Virgin Mobile USA Preps the Launch of Helio Ocean 2

Virgin Mobile USA, the operator that acquired Helio, a Mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) seven months ago, has recently announced that it plans on launching its Helio Ocean 2 phone in less than two weeks from now. The new handset will come in a “red limited edition” color scheme and offers blogging, email, and social networking features.

The Helio Ocean 2 also includes a 2.6 inch QVGA Screen, an Optical Sensor for touchpad-like navigation, a dual slider, along with a 2 megapixel camera that features video recording capabilities, plus night shot and geotagging. In addition, the handset has 2GB internal storage, as well as microSD memory card support.

The features list of the Helio Ocean 2 shows a device that comes with full HTML browser with tabbed browsing, plus access to Connect, Buddy Beacon, WHERE and HelioUP. The phone is also reported to feature the Ultimate Inbox, which now sports SMS messages and has Google Talk included.

The company also announced that it would sponsor the upcoming Britney Spears concert tour titled “Virgin Mobile Presents the Circus Starring Britney Spears,” having as special guests The PussyCat Dolls. “I'm thrilled to partner with Virgin Mobile on my tour,” said Britney Spears. “They will have cool opportunities for my fans and me to connect, and they'll bring a lot of excitement to the tour.”

Virgin Mobile USA also announced that select fans at the show would receive the new Ocean 2 that would allow them to send photos from the concert to friends and to chronicle the event. “This “Ocean 2 Camera Crew” can blog, IM, email, post to social networking sites and send photos from this one mobile phone to share with friends and fans,” stated the company.

“Britney's draw is undeniable and her show is sure to be one to remember. We're very proud to help deliver what will be the tour of the year!” said Bob Stohrer, Chief Marketing Officer, Virgin Mobile USA. “We'll provide special access and exclusive opportunities for our customers and her millions of fans including behind-the-scenes events.” The tour will start on March 3, 2009, in New Orleans.