Welcome Sony’s new “personal communication device.” Dubbed the Mylo (standing for My Life Online — clever, right?), this new device is ideal for those who don’t have a need for a true cell phone, but want a cool device that will allow internet access, instant messaging and the “coolness” factor of a touch screen.
Re-debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show, the Mylo is a refreshing product. The first generation of the Mylo was highly criticized and Sony listened. Equipped with a high resolution touch screen measuring 3.5 inches diagonal, a slide out QWERTY keyboard, a built in 1.3 MP camera, photo editing software, an MP3 player, integrated instant messaging and email, and built with the ability to play Flash content, this device seemingly has it all. The only downfall that immediately struck me was the lack of integrated cell phone.
Sony attempts to make up for this obvious con — somewhat — by offering free WiFi connections at all Wayport Hotspot locations. If you enjoy a Big Mac or a Rooty Tooty Fresh N’ Fruity, this device is for you. Wayport is the WiFi provider at more than 9,000 McDonalds, 70 IHOP restaurants and more than 600 hotels nationwide. Sony made a great decision by providing a real internet browser (Opera) and Flash support. If there’s a McDonald’s in sight, you can watch that Sara Silverman “I’m F***ing Matt Damon” video on YouTube so many times you memorize the lyrics.
Another bonus to make up for the lack of phone calling and text messaging is the ability to integrate Mylo using Skype. Skype is the world’s leading “free” internet calling system, providing the ability to make and receive free voice calls from other Skype users. However, utilizing the “free” part of Skype makes all of your friends get Skype accounts too. Probably not going to happen. Skype does offer the SkypePro service, which allows you to place and receive calls to landlines and mobiles, voicemail and SMS texting. Phew. But, for all of this to work it will cost you about $30 a month (still considerably less than a data plan with a major cell phone carrier) and you must be connected to a WiFi connection to place and receive calls. The best part is that you can cancel the service at any time, and there are no credit checks or contracts required. Ah, the joys of the open source world.
One of the biggest complaints that I have of the iPhone is the requirement to type out text messages and emails on the touch screen. Being that my typing speed is around 100 words per minute, I hate it. A QWERTY keyboard is a requirement in my book, and Sony has come through with a slide out backlit version.
Even considering all of the above, the coolest thing about the Mylo is the integrated camera with photo editing abilities. You can snap a picture anytime, do some minor edits (cropping, lighting adjustment or even draw on the image adding text and lines) and upload that image directly on the Mylo to MySpace and Facebook. All without having to fire up that laptop.
If you want the convenience of a pocket wireless device and camera, the joy of no cell contracts and need to feed your obsession with YouTube, MySpace and Facebook, go get a Mylo today. It’s available at all electronics stores for $299.
Melissa Harris is currently employed as a technical quality assurance manager in South Portland. In her spare time she plays for Maine Roller Derby, does web and print design and basically never sleeps.