CES 2008: Sony Updates Mylo PDA

Social networking tools and camera added

7 January 2008 9:36 GMT / By Katie Scott

Sony is now offering new social networking tools to owners of its Mylo portable communicator.

It has added AIM, Facebook and YouTube capabilities to its pocketable broadband device.

The device uses Adobe Flash Lite 3 software, to give full access to the videos posted on YouTube and other popular Flash-based Web sites.

The device can also upload and download content to and from the Web using the touch screen interface on its 3.5-inch high-resolution display.

The Mylo also offers a 1.3-megapixel camera and photo editing software.

With the Mylo communicator, users can also log into existing AIM, Google Talk, Yahoo!Messenger and Skype accounts to access contact lists, while sending and receiving multiple messages at the same time.

The device also supports Skype-to-Skype voice calls.

Sony has also added Widgets offering shortcuts to facilities including Google Search, instant messenger contacts lists, YouTube, RSS feeds and Facebook.

Mylo users can also register to become developers with access to the information they need to create their own widgets for the communicator. Developer registration will be available at the end of the month through the Mylo website. Personalised widgets created for the device can be shared on this same site.

Sony adds that it will also be offering free games on the device including Sudoku and Solitaire.

The new communicator comes with 1GB of internal memory, with the option of adding up to 8GB of additional storage with Memory Stick Duo media.

The device supports Windows Media DRM 10, so users can store and play music that has been downloaded or purchased from compatible online stores and subscription music services.

It plays MP3, AAC, ATRAC® or WMA (secure and unsecured) files. Users can watch MPEG4 simple profile and MPEG4/AVC baseline profile video transferred to the mylo communicator via USB from a PC or downloaded from the Web.

It comes equipped with a microphone, stereo headphones, USB cable, a stylus and a neoprene case. You can personalize the device with attachable face plates, which are sold in two packs -- red with gold or blue with pewter. Each pair will be sold for about $20. There is also an optional charging cradle available for around $30.

In addition, the unit includes a hotspot location database from JiWire for the top 20 US cities.

As an added extra, the new COM-2 mylo communicator devices will receive free access to participating Wayport hotspot locations in the US including more than 9000 McDonald’s locations until 31 December, 2010.

Available in black or white, with a back-lit, slide-out QWERTY keyboard, this wireless broadband device connects to open Wi-Fi networks using 802.11/b and /g standards.

It does not require a monthly service contract.

The latest mylo communicator will be available this month for about $300 directly from Sony.