We stopped by to check out the latest fruits of the Garmin-ASUS partnership today at Mobile World Congress, in the shape of the new nuvifone M20 and the latest iteration of the nuvifone G60. The latter, although we’ve seen it several times before, still manages to impress: that’s primarily thanks to the user-interface, which is GPS-focused enough to truly feel like a real PND/smartphone hybrid.
More hands-on shots of the G60 and M20 – plus hands-on feedback – after the cut
The Helio Ocean 2 has gone on sale, with Virgin Mobile offering the dual-sliding 3G feature-phone for $149 with a new subscription. Alternatively, existing users still within their contract can buy the Ocean 2 for its MRSP of $400.
One of Helio’s more interesting mobile apps was Buddy Beacon, which eventually got spun off into its own endeavour and promised friend-locating services for all. For one reason or another, that doesn’t seem to have transpired; now Google have stepped in with Google Latitude, a GPS-enabled app for multiple platforms which not only shares your own location with friends and displays theirs, but allows you to initiate calls, emails and IM conversations direct from the app itself.
Video demo of Google Latitude after the cut
No great surprise, given the unboxing and the reviews, but Virgin Mobile USA have officially announced the launch of the Helio Ocean 2. Initially available in limited edition red, with black versions following on later in 2009, the Ocean 2 will go on sale come February 12th priced at $149. In addition, from the device’s launch the carrier will be eliminating the $5 charge for unlimited mobile to mobile calling, together with starting Unlimited Nights & Weekend calling at 7pm, for all contract customers.
We met with Virgin Mobile while at CTIA Wireless this week, and in-between taking a look at their first self-branded 3G handset, the Shuttle, had a chance to ask them about their plans for Helio. Virgin bought out the carrier, which also uses the Sprint network, earlier this year, and since then subscribers and analysts alike have been waiting for the official word on what exactly will happen to the company, its users and the devices it had planned. That of course includes the eagerly-anticipated Ocean 2 smartphone, and we’re pleased to be able to confirm that yes, it’s still coming.
The WWDC 2008 keynote is over and If you missed our live cast you can read it on this post.
07:17 am Vincent Nguyen: Onsite at Moscone West! The line outside is packed with attendees. Press registration starts at 8am.
Several developers have taken the stage to show off some of their applications for the iPhone. Some of these include Sega with Super Monkey Ball, which utilizes tilt controls (very awesome). You’ll be able to grab this game with over 100 levels from the App Store when it launches for $9.99.
BlackLine, the makers of the Snitch that I told you about not too long ago, are releasing a new product. It works on your GPS-enabled BlackBerries and allows you to let friends, family, and/or employers know where you are.
I love Helio’s Buddy Beacon and I use it to track down Vincent or Daniel from time to time making sure they are being good. Buddy Beacon lets you locates your friends on a map via the GPS in your handset.
Update 12/22/2007:Helio Mysto Unboxing Video and First Look
Update 12/21/2007:Helio Mysto Soft Launch!
As Disney retires their cellphone service, so Helio has seemingly retired one of their most popular handsets: that’s right, the Drift – which our sister site SlashPhone liked so much they made it the star of several videos – has been put out to pasture to be replaced by a new model, the Mysto.
As is ever the case, the tight-lipped lovelies at Helio are letting no details escape them until closer to launch, although an FCC filing for the Samsung SPH-A523 went live back in August only to be fingered as the newby in Helio’s range.
SlashGear Japan
