for these guys.

[Via MobileCrunch]

Filed under: Cellphones

Virgin Mobile looks ready to euthanize Helio brand, Ocean 2 vanishes originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>helioocean 2Ocean2virginvirgin mobileVirginMobileWed, 28 Oct 2009 05:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Virgin Mobile looks ready to euthanize Helio brand, Ocean 2 vanishes]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/virgin-mobile-looks-ready-to-euthanize-helio-brand-ocean-2-vani/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/virgin-mobile-looks-ready-to-euthanize-helio-brand-ocean-2-vani/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/virgin-mobile-looks-ready-to-euthanize-helio-brand-ocean-2-vani/#comments

Back in our day, the kiddies all ran around with Helios, VK Mobile looked like it could be the next Pantech, and "Kickflip" was a phone, not a skateboarding move. Okay, fine -- we knew like one or two people that used Helio, VK Mobile never even made a dent in the US market, and skateboarding had a lock on kickflips long before the wireless industry did -- and actually, that perfect storm of bad news may have ultimately led the once-promising MVNO to the sad situation we have here today under Virgin Mobile's stewardship. Virgin has now all but erased the memory of Helio from its website, leaving just the Ocean and Mysto to soldier on -- and the phones now go by their ODM's names (Pantech and Samsung, respectively) rather than Helio proper. The strangest part is that the Ocean seems to have outlasted its replacement, the Ocean 2, which is now gone -- unless you hit up Virgin Mobile's Korean language site, a sub-brand in itself that it inherited from Helio and has a track record of giving members of the community better, faster access to hot devices. Any way you slice it, though, it never made sense for Virgin to run two brands -- Helio's fate was sealed the moment the sale was finalized, but considering the company's spot-on mantra of "bring awesome Asian phone tech to North America," we'll always have a soft spot in our hearts for these guys.

[Via MobileCrunch]

Filed under: Handsets, Pantech, MVNOs

Virgin Mobile looks ready to euthanize Helio brand, Ocean 2 vanishes originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 05:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>heliomobilemvnosocean 2Ocean2pantechvirginvirgin mobileVirginMobileWed, 28 Oct 2009 05:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Helio's Ocean 2 -- how would you change it?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/06/helios-ocean-2-how-would-you-change-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/06/helios-ocean-2-how-would-you-change-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/06/helios-ocean-2-how-would-you-change-it/#comments

Check it, Mobile readers -- Engadget Classic's How Would You Change could use your participation this week, as we've got Helio's Ocean 2 up on stage. You bought one? You got something to say? Head on over and spill it, why don'tcha?

Filed under: Handsets, Pantech, Helio, Virgin Mobile, MVNOs

Helio's Ocean 2 -- how would you change it? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 22:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>heliohwycmobilemvnosoceanocean 2Ocean2pantechvirgin mobilevirginmobileFri, 06 Mar 2009 22:26:00 EST<![CDATA[How would you change Helio's Ocean 2?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/06/how-would-you-change-helios-ocean-2/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/06/how-would-you-change-helios-ocean-2/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/06/how-would-you-change-helios-ocean-2/#comments

Ah, the Ocean 2. The handset Helio loyalists have been clamoring for since, well, forever ago. After seeing the OZ2 break cover in the FCC last March, we wondered just how long it'd take for this thing to ever go on sale -- and that was assuming it even would go on sale. Now, Earthlings just like yourself can buy the handset for a buck forty-nine on contract, and given that hordes of you Helio faithful already have, we're now ready to hear how you'd change it. Is the fit and finish up to snuff? Is it the "3G Social Networking Powerhouse" you thought it would be? Are you digging the color scheme? Are you making others envious, or simply becoming envious of others? You've waited a long, long time for this opportunity -- don't blow it.

Filed under: Cellphones

How would you change Helio's Ocean 2? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 22:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresheliohow would you changeHowWouldYouChangehwycoceanocean 2Ocean2Fri, 06 Mar 2009 22:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Helio's Ocean 2 spotted in all black attire]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/13/helios-ocean-2-spotted-in-all-black-attire/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/13/helios-ocean-2-spotted-in-all-black-attire/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/13/helios-ocean-2-spotted-in-all-black-attire/#comments

While the Americanized version of Helio's Ocean 2 has gobs of red accents (thanks, Virgin Mobile!), many have wondered if an all black version would hit the scenes as well. Clearly, that answer is... well, maybe. A South Korean Helio page shows two variants of the newest Ocean, with one devoid of all those fiery accents. Obviously, we've no way to tell if this thing is ever coming to US soil, but this just might be the excuse you needed to hit up Seoul for an extended weekend.

[Via MobileCrunch]

Filed under: Handsets, Pantech, Helio, Virgin Mobile, EV-DO, CDMA

Helio's Ocean 2 spotted in all black attire originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all blackAllBlackblackcdmacolorcolorsev doevdoheliokoreamobileoceanocean 2Ocean2pantechsouth koreaSouthKoreavirgin mobilevirginmobileFri, 13 Feb 2009 17:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Helio's Ocean 2 spotted in all black attire]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/13/helios-ocean-2-spotted-in-all-black-attire/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/13/helios-ocean-2-spotted-in-all-black-attire/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/13/helios-ocean-2-spotted-in-all-black-attire/#comments

While the Americanized version of Helio's Ocean 2 has gobs of red accents (thanks, Virgin Mobile!), many have wondered if an all black version would hit the scenes as well. Clearly, that answer is... well, maybe. A South Korean Helio page shows two variants of the newest Ocean, with one devoid of all those fiery accents. Obviously, we've no way to tell if this thing is ever coming to US soil, but this just might be the excuse you needed to hit up Seoul for an extended weekend.

[Via MobileCrunch]

Filed under: Cellphones

Helio's Ocean 2 spotted in all black attire originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all blackAllBlackblackcolorcolorsfriday13heliokoreaoceanocean 2Ocean2south koreaSouthKoreaFri, 13 Feb 2009 17:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Helio's Ocean 2 now on sale: $149 on contract]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/12/helios-ocean-2-now-on-sale-149-on-contract/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/12/helios-ocean-2-now-on-sale-149-on-contract/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/12/helios-ocean-2-now-on-sale-149-on-contract/#comments

We were told that today would be the day, and sure enough, today is the day. Today is also the day in which Helio's Ocean 2 becomes available, as evidenced by the image above and the completely active "Buy" button tucked away in the read link. It'll run users a buck forty-nine on contract if you're a new subscriber or $400 without, and it just might make all of your dreams come true. If you're curious, you can see if it satisfied our every fantasy right here.

[Via HelioCity]

Filed under: Handsets, Pantech, Helio, Virgin Mobile, EV-DO, MVNOs, CDMA

Helio's Ocean 2 now on sale: $149 on contract originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmaev doevdoheliomobilemvnosnow availableNowAvailableoceanocean 2Ocean2on saleOnSalepantechvirgin mobilevirginmobileThu, 12 Feb 2009 18:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Helio's Ocean 2 now on sale: $149 on contract]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/12/helios-ocean-2-now-on-sale-149-on-contract/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/12/helios-ocean-2-now-on-sale-149-on-contract/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/12/helios-ocean-2-now-on-sale-149-on-contract/#comments

We were told that today would be the day, and sure enough, today is the day. Today is also the day in which Helio's Ocean 2 becomes available, as evidenced by the image above and the completely active "Buy" button tucked away in the read link. It'll run users a buck forty-nine on contract if you're a new subscriber or $400 without, and it just might make all of your dreams come true. If you're curious, you can see if it satisfied our every fantasy right here.

[Via HelioCity]

Filed under: Cellphones

Helio's Ocean 2 now on sale: $149 on contract originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>helionow availableNowAvailableoceanocean 2Ocean2on saleOnSaleThu, 12 Feb 2009 18:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Helio Ocean 2 reviewed on Engadget Mobile]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/02/helio-ocean-2-reviewed-on-engadget-mobile/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/02/helio-ocean-2-reviewed-on-engadget-mobile/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/02/helio-ocean-2-reviewed-on-engadget-mobile/#comments

The Helio Ocean 2 is finally official, and without hitting up a Britney Spears concert -- we know, you already bought the tickets, they're nonrefundable, you couldn't sell them on eBay, whatever -- you can get the closest look right now on Engadget Mobile. A worthy successor to the dual-sliding throne, or a late, chunky reject still clinging to MySpace years after everyone's gone to Facebook and beyond? Update your status and head over for a look.

Gallery: Helio Ocean 2 Review

Filed under: Cellphones

Helio Ocean 2 reviewed on Engadget Mobile originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuresheliohelio oceanhelio ocean 2HelioOceanHelioOcean2ocean 2Ocean2oz2pantechreviewMon, 02 Feb 2009 08:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Helio Ocean 2 Review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/02/helio-ocean-2-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/02/helio-ocean-2-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/02/helio-ocean-2-review/#comments

The original Helio Ocean burst onto the scene nearly two years ago, impressing with its dual slide design, Bluetooth, 3G, GPS and well-integrated messaging app challenging phones on both sides of the feature / smart phone line. 2009 finds the Ocean 2 once again topping the Helio line, but now facing even stronger competition. Luckily, it's offering a lot more than an exclusive MySpace app to lure in users this time, with 2GB of internal storage, touch controls and a slew of software tweaks. Now that we've spent a few days comparing it to its predecessor, check after the break for some of the the highs and lows of this new handset.

Gallery: Helio Ocean 2 Review

Continue reading Helio Ocean 2 Review

Filed under: Handsets, Features, Reviews, Pantech, Helio, MVNOs, CDMA

Helio Ocean 2 Review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmaheliomobilemvnosoceanocean 2Ocean2oz2pantechreciewMon, 02 Feb 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Virgin Mobile Helio Ocean 2 unboxed, scheduled for launch with Britney Spears]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/29/virgin-mobile-helio-ocean-2-unboxed-scheduled-for-launch-with-b/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/29/virgin-mobile-helio-ocean-2-unboxed-scheduled-for-launch-with-b/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/29/virgin-mobile-helio-ocean-2-unboxed-scheduled-for-launch-with-b/#comments

It looks like the world had better (finally) get ready for Virgin Mobile's Helio Ocean 2 -- not only have unboxing shots of the long-awaited set surfaced today, a Virgin press release hyping the company's sponsorship of Britney Spears' Circus tour casually mentions that it'll be launched alongside Brit's big comeback. "Select fans" will be given Ocean 2s to capture and share images and videos from each show using the phone's blogging, email, and social networking features, so we're guessing that means we'll be seeing a launch before the tour kicks off in March -- and with units out in the wild already, it could be as soon as a couple weeks on February 12. Check all the unboxing shots at the read link -- it looks pretty slick, even if it is way late to the game.

[Via unwired view and Heliocity]

Read - Unboxing photos
Read - Virgin Circus press release

Filed under: Handsets, Virgin Mobile

Virgin Mobile Helio Ocean 2 unboxed, scheduled for launch with Britney Spears originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsbritney spearsBritneySpearsheliohelio ocean 2HelioOcean2mobileoceanocean 2Ocean2virgin mobileVirginMobileThu, 29 Jan 2009 14:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Virgin Mobile Helio Ocean 2 unboxed, scheduled for launch with Britney Spears]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/29/virgin-mobile-helio-ocean-2-unboxed-scheduled-for-launch-with-b/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/29/virgin-mobile-helio-ocean-2-unboxed-scheduled-for-launch-with-b/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/29/virgin-mobile-helio-ocean-2-unboxed-scheduled-for-launch-with-b/#comments

It looks like the world had better (finally) get ready for Virgin Mobile's Helio Ocean 2 -- not only have unboxing shots of the long-awaited set surfaced today, a Virgin press release hyping the company's sponsorship of Britney Spears' Circus tour casually mentions that it'll be launched alongside Brit's big comeback. "Select fans" will be given Ocean 2s to capture and share images and videos from each show using the phone's blogging, email, and social networking features, so we're guessing that means we'll be seeing a launch before the tour kicks off in March -- and with units out in the wild already, it could be as soon as a couple weeks on February 12. Check all the unboxing shots at the read link -- it looks pretty slick, even if it is way late to the game.

[Via unwired view and Heliocity]

Read - Unboxing photos
Read - Virgin Circus press release

Filed under: Cellphones

Virgin Mobile Helio Ocean 2 unboxed, scheduled for launch with Britney Spears originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsbritney spearsBritneySpearsheliohelio ocean 2HelioOcean2oceanocean 2Ocean2virgin mobileVirginMobileThu, 29 Jan 2009 14:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Helio Ocean 2 finds itself in Mr. Blurrycam's hands]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/21/helio-ocean-2-finds-itself-in-mr-blurrycams-hands/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/21/helio-ocean-2-finds-itself-in-mr-blurrycams-hands/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/21/helio-ocean-2-finds-itself-in-mr-blurrycams-hands/#comments

Our friend Mr. Blurrycam has come through once again, this time with a handful of Helio Ocean 2 snapshots. Aside from a blurry close-up of the on-screen calendar, there isn't much here that we haven't already seen in finer detail from the FCC. It's apparently got a 3 megapixel camera, which is what we reported initially but not what was listed in the FCC-submitted user manual. Our tipster says it's expected to launch early or mid-February for release, which jives with other rumors we've heard. Hit up the gallery for more pics.

Gallery: Helio Ocean 2 in the wild

Filed under: Handsets, Pantech, MVNOs, CDMA

Helio Ocean 2 finds itself in Mr. Blurrycam's hands originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmaheliomobilemvnomvnosoceanocean 2Ocean2pantechvirgin mobileVirginMobileWed, 21 Jan 2009 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Helio Ocean 2 finds itself in Mr. Blurrycam's hands]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/21/helio-ocean-2-finds-itself-in-mr-blurrycams-hands/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/21/helio-ocean-2-finds-itself-in-mr-blurrycams-hands/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/21/helio-ocean-2-finds-itself-in-mr-blurrycams-hands/#comments

Our friend Mr. Blurrycam has come through once again, this time with a handful of Helio Ocean 2 snapshots. Aside from a blurry close-up of the on-screen calendar, there isn't much here that we haven't already seen in finer detail from the FCC. It's apparently got a 3 megapixel camera, which is what we reported initially but not what was listed in the FCC-submitted user manual. Our tipster says it's expected to launch early or mid-February for release, which jives with other rumors we've heard. Hit up the gallery for more pics.

Gallery: Helio Ocean 2 in the wild

Filed under: Cellphones

Helio Ocean 2 finds itself in Mr. Blurrycam's hands originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>heliomvnooceanocean 2Ocean2virgin mobileVirginMobileWed, 21 Jan 2009 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Helio's Ocean 2 could set sail next month]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/18/helios-ocean-2-could-set-sail-next-month/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/18/helios-ocean-2-could-set-sail-next-month/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/18/helios-ocean-2-could-set-sail-next-month/#comments

Right in line with reports we heard earlier, it looks like Helio's second iteration of the Ocean could be going on sale as early as next month. Silicon Alley Insider has it that the Ocean 2 could be loosed in America "sometime this quarter," though sooner rather than later is looking mighty promising. It's still unclear how much Helio plans on charging for this long, long, long awaited handset, but we'd say it'll have to lowball pretty hard if it plans to distract anyone already focused intently on a G1, iPhone or Palm Pre.

[Via UnwiredView]

Filed under: Helio, Sprint, EV-DO, MVNOs, CDMA

Helio's Ocean 2 could set sail next month originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Jan 2009 02:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmaev doevdoHeliomobilemvnomvnosoceanocean 2Ocean2sprintvirgin mobileVirginMobileSun, 18 Jan 2009 02:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Helio's Ocean 2 could set sail next month]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/18/helios-ocean-2-could-set-sail-next-month/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/18/helios-ocean-2-could-set-sail-next-month/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/18/helios-ocean-2-could-set-sail-next-month/#comments

Right in line with reports we heard earlier, it looks like Helio's second iteration of the Ocean could be going on sale as early as next month. Silicon Alley Insider has it that the Ocean 2 could be loosed in America "sometime this quarter," though sooner rather than later is looking mighty promising. It's still unclear how much Helio plans on charging for this long, long, long awaited handset, but we'd say it'll have to lowball pretty hard if it plans to distract anyone already focused intently on a G1, iPhone or Palm Pre.

[Via UnwiredView]

Filed under: Cellphones

Helio's Ocean 2 could set sail next month originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Jan 2009 02:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Heliomvnooceanocean 2Ocean2virgin mobileVirginMobileSun, 18 Jan 2009 02:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Helio Ocean 2 arrives at the FCC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/19/helio-ocean-2-arrives-at-the-fcc/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/19/helio-ocean-2-arrives-at-the-fcc/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/19/helio-ocean-2-arrives-at-the-fcc/#comments

Looks like we're inching ever closer to getting our paws on the mythical Helio Ocean 2 -- the fun-loving regulators at the FCC just added a Pantech OZII dual-slider handset with Helio branding to their all-knowing database. Nothing you couldn't have guessed here -- QVGA display, EV-DO, 2 megapixel cam with video, full HTML browser, A2DP support -- but hey, this is The Phone That Could Have But Didn't Save Helio, you know? It's alright to be excited.

[Via Phone Scoop]

Filed under: Handsets, Others, Helio, Virgin Mobile, MVNOs

Helio Ocean 2 arrives at the FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fccheliomobilemvnosoceanocean 2Ocean2othersOZIIpantechvirgin mobileVirginMobileFri, 19 Sep 2008 13:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Helio Ocean 2 arrives at the FCC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/19/helio-ocean-2-arrives-at-the-fcc/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/19/helio-ocean-2-arrives-at-the-fcc/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/19/helio-ocean-2-arrives-at-the-fcc/#comments

Looks like we're inching ever closer to getting our paws on the mythical Helio Ocean 2 -- the fun-loving regulators at the FCC just added a Pantech OZII dual-slider handset with Helio branding to their all-knowing database. Nothing you couldn't have guessed here -- QVGA display, EV-DO, 2 megapixel cam with video, full HTML browser, A2DP support -- but hey, this is The Phone That Could Have But Didn't Save Helio, you know? It's alright to be excited.

[Via Phone Scoop]

Filed under: Cellphones

Helio Ocean 2 arrives at the FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fccheliooceanocean 2Ocean2OZIIpantechvirgin mobileVirginMobileFri, 19 Sep 2008 13:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Helio's Ocean 2 coming -- but not until 2009]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/helios-ocean-2-coming-but-not-until-2009/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/helios-ocean-2-coming-but-not-until-2009/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/helios-ocean-2-coming-but-not-until-2009/#comments

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]

Filed under: Cellphones

Helio's Ocean 2 coming -- but not until 2009 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>heliooceanocean 2Ocean2virginvirgin mobileVirginMobileFri, 12 Sep 2008 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Helio's Ocean 2 coming -- but not until 2009]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/helios-ocean-2-coming-but-not-until-2009/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/helios-ocean-2-coming-but-not-until-2009/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/12/helios-ocean-2-coming-but-not-until-2009/#comments

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]

Filed under: Handsets, Pantech, Helio, Virgin Mobile, EV-DO, MVNOs, CDMA

Helio's Ocean 2 coming -- but not until 2009 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmaev doevdoheliomobilemvnosoceanocean 2Ocean2pantechvirginvirgin mobileVirginMobileFri, 12 Sep 2008 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Helio's Ocean 2 spotted on multiple videos]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/24/helios-ocean-2-spotted-on-multiple-videos/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/24/helios-ocean-2-spotted-on-multiple-videos/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/24/helios-ocean-2-spotted-on-multiple-videos/#comments

So there's really no telling what's up with Helio as an MVNO, but there's plenty going on with the Ocean 2 handset. Just yesterday we noticed a spy shot of the elusive mobile, but unfortunately, the video in which it was captured from had been conveniently removed. Today, however, a whole host of new vids have surfaced over at HelioCity, one of which actually shows the unit while gaming. Check 'em out while you still can in the read link below.

[Via phonemag]

Filed under: Handsets, Helio, EV-DO, MVNOs, CDMA

Helio's Ocean 2 spotted on multiple videos originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmaev doevdohelioin the wildInTheWildmobilemvnomvnosoceanocean 2Ocean2oz2videoTue, 24 Jun 2008 11:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Helio's Ocean 2 spotted on multiple videos]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/24/helios-ocean-2-spotted-on-multiple-videos/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/24/helios-ocean-2-spotted-on-multiple-videos/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/24/helios-ocean-2-spotted-on-multiple-videos/#comments

So there's really no telling what's up with Helio as an MVNO, but there's plenty going on with the Ocean 2 handset. Just yesterday we noticed a spy shot of the elusive mobile, but unfortunately, the video in which it was captured from had been conveniently removed. Today, however, a whole host of new vids have surfaced over at HelioCity, one of which actually shows the unit while gaming. Check 'em out while you still can in the read link below.

[Via phonemag]

Filed under: Cellphones

Helio's Ocean 2 spotted on multiple videos originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>helioin the wildInTheWildmvnooceanocean 2Ocean2oz2videoTue, 24 Jun 2008 11:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Helio's Ocean 2 in the wild]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/23/helios-ocean-2-in-the-wild/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/23/helios-ocean-2-in-the-wild/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/23/helios-ocean-2-in-the-wild/#comments

Sure, Helio is going through a bit of a rough patch right now, what with those retail outlet closings and nasty Virgin ~~merger~~ takeover, but as far as we can tell, the company is moving forward with the Ocean 2. As you can see by the above shot -- nabbed from a YouTube video -- the slider looks eerily similar to its predecessor, though we know it's getting spec bumps all around. Apparently the source material has been wiped out of existence, and if things keep moving in the same direction for the MVNO, this might as close as you get to one of these babies. Enjoy!

Filed under: Handsets, Pantech, Helio, MVNOs

Helio's Ocean 2 in the wild originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>helioin the wildInTheWildmobilemvnosoceanocean 2Ocean2pantechspy picspy shotSpyPicSpyShotMon, 23 Jun 2008 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Helio's Ocean 2 in the wild]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/23/helios-ocean-2-in-the-wild/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/23/helios-ocean-2-in-the-wild/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/23/helios-ocean-2-in-the-wild/#comments

Sure, Helio is going through a bit of a rough patch right now, what with those retail outlet closings and nasty Virgin ~~merger~~ takeover, but as far as we can tell, the company is moving forward with the Ocean 2. As you can see by the above shot -- nabbed from a YouTube video -- the slider looks eerily similar to its predecessor, though we know it's getting spec bumps all around. Apparently the source material has been wiped out of existence, and if things keep moving in the same direction for the MVNO, this might as close as you get to one of these babies. Enjoy!

Filed under: Cellphones

Helio's Ocean 2 in the wild originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>helioin the wildInTheWildoceanocean 2Ocean2spy picspy shotSpyPicSpyShotMon, 23 Jun 2008 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Helio's Ocean 2 exposed!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/28/helios-ocean-2-exposed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/28/helios-ocean-2-exposed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/28/helios-ocean-2-exposed/#comments

It may not be the largest photograph you've ever seen, but unless you work for Helio or Pantech, we'd be willing to wager a few pennies that it's the largest shot of the Ocean 2 you've ever seen. Dual sliders always get the blood pumping, so head on over to Mobile for a few leaked details of the phone that'll end up sitting atop Helio's lineup -- eventually, anyway!

Filed under: Cellphones

Helio's Ocean 2 exposed! originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 May 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellphoneheliooceanocean 2Ocean2oz2pantechphoneWed, 28 May 2008 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Helio's Ocean 2 exposed!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/28/helios-ocean-2-exposed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/28/helios-ocean-2-exposed/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/28/helios-ocean-2-exposed/#commentsWorried that it's been a while since Helio's released anything? Relax, it's all good! We've been privy to some key details on the MVNO's next-gen Ocean -- the device known simply as OZ2 thus far by its FCC identification -- and things are definitely looking up for this monster to set the bar among QWERTY dumbphones whenever Helio gets around to releasing it. Besides the little box of visual stimulation there that we managed to pick up (sorry, that'll have to do for the time being), we've learned that the following features are being thrown around in Helio's testing; none are guaranteed for the final product, apparently, but most of them sound totally reasonable:

3 megapixel camera
Dual slider, just like the original
microSDHC support
1GB internal storage
In-browser Flash support
30fps video recording
Touch-sensitive directional pad
PC sync capability

We don't have any info on pricing or release here, but you know we'll be hustling 'em hard to spill the beans. In the meantime, try not to drop that Ocean -- it's got to last just a little bit longer.

Filed under: Handsets, Pantech, Helio, EV-DO, MVNOs, CDMA

Helio's Ocean 2 exposed! originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 May 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmaev doevdofeaturesheliomobilemvnosoceanocean 2Ocean2oz2pantechWed, 28 May 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Helio Ocean 2 breaks cover, FCC style?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/28/helio-ocean-2-breaks-cover-fcc-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/28/helio-ocean-2-breaks-cover-fcc-style/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/28/helio-ocean-2-breaks-cover-fcc-style/#comments

In light of the fact that the original Ocean's model number was OZ, it seems pretty obvious that an "OZ2" passing through the FCC by way of Pantech would be -- you guessed it -- the Ocean 2. It helps that the label diagram's depiction of the phone is clearly Ocean-esque in nature, too. So let's use this opportunity as a springboard for discussion: what does everyone hope to get out of the dual-sliding Helio Ocean's successor?

Filed under: Handsets, Pantech, Helio, EV-DO, MVNOs, CDMA

Helio Ocean 2 breaks cover, FCC style? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 21:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cdmaev doevdofccheliomobilemvnosoceanocean 2Ocean2oz2pantechFri, 28 Mar 2008 21:50:00 EST