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The follow up to the Helio Ocean, appropriately dubbed the Ocean 2, has already graced the FCC, and has even been leaked in a live action video. Of course, the video was quickly pulled down, but it remained as an (above) image. However, after Virgin Mobile USA purchased Helio, that release seemed to be up in the air.

Well, the good news is that the Ocean 2 will still be released. According to some details coming from Virgin, it is a “work in progress” and will be hitting the market sometime in 2009. Sadly, other than the leaked image that shows off a dual slider handset, the details are still light. So far we can see the backlit Helio logo on the top of the handset which is new, but otherwise the specs are limited to just a few rumored details that include a touch sensitive navigation pad and 3-megapixel camera with video recording capability.

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Go figure.  CNBC says SK Telecom is in talks to purchase Sprint Nextel; obviously SK Telecom does not read my ”Who’s on Crack” column where I’ve made fun of Sprint a couple of times.

SK Telecom recently dumped Helio on Virgin Mobile at a loss and is probably thinking, “what do I do with all these dollars?” You sure don’t change them back into euros.  SK made an offer last November that was rejected by Sprint.  CNBC cites sources that say SK is looking for a friendly deal and they won’t be going it alone, they’d secure help from funds with the purchase.

Our own Elizabeth Young noted just last week how well Sprint seemed to be doing, maybe SK reads her stuff…

More as it happens.

Read [Barrons]

It is looking like Helio customers may soon be making their monthly payments to Virgin Mobile. Recent reports coming from a Helio “tipster” are claiming that we can expect to see some of their corporate stores and kiosks begin to close very soon.

It has also been mentioned that Helio and Virgin were looking towards a merger, but it seems that Virgin has backed out of those talks and the merger will not be happening. At least not without some drastic changes first. Those changes are said to be that Helio either considers a bankruptcy claim or a major liquidation. Which seems to fit nicely in line with those stores beginning to close.

Helio, while maybe not offering the widest selection of handsets does at least have a solid group. I would imagine that the customers main change would be who they write their checks to, but I would also hate to see the current selection of Helio handsets to go away, the Ocean for one is a nice, full featured phone at an affordable price. Either way it does not look good for those in the MVNO business, its also pretty safe to say that SK Telecom made a big mistake when they took the controlling stake in Helio.

Via [Gizmodo]

Last week, Virgin Atlantic issued a complete ban of any Dell and Apple laptop batteries on-board their flights.  Virgin has just announced that their ban no longer includes all laptops from those manufacturers, but instead just the affected models.  The company’s statement included the following:

“If the battery is identified as being from the affected batch as identified by Apple and Dell, the battery must be removed. In cabins where the seats are fitted with In Seat Power Supplies, leads/adapters will be offered. Where no ISPS is provided or no laptop leads/adapters are available, the use of these affected laptops is prohibited.”

Virgin’s laptop ban was covered here on Gadgetell back on September 18th, and is a result of explosive laptop batteries made by Sony.

Read [RegHardware]

If you’re a business traveler and plan on taking Virgin Atlantic airlines in the near future, you should know that your laptop battery may not be allowed on-board.  Similar to Korean Air’s recent battery ban, Virgin has announced that passengers who travel with Dell Inspirons and Latitudes, and Apple iBooks, Powerbooks, MacBooks, and MacBook Pros will be asked to remove the battery before the plane takes off.  The company is asking that if you need to use your laptop in-flight, you plug in to the in-seat power supply.  In addition, passengers are only allowed to bring a max of 2 batteries on-board, so if you the Energizer bunny, you many need to leave some at home.

The battery ban is the result of recalls that took place last month of certain models of Sony-manufactured batterys.  Virgin has yet to announce when they will lift the restriction.

Read [RegHardware]

Everyone’s favorite change converter is now offering a rather unique option. Available at select Coinstar locations you’ll be able to dump your change into the machines, and instead of a cash return print out (with 8.9% taken out for commission) an iTunes e-certificate will print out fee free. In addition to iTunes Music Store, Coinstar has redemption programs established with Virgin Digital, Borders, Hollywood Video, Amazon.com and other mass-market retailers.

Read [Gadget Review]