Virgin Mobile USA has announced the first contract 3G handset in its 2009 line-up and will be on sale for $149 at www.virginmobileusa.com beginning February 12, 2009. This device incorporates broad range of mobile content, social media and GPS features.

A sleek, soft-edge dual slider, the new Ocean 2 boasts slimmer lines and a larger screen than its predecessor. Produced exclusively for Virgin Mobile USA by Personal Communications Devices, LLC (PCD), the Ocean 2 comes with easy access to popular messaging and social networks and sites.

The Helio Ocean 2 comes up with the upgraded features include:

• A larger landscape mode 2.6” QVGA screen.
• One-click access to the new Connect social networking dashboard solution.
• The Ultimate Inbox instant messaging suite has expanded to include Google Talk.
• The Media Player now provides background mode playback allowing the user to multi-task while listening to music.
• Mail for Microsoft Exchange is included in data plans, eliminating the premium monthly fee.
• The HTML browser now allows members to quickly text or email a URL, and has tabs to surf multiple web pages with ease.
• The File Viewer now allows for the editing of Microsoft Works, Excel and PowerPoint files right from the device.
• A new optical sensor directional/navigational pad provides analog scroll input capability.
• The new keyboard offers an improved typing experience with a new enlarged, rubberized keypad.
• The 2MP camera with video recording includes “night shot” and location tagging.
• Memory upgraded to include a 512MB external MicroSDTM card.

[via SlashGear]