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Enthusiasts bring 3rd party apps to the Helio Ocean, too
The iPhone isn't the only handset whose software innards are getting lovingly torn apart in the name of science this week. It turns out some intrepid users of the Helio Ocean (a device occasionally compared to the iPhone, coincidentally) have been slaving away on a method for adding extra applications outside of the carrier's walled garden. Their first success is a doozy, too: Opera Mini 3, one of the most prized jewels in the world of mobile software. The developers aren't claiming it's bug-free -- landscape mode and the QWERTY keyboard don't work, for example -- but it's a huge step in the right direction and they're continuing to work out the kinks. More custom apps are said to be on the way, and don't worry, Drift and Heat users -- support's said to be on the way for you guys, too.
Ocean gets Exchange ActiveSync -- for a price
Exchange using Helio members, your time is now: the Ocean's finally getting that Exchange ActiveSync support (for Contacts, Calendar, and email with Exchange Server 2003 SP2+) promised users, as well as bumped new version of Helio File Viewer (supporting .doc, .ppt, .xls and .pdf). But, as always, there is a catch. Although the first 60 days of use during the beta period will be free, the final version of Helio EAS + File Viewer will set you back an addition $10 per month for all-in users. If that still sounds workable with your expense account, jump on that Ocean right now and download the app that gets the corporate collaboration wheels moving. One more shot after the break.
Helio adds two-click YouTube, Flickr sharing
We imagine that one of the luxuries of being a small, scrappy carrier like Helio is that it's way easier to listen to PO'd customers and change corporate strategy on a dime than it is for any of the Big Four to do so. Besides changing its mind and opening up free, unrestricted access to YouTube -- a wise move, we must confess -- Helio has now officially announced that its recently-upgraded "Helio UP" media upload app can be used to post directly to YouTube and Flickr accounts. Oh yeah, and it's all free and it happens in two clicks -- so if you see a flood of phone cam-quality videos on your iPhone in the near future, they're probably coming from Oceans (either that, or you're making the fatal error of trying to use YouTube over EDGE).
SK Telecom, EarthLink dump $200 million on Helio
As Amp'd scrambles for life and limb and Palm sees its once tight grip on the market slipping away, Helio is being rewarded with a pair of checks worth $100 million apiece. Reportedly, SK Telecom and EarthLink are set to inject a substantial amount of cash into the MVNO, as it has supposedly burned through the initial $440 million initially put forth. Recent financial results from Helio have been less than encouraging, but obviously someone up the ladder thinks it's wise to forge ahead through treacherous waters. Of course, just about anything can survive with enough funding to back it, but unless things get turned around real quick like, Helio isn't likely breathe new life into the oft neglected MVNO universe.
Helio flip-flops, gives users free access to YouTube
For a fledgling MVNO, charging users to access YouTube when many of the more mainstream carriers weren't demanding an extra cent wasn't a bright move. Thankfully, the higher-ups at Helio finally caught on to this fact, and have now retracted the fees required to access the video-sharing site on its network. The briefly constructed (and questionably titled) Video Virus application is now free for all, and users that somehow took the unseductive bait will be reimbursed for their trouble. Phew, here we were thinking that we'd be forced to circumvent the system with a complex series of proxies from here on out.[Via mocoNews]
Helio pits Apple's iPhone against Ocean
Let's face it, the comparisons between (insert phone here) and Apple's handset began long ago, and now that the thing is actually in customers' hands, the potshots are likely to start flying at mach speed. Enter Helio, who has already felt it necessary to create a comparison chart essentially showing off the areas in which the Ocean is stronger (or at least more attractive) than the iPhone. Quite frankly, the chart does make a few good points, most notably around the iPhone's lack of GPS, strangely omitted MMS ability, and the obligatory removable battery; of course, we personally aren't offended nor joyous about "MySpace integration," but we suppose it could sway some folks tweens one way or another. We know you're anxious to see just what Helio has to say about the strong competition, and while the chart doesn't seem quite as hostile as the apparently bitter Helio salesman we ran into earlier today, be sure to give it a read after the break.
Most so-called iPhone alternatives are nothing of the sort
I think a lot of people are getting confused as to what expensive phones are actually designed for. Analysts are trying to compare the iPhone to efforts from other companies, or folks like Walt are touting the Nokia N95 and BlackBerry Curve as potential alternatives. While I might be a little biased since I write for TUAW, I still think these are bad comparisons. Just because a phone costs north of $400 or $500, doesn't mean that phone is designed for the same purposes as any other phone in the general vicinity of its price. Take the Nokia N95, for example - it's an über-camera phone (which costs nearly $800, by the way). That's what it does. It has a freaking 5 megapixel camera that is making mobile photo geeks go nuts, and that's what it should do. It doesn't have any form of a full QWERTY keyboard, and it isn't designed to be a full-featured multimedia rollercoaster ride of music, movies, and podcasts. It's an über-camera phone. Period.
Helio charging for access to YouTube Mobile, part of a bigger plan
Until recently, YouTube Mobile was the exclusive playground of Verizon subscribers -- but now, it's free for anyone with a sufficiently beefy data plan. Well, almost anyone, anyway; it seems that Helio, arguably the most multimedia-friendly carrier in the US, is charging to access YouTube's otherwise free mobile portal. The company's official stance is that the $5.99 monthly fee goes toward a new premium service called "Video Virus" that'll include access to YouTube, eBaum's World, and others, with two-click YouTube upload and a dedicated, exclusive YouTube app (packing some extra goodies not available elsewhere) all in the pipeline for later this year. To be fair, YouTube's clearly putting some kinks in every carrier's plans to monetize mobile video here, and we'd be surprised if others didn't follow in Helio's footsteps -- but that doesn't mean we're cool with it! Follow the link for a workaround that appears to be working for some folks.[Thanks, Jacob C.]
Engadget Mobile relaunch giveaways - Helio Ocean
Alright everybody, let's get this thing started. What would you say to a spankin' new Helio Ocean? You know it well: the very first dual slider with a 12 key and QWERTY keyboard, not to mention 3G, GPS, all kinds of messaging support, PlaysForSure, A2DP, and plenty more. Want to take one home? It's easy, just leave us a comment below, and do be sure to follow the following set of rules, won't you?A few rules (yeah, there are always rules): You may only enter this specific contest once. If you enter this contest more than once you'll be automatically disqualified and barred from all future giveaways. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.) In other words, be careful when commenting and don't submit more than once, ok? You may enter our other EngMob relaunch contests, but you can't win more than once; if you happen to win more than once (which is pretty unlikely, but still) we'll ask you to choose just one of your prizes. The prize is open to US entrants only. Hey, it's a US phone, you couldn't do anything with it anyway. Contest is open until 11:59pm EST on Tuesday, May 29th. We'll be shipping all the phones to winners once all the relaunch giveaway contests are over. (Yeah, we know it bites to have to wait, but dems the breaks!) Thanks and good luck to everyone!
Engadget Mobile giving away a Helio Ocean
We told you we were giving away lots of phones at Engadget Mobile to celebrate our relaunch, and here's the first of many, many devices: a shiny new Helio Ocean. Want one? Head over to Mobile to find out how to take this sucka home.
Helio Ocean launches today
Get ready to spend the weekend mindlessly sliding the Ocean's dual keypads open and closed until you drive friends and family to the brink of insanity (trust us, it's pretty addictive). Yep, that would be this weekend we're talking about -- Helio's new flagship device finally makes its debut on its website and store shelves today for $295, followed by a second wave of availability in a variety of third-party retailers toward the end of this month. Of course, unless you're within driving distance of one of Helio's handful of flagship locations, actually finding one today might be challenging; might we recommend our hands-on to hold you over while you patiently wait for the parcel to make its way to your doorstep?
Poll: The evolution of Helio - are we there yet?
When Helio, the EarthLink / SK Telecom was announced in early 2005 and launched in 2006, it held promise for the Engadget set to finally bridge the gap between America's laggard cellphone market and Korea's booming superphone business. It's taken Helio a little while to ramped up and iron the kinks out of the system so they could drop a bomb like the dual-sliding over-the-top featurephone that is the Ocean, but now that its launch is upon us, how do you think Helio's doing? %Poll-536%
Helio Ocean unboxing and hands-on
The last time we got to hang with the Helio Ocean it was still technically a prototype -- albeit a unit obviously near completion. Today we finally snagged the real deal, and let us just say this Ocean runs deep. (Sorry, had to.) The Helio UI feels a lot snappier, screen orientation switching is nearly instantaneous, and our niggles thus far are few (we really wish it wouldn't kick us out of all apps when we're in "default" position). We'll have the full report on this in the near future, but until this thing officially launches (soon, soon) then feast your eyes on our retail unboxing and hands-on. Gallery: Helio Ocean unboxing and hands-on
Helio drags Earthlink earnings down, gets more cash from SKT
Alright, we've got good news and bad news. Which do you want first? The bad, you say? Well, it seems Helio's losses in the first quarter amounted to a $29.3 million equity loss for parent Earthlink in the same timespan, which ultimately accounts for over 97 percent of Earthlink's Q1 losses -- though in the earnings report, the company still seems pretty optimistic and committed to its MVNO lovechild with Korea's SK Telecom. Speaking of SK Telecom, the good news: Helio's other corporate parent said this week that it would be injecting additional capital to help out with marketing efforts (though would maintain the same equity balance in Helio with Earthlink that it does now). Like Earthlink, SK Telecom sounds optimistic about Helio's future, saying that despite falling short of initial expectations, ARPU (average revenue per user) and subscriber count are both looking up for 2008 and 2009. Something tells us the upcoming Ocean is going to help with those efforts significantly.Read - Earnings release [Via mocoNews]Read - SK Telecom's plans
Helio Hybrid, RIP: 2006 - 2007
Helio has officially cut down its Hybrid EV-DO / WiFi data card down in its prime. Actually, we're not sure if the Hybrid was cut down before its prime, in its prime, or past its prime -- but any way you slice it, it's toast. The move is going down pretty quickly, too; no new Hybrids are being sold, and existing customers will be switched off as of May 8 (though they're "welcome" to keep the deactivated card, according to the announcement). Folks who also have a voice line activated with Helio will be given a month of free service for their troubles, but we imagine that's little consolation to the poor laptops mercilessly stripped of hotspot and EV-DO access in the discontinuation's aftermath. Was it Helio's stingy 160MB limit that ultimately lead to the Hybrid's demise? We may never know -- but given Helio's cozy relationship with Earthlink and Boingo, we'd be pretty surprised if the MVNO were out of the dedicated data business for good.[Thanks, Brent S.]
The 2006 Engadget Awards: Vote for Cellphone of the Year
Now's your chance to cast your ballot for the 2006 Cellphone of the Year! Our Engadget Awards nominees are listed below, and you've got until 11.59PM EST on Monday, April 16th to file your vote. You can only vote once, so make it count, and may the best tech win! The nominees: Danger Sidekick 3, Helio Drift, LG Chocolate, LG CU500, Motorola KRZR, Samsung Sync, and Sony Ericsson K800i. %Poll-331%
Engadget Podcast 106 - 04.13.2007
Finally, some answers! Yes, Sony is killing the 20GB PS3. Yes, Xbox 360 will get a QWERTY keyboard device. Yes, Leopard is actually delayed. Yes, Palm is developing its own mobile Linux OS. And yes, we're definitely still holding the 2006 Engadget Awards. All this and more on Engadget Podcast 106, enjoy! Get the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC). [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator. [RSS OGG] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in OGG) to your RSS aggregator. Hosts: Peter Rojas and Ryan Block Producer: Trent Wolbe Music: Solvent - Instructograph (Ghostly International) Program: 01:26 - 20GB PlayStation 3, RIP: 2006 - 2007 06:28 - Xbox 360 Spring 2007 Dashboard update 13:07 - How-To: play DivX and Xvid on your Apple TV 17:14 - Apple's Leopard delayed to October, iPhone blamed 24:16 - Apple sells 100 millionth iPod, deems experiment a success 27:45 - Palm prepping its own Linux-based OS 35:46 - Dell Axim, RIP: 2002 - 2007 40:12 - Hands-on with the SanDisk Sansa Connect 46:33 - The Engadget Mobile Interview: Sky Dayton, CEO of Helio 47:55 - The 2006 Engadget Awards - vote! LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) LISTEN (OGG) Contact the podcast: 1-888-ENGADGET, Engadget (Gizmo Project) or podcast at engadget dawt com
Helio adds unlimited M2M option to all plans
Helio, the "don't call us a phone company" phone company that sells lifestyle instead of tech, has just added mobile-to-mobile (M2M) calling either as an option or a standard feature on all its plans. If you're an "All In" member of Helio's network, you will now receive free and unlimited M2M calling as part of your package at no extra cost. Outside of being a contractually-bound All-In member, Helio also offers the M2M service as an a la carte option for an extra $5 per month. So, get your buddies and family members on Helio and chat forever if you so choose. That is, if you're not typing your thumbs off with text messages or jamming out.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Engadget Mobile interviews Sky Dayton of Helio
In case you missed it, Engadget Mobile has an interview with Sky Dayton, CEO of wireless carrier Helio (as well as the founder of EarthLink). Check it out for an update on how Helio is doing ten months after launch, why he doesn't think the iPhone will be successful, and a helluva lot of (pretty well justified) enthusiasm for their latest handset, the Ocean.
The Engadget Mobile Interview: Sky Dayton, CEO of Helio
Ryan, Chris, and I had the chance to sit down with Helio CEO Sky Dayton, almost exactly a year after we first interviewed him. A lot has changed in twelve months -- for starters, Helio hadn't even launched yet -- so read on to hear how the MVNO's been doing, what he really thinks about the iPhone, and why he's so excited about excited about their latest handset, the Ocean. Last time we sat down with you it was a few months before Helio had launched. A year later, how has it been? Where are things now? Yeah, so when we had last talked, we had no members. It was just an idea. It has been an amazing ride so far. It is great to be here and be able to talk about Ocean for the first time. Something we have been working on since even before Helio was a company. I remember you mentioning a year ago that you had a Sidekick competitor coming out. We were coy for a long time. We were just so focused on building it and working really hard, with a lot of travel to and intense amount of work by our team, so it is great to be here and be able to talk about this.
