While no official announcement has yet been made, the Financial Times is reporting that a source close to the situation has indicated that a tentative agreement has been struck between Virgin Mobile USA and Helio. The deal would have Helio essentially being absorbed within Virgin Mobile USA's larger wireless network. Virgin Mobile USA and Helio have [...]

Helio isn’t exactly known for launching new handsets at the almost-dizzying pace that other big-dog carriers like to do, but they’ve just bumped up their lineup with the Helio Mysto. We spotted the Mysto a couple months ago at the FCC, and it seems Helio’s seen fit to launch the sleek-and-slim Samsung slider just in time for the upcoming festivus. As expected, the Samsung SPH-A523 slider phone will be packin’ a 2 megapixel camera, microSD card slot, EVDO, and, wait for it, integrated GPS! Helio’s all about integrated GPS, and the Helio Mysto doesn’t disappoint. If this little guy looks familiar, it’s because you’ve probably seen it as the Samsung Ultra Edition 10.9 . We loved the look and slim-lines of the Ultra Edition 10.9, and it looks just as lovely in Helio-blue. Unfortunately for Yankee-fied Helio fans in the States, the Helio Mysto is being soft-launched through the “Helio powered by SK Telcom” division that targets Korean Americans only. So, if your English is better than your Korean, you’re not likely to have a chance at putting the new Helio Mysto in your pocket just yet. The move makes sense, seeing as how the now-major investor in Helio (and the major money-loser to date) has been South Korea’s SK Telecom. Fret not, intrepid American MVNO subscriber, the Helio Mysto should hit the US in January, with some pre-launch sales starting on December 26 (right after you-know-what-MAS). Look for a $149 price tag. ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Helio kills the Drift - to be followed by Helio Mysto?Samsung brings Heat to Helio membersHelio Ocean now availableHelio launches Samsung Fin, ultra-thin clamshellHelio Ocean video preview

South Korea’s wireless infrastructure blows the US’s mobile environment out of the water. The country’s wireless networks are some of the most advanced in the world - and South Korean network operators push feature-packed, highly-advanced mobile phones into their customers’ pockets. In a country where cellphones outnumber landlines (68% cell, 49% land), is it any wonder that Koreans, especially teens, are starting to display addictive behavior towards their mobile gadgets? So, in an effort to try and curb teenagers’ mobile phone addictions, SK Telecom and the Korea Agency for Digital Opportunity and Promotion are collaborating on the School Beautiful Movement. The program marks what is believed to be the world’s first effort to help fight cellphone addiction through research and education. Twelve elementary, middle and high schools will be enrolled in the pilot program at the School Beautiful Movement - in which the students will be discussing their mobile phone use, how they feel when they’re without their precious gadgets, and what habits constitute proper mobile phone use. We might need some sort of mobile phone addiction rehabilitation ourselves. [Via: FarEastGizmos ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Samsung To Debut SCH-B710 DMB Phone At Korea IT Show - PIP For DMBHands-On Mobile to bring Korean mobile games to EuropeNo surprise here: Japan and South Korea lead mobile TV adoptionFree mobile broadcasts to be available across the South Korea in MayNorth Korea: Want a mobile phone? Sure you do…

It looks like that little wireless venture between Earthlink and SK Telecom has finally hit a crossroads. Helio has been thus far managed on two fronts - with investors Earthlink and SK Telecom getting equal say in Helio’s future. Well, it seems that Dusan’s mention of Earthlink taking a lesser role in Helio was pretty much on point. SK Telecom was set to pump more (much needed) cash into the hemorrhaging carrier, and today it was announced that SK Telecom will be investing another $70 million into Helio - effectively giving them a controlling stake in the company and the right to direct the company’s development. We’ll have to wait and see how Helio fares in the long run. With SK Telecom at the helm, we’re hoping to see some of those uber-cool Korean handset start to hit US shores. [Via: Reuters ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Anyone building an application that can control media center?SK Telecom invests additional $270 million in Helio while Earthlink is pulling backHelio gets another cash infusion from SK Telecom and EarthlinkAT&T U-verse Launches Mobile Remote DVR ControlUK companies lose £1 million a day on employee's personal phone calls