iPhone Alternative: Helio Ocean

[TheSlush]

MacRumors, PLEASE don't turn into the Onion!

Okay, MacRumors. Experiment failed.

I suppose I understand. I see the quasi-funny-revenge nature of this post. I see how your tongue was firmly implanted in your cheek. I appreciate that. I do. It's just that, well, there's a time and a place for satire, no?

This site, to your credit, is a destination for many Mac fans (and others) for serious, sophisticated rumor news and discussion. I acknowledge your right to be as tongue-in-cheek as you darn well please with your own site. And maybe it was just a one-time thing. But as a huge fan of this site, I encourage you not to be tongue-in-cheek. I encourage you not to go down the tempting road from the "New York Times" to the "Onion." Because this post was a rare Onion-ish fluke for you, I -- and others, it seems -- were shocked and confused at first when they saw this post, reeking of product placement. "Oh no," we immediately thought, "has our beloved MacRumors gone bland... sold out... gone <shudder> ENGADGET??" Then most of us got it. Ha.

(Did the outting of Fake Steve Jobs the other day inspire you to balance out that small loss of whimsy to the internet?)

Just don't insult our collective intelligence by suggesting it was a serious post meant to promote debate about the Ocean vs. iPhone. No it wasn't. We're not stupid. No backpedalling.

You see, MacRumors, it's because we care. We value you. A lot. So don't screw around with us for a personal laugh. Please.

 

[gsnixon]

Wow... open up your mind. Whoever wrote the Helio Ocean piece is being fair and trying to bring new conversation to the boring old iPhone stories.

I agree the glut of iPhone stories are pretty boring... but I don't think I'm being unreasonably closed-minded. I come to MacRumors.com, for, well... Mac Rumors. There are plenty of other sites for open-ended tech discussion (which I also frequent regularly). The entire draw of MacRumors, for me anyway, is its tight focus.

Now, if it were the Microsoft Ocean, I would have a significantly different view.

Why? Wouldn't that "bring new conversation" too?

 

[50548]

If that starts to happen my $25 contribution stops.

Really strange to see that on MR.

1 - That thing is FUGLY;

2 - That thing is NO COMPETITION to the iPhone;

3 - It really looks like an ad to me;

4 - I don't see the link whatsoever with a site dedicated to Mac news and rumors. Otherwise, you're gonna have to advertise every smartphone out there as an "iPhone killer";

5 - If this is a reaction to the lack of invitation to the Apple event, it's REALLY childish and uncalled for; MR members and readers have nothing to do with personal rants.

 

[macUser2007]

...Because really, I don't want to see any of those things on my Mac news site of choice. I think I'll be getting my event coverage today from another site, thank you.

Man, this is religion Then close your eyes and ears and don't look at the links below.

BTW, this is not really a good comparo to the iPhone. While I do plan to get an iPhone when it goes to 3G (and hopefully has GPS,) there are some good options, which are a bit better than the one posted in the beginning article.

Here are a couple of links to stuff from HTC that's in more direct competition:

Due this Fall - has GPS, high-res screen, 3G: http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/04/htc-omni-revealed-with-gps-and-vga-tv-out/

Available now, touch interface, but no 3G and no GPS: http://www.mobiletechreview.com/phones/HTC-Touch.htm

The one I have, with 3G, GPS :http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/09/10/rundown-of-htcs-p3600-trinity-with-hsdpa/

Due in September - GPS, 3G, FM Radio, Slide-out keypad: http://www.mobilewhack.com/htc-nike-htc-p5550/

 

[bpm2000]

Really strange to see that on MR.
2 - That thing is NO COMPETITION to the iPhone;

Say what you will about the rest, but i need to get some of whatever you're smoking if you really think its not competition.

 

[s10]

again...

This "advertise....eeeuh.. article" is a revenge for not being invited to the Apple event today. Macrumors lost revenue by not getting the clicks.

 

[GfPQqmcRKUvP]

Just don't insult our collective intelligence by suggesting it was a serious post meant to promote debate about the Ocean vs. iPhone. No it wasn't. We're not stupid. No backpedalling.

You see, MacRumors, it's because we care. We value you. A lot. So don't screw around with us for a personal laugh. Please.

The more I read of these "serious" responses the more I'm amazed at how many people in this world, and on MacRumors in particular, lack a humorous outlook on life. It will help you in the end to take things more light-heartedly. It isn't the end of the world if Arn posts something humorous that contradicts what we think he'll post. It was funny. Nothing happened from this, nothing bad will happen, it's really not a big deal. At all. But what this thread does reveal is that there is a large population of people on MacRumors who, I'm afraid, have lost site of the fact that life is to be enjoyed, and are so engulfed in seriousness that they can never have a good laugh. And don't quote me and say "But Badandy LOL. LIke, I was justT laUghHing teh other Dayz at something!~!one." No, you weren't laughing the other day. This thread has made it painfully obvious why you are all sitting on a website (as am I for a brief period of time) with nothing better to do except feeling honestly insulted and belittled because of a funny joke. PUT IT IN PERSPECTIVE. The regularity at which most of you get jokes is once every year, on April 1st. Try expanding that a bit.

 

[Counter]

Haha. If Arn did this because he didn't get an invite to the event that's fantastic.

 

[Cleverboy]

This thread has been positively hilarious... or disturbing... not sure which. All the Apple fanboys are showing their colors. "What! Well reasoned debate on the merits of the iPhone versus competitive offerings??? HOW DARE YOU!"

I'm going to use this thread as a cross-reference point in the future when wondering how level headed a particular MacRumors forum member is. It's deeply amusing the amount of members who think this was about some weirdo "vengeance" thing, "tongue in cheek" or "humor" post maybe... The only "humor" in it, is the kind of dark glee one has watching a dog chase its tail. You want to bend down and tell the Apple-fanatics quite calmly... its all right, its not the end of the world that the iPhone isn't the best solution for everyone.

That said, iPhone lover and proud of it! I even resent all this hacking crap, and pending admittedly anxiously awaited further development from Apple, believe strongly that Web 2.0 and required data plans are simply wonderful for the platform. --So, BAM.

~ CB

 

[TheSlush]

The more I read of these "serious" responses the more I'm amazed at how many people in this world, and on MacRumors in particular, lack a humorous outlook on life. It will help you in the end to take things more light-heartedly. It isn't the end of the world if Arn posts something humorous that contradicts what we think he'll post. It was funny. Nothing happened from this, nothing bad will happen, it's really not a big deal. At all. But what this thread does reveal is that there is a large population of people on MacRumors who, I'm afraid, have lost site of the fact that life is to be enjoyed, and are so engulfed in seriousness that they can never have a good laugh. And don't quote me and say "But Badandy LOL. LIke, I was justT laUghHing teh other Dayz at something!~!one." No, you weren't laughing the other day. This thread has made it painfully obvious why you are all sitting on a website (as am I for a brief period of time) with nothing better to do except feeling honestly insulted and belittled because of a funny joke. PUT IT IN PERSPECTIVE. The regularity at which most of you get jokes is once every year, on April 1st. Try expanding that a bit.

Screw that. I got the freakin joke, dude. Yes yes, knee-slappingly hilarious. But the only reason this is an issue at all is because MacRumors is legit. They're one of the big boys. They're the real deal. (And that's why Arn's insulted at not getting a deserved invitation in the first place.)

But MacRumors lost a tiny bit of legitimacy with this little joke. They took a small, small step away from being a legit rumor source in the direction of being a snarky blog. Is it a big deal in the grand scheme of all that is holy in the universe? No. Is it about being able to have a humorous outlook on life? NO. It's about MacRumors undermining itself, just a tiny bit, and for what? To poke Apple in the eye? That's fine, if MacRumors wants to be small time. But I think they deserve better.

 

[monke]

They really need to post a chart that actually compares the iPhone and the Helio Ocean.

iPod: iPhone - Yes, Helio Ocean - No
Touchscreen: iPhone - Yes, Helio Ocean - No
Compatible with iTunes: iPhone - Yes, Helio Ocean - No

You can see where this is headed.

 

[mkrishnan]

I agree this thread is kind of a dead horse issue, but... what *are* the options for synchronizing PIM data with a Helio Ocean? iSync doesn't support it. As far as I know, neither do PocketMac or MissingSync. Does Vista? It doesn't seem to really be discussed on Helio's website.

 

[Stang68]

dont yell at me for saying this, but i have the LG enV from Verizon and I am very happy. It has the qwerty keyboard and all that good stuff. It can take up to an HOUR of video at pretty good quality and has a 2 megapixel camera. Its obviously not a full-blown smartphone but I am 19 and it is absoluetly awesome for my needs. I have the internet (nowhere near as good as the iPhones, though) Vcast Videos and ESPN mobile. Its great. The Helio looks like a good phone but I think you need Helios own service...why would you ever do that?!? Trust Verizon or At&t. I like the iPhone, but i just could not deal with the touchscreen keyboard...AGHHH!!

 

[Cleverboy]

Screw that. I got the freakin joke, dude. Yes yes, knee-slappingly hilarious. But the only reason this is an issue at all is because MacRumors is legit. They're one of the big boys. They're the real deal. (And that's why Arn's insulted at not getting a deserved invitation in the first place.)

But MacRumors lost a tiny bit of legitimacy with this little joke. They took a small, small step away from being a legit rumor source in the direction of being a snarky blog. Is it a big deal in the grand scheme of all that is holy in the universe? No. Is it about being able to have a humorous outlook on life? NO. It's about MacRumors undermining itself, just a tiny bit, and for what? To poke Apple in the eye? That's fine, if MacRumors wants to be small time. But I think they deserve better.

Yo. Ear wax begone! Arn is NOT INSULTED at anything, and this post was NOT A JOKE. The "small time/big boys" references are intentionally intended to manipulate, but they're too obvious to be successful. It's like we're all supposed to be Pavlov's dog ready to salivate when you hit the bell... only you're trying to use any affection for the MacRumors website as a method of coercing agreement. Meh. Not interested.

The article posted, as written says... "Look, Helio Ocean is an alternative to the iPhone. Look, they've created a comparison chart showing how they would compare the two!" Apple news? Yup. People have been discussing Helio's Ocean as a potential iPhone killer for the last 6 months. Now we can look at both phones for how the SHIP. Helio's been actively advertising the comparison chart link on Mac-oriented websites through Google Ad words. Clearly they think its a worthy discussion, and they're completely right. If this website were called NokiaRumors, and someone posted an article about Apple putting its comparison chart up, saying that "iPhone a Worthy Competitor to the Nokia N95", it would make perfect sense provided they made a good argument for it.

So, let's get this straight:

• Stop saying Arn wrote this for "revenge": While Arn can speak for himself, he already has (Arn:"--we've never been invited to Apple's media events over the past 7 years, and am not really expecting to get invited in the future. So, it didn't really bother me that much, I was just more public about the circumstances this time as people tend to expect MacRumorsLive coverage."). Moreover, what kind of "revenge" is this?
• Stop saying this was meant as a "joke": While Arn can speak for himself, he already has (Arn: "It's not really pettiness. The timing was really intended to be humorous more than anything. Feel free to debate iphone vs helio. It is a serious post.")
• Stop saying that a nice post like this one is the DOOM of MacRumors: Are you serious? You're not serious.
• Stop saying that looking at non-Apple products fairly somehow undermines ANYTHING. It really doesn't.

Knowledge and discussion makes you SMARTER and more competant in defending your point of view, or reaching new perspectives that are more accurate. It's certainly good to know that although some forum goers may suffer from such a state, MacRumors does not cater to "echo chamber" and "cult" thinking. What makes Apple, iPhone, and the Mac great is NOT because their users all "Think Similarly", its about taking a step back, and choosing to "Think Different". There's a reason why I've read everything about the Helio Ocean with an open mind and remain unimpressed. HINT: It's not because I chose to keep my mind closed.

~ CB

 

[Undecided]

I think you've nailed it. How has no one come up with this theory so far?

Yeah, OK, OK, I get the sarcasm.

 

[iBlue]

...
the best thing on this thread is this smiley from the post above:

http://upc.*************/uploads/smilies/deadhorse.gif

i hope edesignuk's bandwith doesn't get used up by us using his smiley. i hope even more he doesn't change the pic to something nasty.....

Considering he's my husband I don't think he'll mind.




Now (on topic) I'm glad people are starting to chill TFO. crikey!

http://upc.*************/uploads/catmacros/crashedout.jpg

 

[superdud]

Ocean sucks

I actually bought the Ocean and returned it about 2 weeks later.

1. When you goto a website, the Helio browser automatically loads some type of MOBILE version first, then when its done loading it will ask you if you want to load the whole HTML version. Then when the HTML version is done the whole website looks all screwed up and is very hard to scroll through.

2. You can only access MOBILE youtube. It is not the full functioning website. Basically you can access maybe the most popular videos. but if you search for something such as naruto or DBZ (i am a big anime fan) nothing will come up.

3. My biggest gripe is AOL instant messenger. It lags! You can watch the videos on youtube. It can seriously take up to 20 seconds before you can send a message. If someone else sends you a message, then it takes another 5 seconds for ur phone to register. After a good few minutes of just loading time i presume, then AIM will function normally for awhile. If you leave the AIM application and come back though, same stuff all over agian. Pretty weird.

All those features they advertise sound awesome, but the whole phone seriously is not what you think. If anyone has any questions, feel free to email me. =)

 

[Xacttech]

ocean

I've been using the ocean for about 3 weeks now...

Decided it was worth a try sicne they have a very nice return policy 30 day dealy.

I wanted to Try out 3G, it doesn't feel 3G at all... I went from a BB pearl on edge to this phone, and honestly can't tell the difference, my guess is, the ocean's itself is too slow to make good use of othe 3G...

The GPS/faux GPS is really cool though, great for google maps, directions etc. And now that they have 3rd party apps taking advantage of the GPS, it even updates faster.

Buddy beacon is kind of cool as well... you can keep tabs on your girl so you know if you need to get the house in order before she's at the front door.

The camera works really well... The flash is cool, it also works as a flashlight which I'm going to miss... Plus the video was kind of neat, don't see me "really" using it, but cool to have none the less.

Great MP3 player too... Excellent sound, Stereo Bluetooth headset compatible, and all of the same answer mute, back to music playback that the iphone has...

I'm going to get the iphone... But I'm really going to miss the slide out keyboard... Really...

The iphone on screen qwerty is no replacement for an actual keypad IMO... I've played with the iphone over and over and I'm constantly making mistakes, didn't have this problem with the Ocean.

The main reason I'm switching to the iphone instead of keeping the ocean is it has sooo many 3rd party apps coming out for it, and rumored flash support coming soon. If the ocean could keep up with the 3rd party app creation I'd probably stay with helio... but for now I'll bite the $600 rip off bullet.

 

[mobijunkie]

i love my ocean

I just got the <a href="http://www.mobijunkie.com">helio ocean</a> and i love it. it is the sidekick killer

 

[Cleverboy]

The main reason I'm switching to the iphone instead of keeping the ocean is it has sooo many 3rd party apps coming out for it, and rumored flash support coming soon. If the ocean could keep up with the 3rd party app creation I'd probably stay with helio... but for now I'll bite the $600 rip off bullet.

You probably shouldn't get the iPhone based on 3rd party "hack" apps and promises of rumored features. I'm doubtful the "Flash" support will actually be "fully" integrated into ANY webpage, and will probably be done in a way similar to the Quicktime support (you have a little picture and a "Play" button on it, and hitting that button opens it in the media player). People have hacked into Helio Ocean too, and are starting to hack apps. Here's my thing though... buy the iPhone for the touchscren and MUCH better browser. Or something else it does "right". Not for these rumors and hacks.

Helio Ocean's web browser doesn't hold a candle to the iPhone (nothing does). iPhone might support stereo bluetooth in the future, but it doesn't now, so... again... don't buy it for promises. If I were you, I'd likely dump the Ocean and go to the iPhone simply because for what it does... its really good. For what it doesn't do, if it means THAT much to you, stay with another phone... with the understanding that unless you took advantage of a promotion, Helio Ocean will lock you in for 2 years too (its in their terms of service). I have MUCH higher opinions for the prospects on the iPhone, than I do that Helio (even without the hacks, although they certainly show what's possible). Controlling web browsing through four "cursor" buttons and a "select" button is for the birds. I never want to use another phone with a stylus (I always lose them) or "cursor" and "menu" keys.

The virtual predictive keyboard on the iPhone is a very important advance for speed, accuracy and effort, and a step back for tactile feedback and sightless operation. Personally, most tactile users are generally doing something they shouldn't (like texting while driving, or in the middle of something that should have their attention). For myself, I welcome that wonderful experience of not having to "push down" a physical button. My fingers FLY across the iPhone keyboard. I also never want to go back on that either. If someone wants me to switch from the iPhone, they're in for a serious challenge, although some seem to have accepted it.

~ CB

 

[megfilmworks]

After having my Iphone since iDay, I have gotten spoiled with the adaptive error correction. Picked up my friends Blackberry today to see how it used to feel to text on one and what a mess!!. I guess there is no going back. In fact MacRumours could use this feature to improve the standard spell correction.

 

[macUser2007]

O.K., I am kind of going to eat my words above.

Just picked up an iPhone for my wife, mostly on a whim, since she's been unhappy with the HTC and the flip I recently got her.

All I can say is "WOW!"

My HTC Trinity still does more (it has GPS, 3G, highly customized,) but the iPhone is just in a different league from any other phone I've ever seen.

It has it's problems (like no email sync, it lacks 3G and GPS, it's not easily customizable. But that UI is just amazing. It's easy, easy to use. It's actually a joy to use. And come to think of it, it does pretty much everything one really needs. And it does it well, for the most part.

So I take much of what I wrote above back. I spoke based on specs, and these don't tell the iPhone story.

BTW, my wife LOVES it

 

[Xacttech]

Glad I waited

I managed to "buck" the system a bit...

iphone was a rip at $599 (my opinion) and with no incentives, even for new Cingular(AT&T) contracts I thought it was even worse...

So I got a phone from Wirefly that should yield a $150 profit on ebay...

And ordered an iphone 8GB $349 refurb!!

So I'll be able to get into the iphone for $200 for the 8GB as opposed to the $599 I thought it was going to cost me a couple weeks ago...

nice.

 

[Lucky736]

In all seriousness. Does anyone have one of these? Have you been able to use it as a 3G Modem via Bluetooth? You can get the refurb for 99 bucks right now PLUS they have a 99 dollar all included plan. Unlimited text, data, net, voice, and everything else under the sun. If I could use it as a 3G modem I would consider it. Any thoughts?

 

[jacktrades]

Put to rest

It's time to put some of this junk to rest.

Apple makes superior computer and Superior Products all around!
I have been a fan of Apple since my first Mac LCII back before i even knew the difference between the Apple IIe and Macintosh OS. I did However get a PC as a hobby to play with hardware wise, as i would not dare waste my precious mac playing with things like over clocking. So Sue me. The fact is... even Apple makes mistakes. Not simply releasing OS X to any vendor was a mistake, and if they would open it up, Mac would be 100 times more successfull. A Similar mistake is the iPhone. The iPhone looks incredibly awesome for sure. BUT!!! it's available ONLY for AT&T. What of tho of us that HATE AT&T!? I used to love cingular... but you know what, as soon as AT&T took over again, service started to go downhill fast. I started looking at other carriers. IF APPLE had not made the agreement with AT&T to release the iPhone ONLY on their network... I would have gotten one. But aside from all that, how gives a rats @$$ what a phone can do as long as it does what you want it to. For example... the Ocean, does all the things I want from the iphone, it browses the web... in full html, it does decent games, it has txt msg etc. The difference is.. the plan.. i get all the good stuff, like unlimited txt msgs, unlimited internet/data transfer, email, music, videos, IM's like yahoo, msn, AIM, all included in my plan, unlike AT&T where it's your first born just to have and 1 single option unlimited.... not to mention.. with Helio, i can get unlimited day minutes for a decent price if i were so inclined... Something no other network that I am yet aware of offers. So for some people.... less than the best is all they need.