The Pantech Matrix Pro is a dual-sliding smartphone that resembles the Helio Ocean, with a slide-out keypad and a separate, slide-out QWERTY keyboard.

It will be powered by Windows Mobile 6.1 with support for Outlook/Office. Some features include a microSDHC memory card slot that lets you carry up to 32GB of data, 3G connectivity, and a small 2.4″ LCD. AT&T will be carrying the Pantech Matrix Pro within the next few days for $180.

We said that today would be the magic day, and here it is. Today Helio’s Ocean 2 becomes available and gets it’s very own “Buy” button. It will cost you $149 on contract or $400 without. Today Helio members also benefit from the new nights and weekends time starting at 7PM and free mobile-to-mobile, between Helio members.

A refresher on specs: 2.6″ TFT display with 240 x 320 resolution, 3G connectivity, GPS with Google Maps, Easy access to Facebook, MySpace, YouTube and Flickr, Stereo Bluetooth connectivity, Media player with background mode playback, 3.5mm headset jack, Opera Mini, Mail for Microsoft Exchange, File Viewer with document editing capabilities, 3D gaming, 2 megapixel camera with location tagging and video recording, microSD memory card slot.

Virgin Mobile USA has confirmed the Helio Ocean 2 release and has seen fit to shower the world with further details like features, price and availability. It’s dual slide design is similar to it’s predecessor, but this time it’s slimmer. Like you couldn’t have guessed that. Gadgets and models are always getting slimmer.

Some specs: 2.6″ TFT display with 240 x 320 resolution, 3G connectivity, GPS with Google Maps, Easy access to Facebook, MySpace, YouTube and Flickr, Stereo Bluetooth connectivity, Media player with background mode playback, 3.5mm headset jack, Opera Mini, Mail for Microsoft Exchange, File Viewer with document editing capabilities, 3D gaming, 2 megapixel camera with location tagging and video recording, microSD memory card slot.

Mobile phones are one of the most ubiquitous pieces of gadgetry around. It doesn’t matter if people are into gadgets and electronics or not — most everyone wants a cell phone. As more and more features are being offered like, over-the-air downloads, faster connections speeds are wanted by many users.

Virgin Mobile USA has announced its first EV-DO handset that offers much faster data speeds. The handset is called the Shuttle and comes to Virgin Mobile USA by way of its purchase of Helio. The handset will be available on September 28 for $79.99.