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Friday May 11, 2007
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Helio's eagerly-awaited Ocean messaging phone went on sale today - you can pick it up for $295 at Helio's own stores or www.helio.com. The Ocean is like a more grownup T-Mobile Sidekick, able to integrate a wide range of e-mail accounts, IM services and text messaging; it also has a full Web browser, a high-res screen and a 2-megapixel camera. I'd call it a smartphone, except that it's not a completely open platform; applications must be written in WIPI Java or WIPI C, slightly obscure Korean variants of those well-known languages.
I did a hands-on preview of the Ocean earlier this week, but before you jump out and buy one, I'd suggest waiting for my full review next week. No, I'm not (just) pimping my review - the Ocean seems to have some interestingly unfinished edges in its software, especially around PC syncing and Exchange email support. Keep an eye on PCMag.com for the latest details.
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May 11, 2007 10:48 AM
I'm not sure if Outlook clients are the "Ocean's" primary demographic for mail useres?? I don't think this will stop me from getting one..
May 11, 2007 1:14 PM
Exchange email support is on its way. Its in internal beta at helio and should see it soon
May 18, 2007 11:36 AM
I ordered Helio's Ocean and have been using it for about 4 days now and I gotta tell you, its a good phone but there are issues. Hopefully they can tweak the software and fine tune the users experience.
The phone has a simple interface UNTILL you use the web browser. It is beyond confusing as to how to get to some of their touted features. The browser needs better forward and back page buttons. It has a back button but needs a forward. The video stream link section forces you to scroll through pages of video clips you are not even interested in just to get to the ones you want. It would be nice if they grouped the videos by show names first and then list each episode. The main web page isn't customizable so you cant just quick pick the sites you use daily. You are forced to save them through a bookmark listing in a menu. Very annoying considering how much clicking it takes to navigate web pages.
Integration of media The phone has a nice camera and the ability to snatch images off websites. The audio player is surprisingly loud and clear. The problem starts when you want to use this media in say contact cards or use a song as a ring tone. Either the steps needed are just too complex to do, or the software isn't sufficient in assisting the user in making it happen.
Like I said the phone is good but the software needs work. The phone's software should make it simple to add an image from the web to a contact card, or wallpaper, or to select a song as a ring tone. They need to make the phone work for the user instead of the user working for the phone.
November 15, 2007 4:49 AM
You can actually get the Helio Ocean a lot cheaper with the new Christmas Promo that is going on. I just went to www.heliobuy.com and picked up my Helio Ocean for just $99.99 after the $50 Helio mail in credit. These phones are all brand new, so I got a brand new Ocean for the price Helio direct charges for their refurbished phones. It was a really good deal.
January 25, 2008 11:16 PM
I brought the helio ocean I turn off the service now i want to cell the ocean phone for a good price. Anyone want a helio ocean cell
February 21, 2008 12:27 PM
I can't say enough about Helio. I love my Ocean. It's the best phone I've ever had. I called several dealers and got pretty good prices. Then I got a price from AuthorizedMerchants.com They gave me a special code and had me call the same dealer I had already spoke to. They sold me my Ocean for $60 less then they originally quoted me. Thanks Authorized Merchants