HELIO Drift Has Arrived

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HELIO LLC, the new mobile service that is bringing a fresh approach to the wireless industry, today announced the launch of its third exclusive mobile device – the Drift™ – and custom-built services that harness advanced GPS technology, GPS-enabled Google Maps™ for mobile and Buddy Beacon™. The new device and services continue Helio’s innovative model of utilizing mobile to let people stay in touch with their friends in new and unique ways.

“Exceptional collaborators like Samsung and Google combined with Helio’s focus on constant innovation are making first-to-market devices like Drift and our specialized services a reality.”

“Helio is engineered for connected consumers who want a mobile experience built exclusively for them,” said Sky Dayton, CEO of HELIO LLC. “With Drift we’re introducing another beautifully crafted device to our portfolio, and we’re debuting GPS-enabled services like Google Maps™ for mobile and Buddy Beacon. Now, Helio members can spend less time searching and more time hanging out.”

The Drift

This sleek and compact slider packs exceptional power and optimized access to the high speed 3G network into a slim, elegant shape. Produced by Samsung and exclusively available to Helio members, the Drift launches in two colors: gunmetal black and frost white. The Drift features a 2.12 inch high-resolution QVGA display, stereo Bluetooth®, 128MB internal memory expandable via microSD™, 2.0 megapixel camera with 4x digital zoom and flash for shooting photos and video, and MP3, MPEG-4 and VOD support for a wide variety of entertainment options. Drift is also complete with GPS capabilities to support innovative new Helio services in addition to existing custom services like Helio On Top (H.O.T.). With Drift, blogging, downloading music videos, playing games and streaming video is faster and easier than before.

Google Maps™ for mobile enabled with GPS capabilities

Helio makes finding your current location, a nearby restaurant or friend’s pad a whole lot easier with a GPS-enabled version of Google Maps™ for mobile. Helio members can avoid getting lost (unless that was the goal all along) or looking up information on their PC before leaving the house.

In addition to using GPS technology to pull up a current location on a clear and crisp map, Google Maps™ for mobile also lets Helio members get:

• Real-time traffic: locate traffic jams or find a new route in over 30 major U.S. metropolitan areas with color-coded traffic reports.
• Detailed directions: routes displayed on the map itself, together with step-by-step directions.
• Integrated search results: local business locations and contact information appear in one place, integrated on the map so you can find the closest coffee shop and get there fast.
• Easily movable maps: interactive, draggable maps let members zoom in or out, or pan in every direction.
• Satellite imagery: get a bird's eye view of a desired location.

Buddy Beacon

Buddy Beacon is the new way for Helio members to synchronize their social lives and tell friends where the fun is. Rather than calling or texting, Helio members can switch on their Buddy Beacon and use satellite technology to broadcast their location to the friends they add to their Buddy List. When they turn on Buddy Beacon, their Buddy List friends can see their location on a map along with a nearby address. Members can add up to 25 Buddies to their Buddy List. When members change locations and want to let everyone know the party is on the move, one simple command refreshes the location. Want to hide out? Just leave Buddy Beacon off to enjoy a night of privacy or to slip out the back of the club into the VIP room.

Buddy Beacon also lets Helio members send out an SMS message asking their friends to flip on their Buddy Beacons. When they activate Buddy Beacon, members can see where everyone is and meet up with the closest person for a fun night out or to tailgate at the big game. If a member notices a friend is nearby, a call can be placed directly from Buddy Beacon to check in on the fun.

“We’re staying true to our mission of bringing advanced wireless technologies from Korea to the U.S. so Helio members can experience an entirely new wireless world,” said Wonhee Sull, President & COO of HELIO LLC. “Exceptional collaborators like Samsung and Google combined with Helio’s focus on constant innovation are making first-to-market devices like Drift and our specialized services a reality.”

The Drift is now available for $225 at www.helio.com, 888-88-HELIO and at nearly 2,500 retail locations nationwide. Buddy Beacon and Google Maps™ for mobile are free with Helio All-In Memberships, and data charges apply for A La Carte memberships.

About HELIO

Hello. We’re a new mobile service dedicated to giving young, passionate people the type of wireless experience they've been waiting for. HELIO offers unique, exclusive devices, innovative services that connect you to your friends, and world-class customer care. HELIO is a joint venture between SK Telecom, the world's most innovative wireless carrier, and EarthLink, the next generation Internet service provider. www.helio.com.

About Samsung Telecommunications America

Samsung Telecommunications America, L.P., a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.samsungwireless.com.

About Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2005 parent company sales of US$56.7 billion and net income of US $7.5 billion. Employing approximately 128,000 people in over 90 offices in 51 countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Appliance Business, Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business and Telecommunication Network Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones, and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com

"Helio,” the "Helio" logo and any other product names, service names or logos of HELIO used, quoted and/or referenced herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of HELIO LLC. All other product names and/or company names used herein may be protected as trademarks of their respective owners.

"Google Maps" is a trademark of Google Inc. in the United States and elsewhere.