Helio's Ocean 2 exposed!
Worried 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.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
oliver hart @ May 28th 2008 9:09AM
i guess being the best dumbphone is better than being the worst smartphone. oh wait no, its not.
dare instructor @ May 28th 2008 10:33AM
There's not much reason to compare smartphones and dumbphones as they are generally meant for different audiences and have price points to reflect such.
Jonathan @ May 28th 2008 10:04PM
@dare instructor
This used to be true, except the Ocean will cost the same price as the new iPhone. It only takes one smartphone dropping in price to poison most of the dumbphone market.
James @ Jun 2nd 2008 5:51PM
yes, but the problem with the iphone remains, an expensive and limiting AT&T plan. I've been waiting to hear about the new ocean, I've looked at all the plan&phone combos with all the major companies and Helio's Ocean is the best overall deal that I've found.
oliver hart @ May 28th 2008 11:13AM
good point. sidekicks and oceans are usually meant for ages 3 and up. or at least thats what it should say on the box
MinceyFresh @ May 28th 2008 11:24AM
That's looking pretty sweet!
I hope that 1GB of internal memory means that it'll hold more than 120 or so sms text messages that the current Ocean holds.
UberAndreMan @ May 28th 2008 12:57PM
The OCEAN holds 15 in each box (inbox outbox sent) so it comes out to couple hundred texts that it autodeletes.....
dontlookatme @ May 28th 2008 11:40AM
check out www.heliocity.net for more info on any of helio's devices. and this device looks hot. i wonder if they would come out with a white version too. i'll still get the black one though. and i can't wait till it comes out.
PEZ @ May 28th 2008 12:18PM
Helio needs to realize that throwing out another phone with just MORE of the same is not going to cut it. So far those specs are the same as the first Ocean - just more. Its like getting more fries at McDonalds, at some point you need more different things, not just POTATO!
Yeah, thats the ticket!
James @ Jun 2nd 2008 5:57PM
yeah, like the iphone it should add 3g!
oh wait, it's had that the entire time...
Well then add gps!
oh wait, the ORIGINAL Ocean had that too.
Hmmm.
I've come to the conclusion that you're a dumbass.
suprUNKNOWN @ Jun 12th 2008 7:28PM
The Ocean 2 will be 3g, just like the first Ocean is 3G, and the Heat, Fin, and Mysto, funny how a dumbphone has all the features the iPhone is just getting around to implementing. Ocean Uno has 3G GPS, video, and MMS, all features the iPhone sadly lacks.
StarrWulfe @ May 28th 2008 1:08PM
@ PEZ:
Same thing that's in the original Ocean? Huh? I have an ocean, and last time I checked, I couldn't look at Flash SWFs and FLVs in the browser, it only has 256MB of internal memory, and the camera is 2MP.
Plus I think it won't be a bad thing to assume that this one will be a little more "open" to tweaking than the Ocean 1, since there are places like Heliocity.net and others that helped get that one "fixed"--without that hacker community, you wouldln't have the legit copy of Opera Mini, or free YouTube there, right?
Lastly, don't forget the true competition of the OZ2--the 3G iPhone coming out in a few weeks. This is supposed to be an alternative somewhat to that, i'm sure.
Ace b @ May 28th 2008 5:16PM
Speaking of these two phones,would anyone happen to know if the New iPhone or Ocean 2 will have Bluetooth stereo 2.0 or 2.1?
Jim @ May 28th 2008 5:33PM
Sorry but I'm just not all that impressed. I've had an Ocean for the last year and am hoping that the iPhone 2.0 has 32GB of onboard memory. Even if it doesn't, I may just get one and deal with the inevitable memory bump in 6 months to a year. I have been pretty unimpressed by the music player and, since I use iTunes almost exclusively, it makes sense for me to have a phone that makes listening to/buying that music all that much easier. I have liked the 3G coverage w/ the Ocean (where it's available outside of my hometown) and the all-you-can-eat data, messaging and such with the Helio plan. If AT&T wanted some friggin' customers, they'd price their plans accordingly.
Suprkewlguy @ May 28th 2008 3:36PM
Really though i agree with the guy above....with all the features that are supposedly going to make it into this phone I'm ready to buy one right now!
dpbida @ May 28th 2008 3:42PM
Ummm, the Oz2 is no competition to the 3G iPhone.
Considering the iPhone has sold over 5 million units and there's only around 200-300,000 Helio customers... I don't think Apple would ever consider the Oz2 any sort of competition.
Mo @ May 28th 2008 3:42PM
Is this another iphone "killer"? Because you guys know how much I love it when people use that word for anything that is a piece of crap that is compared to anything apple. Get a thesaurus stupid cnet!!!!!!!!!!!!!
tom @ May 28th 2008 4:06PM
Touch sensative directional pad! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
gugleme @ May 28th 2008 4:46PM
Knowing Pantech, I bet it will be a touch sensitive "scroll".... A la, ipod except smaller. There are bunch of Pantech phones that use mechanical scroll rings...
paul @ May 28th 2008 5:07PM
Meh. It still looks like a huge brick.
bcohen1983 @ May 28th 2008 5:47PM
***FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM HELIO***
Ahem. Sorry to shout. They have the absolute worst customer service, and service in general, I have ever experienced on any provider. I had the original Ocean. Emphasis on had.
Sherry Garfias @ May 31st 2008 3:39PM
You are soooooooooo right!!! Helio has THE WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM HELIO!!!. I cancelled my service due to their lousy customer service as well.
randomguy132 @ May 28th 2008 7:23PM
I have an Ocean in my pocket right now. I'm hoping it's a little thinner, and perhaps a little lighter as well. I hope they worked on the keyboard a bit too.
That said, in-browser flash would be nice, and I'm a bit skeptical of the "Touch-sensitive directional pad". Little vague.
I might switch, I might stick with my Ocean 1; either way I'm sticking with Helio, I have fully enjoyed my service.
wirelessjunkie @ May 28th 2008 8:18PM
The Ocean ETA is early July or it could be pushed back depending on when Helio finalizes it's deal with BestBuy to sell them! This is from my Helio representative...but shhhhhhhh!!!
Constable Odo @ May 28th 2008 11:29PM
That's a very distinctive, nice-looking handset with nice specs.
iPhone killer = NOT
I compliment you, Helios for having flash support.
Scott @ May 29th 2008 7:26AM
Whoo Hoooo, I can't wait for the edition of the Ocean! I am very satisfied with my helio ocean, service is great, and the phone plenty of fun. Although I am not happy with the screen size, how bulky it is, no touch screen, stereo, no rss feeds, memory, speakers, and a couple of other little things; which happen with any new model of phone. I just hope they fix these items. But all in all I love the phone simply because of every 1 thing i am unhappy with, I can name 2 things i love! Go Helio and Thanks for being the first to offer a GREAT PHONE along with GREAT PRICING, GREAT PLANS, and a GREAT UPGRADE, DOWNGRADE POLICY.
toyotaboy @ May 29th 2008 1:28PM
I "like" my ocean, but honestly this isn't nearly enough of an upgrade (it's been a year and this is the next-gen? I'm waiting to see what happens with the 3g iphone or HTC's android phone, I'm done with helio.
balrog-kun @ May 29th 2008 1:41PM
Uhh the design on that pic looks very much like the OpenMoko Neo1973 in the first moment
Allan @ May 29th 2008 10:08PM
Hmm... it'll be a toughy. I still have another year until my contract is up and I was planning on an iPhone... but if this is decent, I might have to take another look.
kanzaki @ May 31st 2008 5:34AM
I had Helio Ocean for a year, crashed or froze 8-10 times a day until I canceled service, now it goes for weeks without a problem as an mp3, google maps, camera device.
Would I buy an Ocean 2? No.. not from Helio at least.
Some Kid @ Jun 1st 2008 1:23PM
i thought that this was a sammy model that was only released to helio
anywho
this looks pretty good for a phone company that has service for nowheresville
Oceans13 @ Jun 2nd 2008 5:56PM
..wow... everyone -trying- to "bash" the Ocean is too funny...
*****
UberAndreMan @ May 28th 2008 12:57PM
The OCEAN holds 15 in each box (inbox outbox sent) so it comes out to couple hundred texts that it autodeletes.
*****
Try 150 buddy...
*****
kanzaki @ May 31st 2008 5:34AM
I had Helio Ocean for a year, crashed or froze 8-10 times a day until I canceled service, now it goes for weeks without a problem as an mp3, google maps, camera device.
*****
Really? you cancelled service, and GOOGLE MAPS, which requires data, and you can't get data without service... STILL works?
that's awesome...
how about we stop talking out our asses? =]
I'll give you guys the customer service part of it.. but other than that.. apple i-WHAT??? ...
..you Jobs-nazzis!
John HelioCellular.com @ Jun 2nd 2008 10:12PM
Get ready! Here it comes. http://www.HelioCellular.com/ARTICLE-Helio-OZ2.html
ilovehelio @ Jun 3rd 2008 12:06AM
seriously everyone who thinks helio is bad are plain ignorant. i have an ocean and i think its the best phone. if you use the phone right, the ocean is actually the best. the internet is so easily accessible and everything on the phone is so easy to use anywhere.
"dont call it a phone" yeah- that mottos not the smartest but the helio devices are great. to realize helio devices are good, i think people should use them right and to the best of the phone's ability.
comparing helio with apple to make helio look bad is a pretty dumb idea. apple obviously has more users/customers cuz they were already here a while ago and their macs and ipods already brought them to this point where everyone knows what apple is. helio isnt quite there yet but comparing helio to apple? thats just stupid.
and im pretty sure the ocean 2 is gonna be bomb just like the ocean and other devices and im really looking forward to it to come out.
MissHelio08 @ Jun 3rd 2008 3:57PM
I love my Ocean. In December I will be eligible for an upgrade so hopefully the Oz2 will be available at that time. :-)
Helio Wireless @ Jun 5th 2008 9:24AM
The Helio Ocean 2 may feature the following features:
Single slide low profile design.
Touch screen capabilities.
Ability to tap into Wi-max networks.
3 Megapixel camera.
Highly integrated software bundle.
You can find out more about the Helio Ocean 2 by signing up for the pre-launch:
Helio Ocean 2 | http://www.ocean2promo.com
iphone3g @ Jun 11th 2008 9:35PM
i thought helio was a dead company that filed for bankruptcy, my friend worked for them, everywhere i go i hear the same thing, i work for Apple so i get my iphone 3g a little early =},
but whats the real deal with helio?
delphian @ Jun 13th 2008 9:05PM
I love my Ocean, it's a great phone. As far as the iPhone goes, it's an average phone that is just plain flashy. Big deal the new one is 3G. The Ocean has been 3G for over a year now. Apple people are just ignorant. Where is the qwerty keypad on the iPhone, oh yeah it doesn't have one.
Can't wait for the Ocean 2 in the coming weeks.
drewfl33 @ Jun 17th 2008 12:12AM
I work for an authorized dealer of Helio...The Ocean 2 is slated for a July 4th launch, just so you all know.
rawdikrik @ Jun 17th 2008 3:33PM
If you can prove that, I have 20,000 people that would love you.
Tandy @ Jun 19th 2008 4:40AM
So many release dates and no proof! Wheres the proof on July 4th? How do we know this isn't another joke?!?!?!
drew @ Jun 17th 2008 10:28PM
I am completely happy with everything Helio is. I switched from AT&T who definately has rediculously high pricing in comparison. I love Apple, I have a MacBook, and I like the iPhone as well as my Ocean. Unfortunately, they are exclusive with AT&T. It sucks, yah, but sometimes in life you just have to choose one or the other. There probably are some people out there who get the iPhone for what it actually is but I think most people just want to flash it around. Ocean, however, is very unique. And as far as customer service goes for Helio, it's not the best but who honestly has that much interaction with customer support, it's definately not something I do on a regular basis.
ed @ Jun 23rd 2008 6:20AM
ITS CONFIRMED!!!!!!!!
http://forum.heliocity.net/index.php?topic=8510.15
scroll halfway
Supertech @ Jun 25th 2008 12:11PM
Ive used the Iphone and I own a Helio Ocean infact I get a discount on the Iphone (but AT&T has removed the discount on service when you get this phone).
What I love about the Iphone is its large screen and its touch screen interface.
What I dont like about the Iphone is the lack of a real keyboard and the fact that its not 3G yet.
The lack 3G was the real killer for me as I dont see the point of having such a data phone with such slow data rates esp. when you do have 3G AT&T phones out there. Ive asked people and they have said that it takes a minute for youtube videos to stream on the Iphone however Apple was smart to give it wifi to make up for this.
What I like about the Ocean, I like the 2 way slide design esp. considering that Ive used the sidekick and I dont like how the keyboard is also your numeric keypad and as I dont own one I never got use to it. I love the Opera mini web browser as before I was able to get it I actually gave up on net browsing on phones (hated it on the sidekicks as well). Love the 3G aspect of the phone as it allows faster data rates however if this phone also had wifi that would be even better. I love all of the messenger clients on the phone as well as all of the email clients on the phone.
What I dont like about the ocean, I think that it runs a bit slow when opening some applications so Id like to see the performance boosted a bit (unless its just my phone which is getting replaced). I do not like that I cant be on AIM and open up the web browser and still be on AIM of be on the web browser and open up AIM for a convo.
Things I would like to see on the Ocean 2, Id love to see a slightly bigger screen as well as a touch screen (want the duel slide feature to stay). I wanted to see stereo speakers on the front of the phone and not on the back of them so I can better hear youtube streaming videos. And Id like to see performance improved a bit and the ability to be in a AIM convo and online at the same time.
michael @ Jul 17th 2008 8:24PM
Ive had the ocean for about a year now and so far i have been mostly satisfied. The only real issues Ive had are its huge size and grainy screen. I also wasnt fond of the music player but it still beat the original Iphone by a significant margin with 3g, GPS and apps galore. being a dual slider now is a lil obsolete with touchscreens and now that the new 3g iphone has caught up with all the features i love about the ocean id have to say its totally defeated. I guess the only thing to worry about is the network lag thats going to occur with the iphone when 3 million people bog down the system- the Ocean will never have this problem. The new ocean better fix its primary issues if its going to compete as a dual slider- its bulky size, its grainy video quality and its functionality as a music player- 3 key things that the Iphone has cornered now.
Cheryl @ Aug 11th 2008 5:28PM
I got my Helio Ocean from HelioCellular.com for $89 and i got a $100 rebate.