Sony launches mylo

Speaking of unholy abominations, Sony decided to take some design tips from their own PSP, functionality from the OQO, usage scenarios from Nokia's 770 (and a wee dash dash of inspiration from Ixi's OGO), and mash it up all together into a single device: the mylo. The name refers to "my life online," ahem, which we assume probably has a little something to do with the Sony's old school MYLO / My Life Online, a wireless service Sony launched launched at PC Expo 2001 "to offer mobile users an original and personalized way to access information and entertainment content for work and play." (Yeah, that's specific.) This blast from the past now takes shape as a $350 WiFi-centric handheld features a slide-up 2.4-inch screen, VoIP capabilities via Skype, web access, media playback capabilities, 1GB flash, and a Memory Stick slot -- just think of it as a UX180P, you know, for kids.

[Thanks to Eric and everyone who sent this in]

[xander @ Aug 8th 2006 2:17AM]

no cell phone or camera? basically a really thick psp with a keyboard. LAME

[filap @ Aug 8th 2006 2:18AM]

I would totaly buy this... If I didn't have either a cellphone, laptop, or MP3 player.

[Mini-Me @ Aug 8th 2006 2:19AM]

I think they would mention it if it did.

[Jake @ Aug 8th 2006 2:19AM]

Unholy abomination is right...holy hell that's ugly.

Where can I pick one up?

[Keith L. Dick @ Aug 8th 2006 2:20AM]

Huh?...

I got better things to do with my tine than play with *Toys*..

[nick @ Aug 8th 2006 2:21AM]

I want one. Not sure why, it just seems cool, and since I live in a city it gives me a way to get internet anywhere without bringing my laptop along.

[hobgoblin @ Aug 8th 2006 2:41AM]

put bluetooth in there so i can use my phone to connect when not inside a wifi zone and im game. that is if the screen have a nice rez like the nokia 770 :P

[Ypocaramel @ Aug 8th 2006 2:57AM]

and I was hoping that it was the PSP phone.

[js @ Aug 8th 2006 2:58AM]

Wouldn't it be better if this has a touchscreen and an operating system? Oh wait... this is just a stripped down version of their discontinued CLIE handhelds.

[David Lewandowski @ Aug 8th 2006 3:06AM]

wait till you guys see the Mylo website! it's awesome ;) amazing flash..

[kevin fernandes @ Aug 8th 2006 3:14AM]

When will it be available and does anyone have a website for more information?

[Tech^CF @ Aug 8th 2006 3:28AM]

UMD?

(or is it still not universal)

[M_Mickey @ Aug 8th 2006 3:30AM]

This is a PDA phone without the phone or pda functions.
Can't think of any situation this would be handy. Its a toy! Its a crappy mp3 / video player because of the storage / non widescreen. with a touchscreen it could be hacked into a great remote. Its shortcommings overshadows its feuters Should cost 99$.

[Carniphage @ Aug 8th 2006 3:47AM]

Sony have lost the plot so badly, they could not find it, even with GPS.

[Mark @ Aug 8th 2006 4:09AM]

This could have been something really good. I mean, my cell phone bill is stretching into the $200 a month range these days, including a lot of gprs crap. What I wouldn't give for a device that:

- has the latest and greatest in wifi, with strong reception
- has built in skype with easily upgradable firmware
- has the ability to play widescreen movies and various formats of music
- has an all-in-one IM package that can access msn, AIM, ICQ and I guess yahoo and google talk
- built on open source so that third party apps could be built to make it even more accessible
- has built in bluetooth for both audio listening and for calls
- built in autofocus camera with LED lighting.
- didn't look gay. (lol)
- didn't come from Sony; or if it did, didn't have Sony-centric things (atrac, memory stick, wasted sony software, closed, proprietary system.

Did I mention didn't look gay? Or maybe doesn't look like some kid's toy.

Actually, I'm hoping that the PSP2 if it ever comes out will have all the above, plus the current functionality, and a slide out keyboard. I'm still surprised that no one, not Sony, not any third party haven't come out with docking keyboard for the PSP. But then again, why expect a third party to do it - Sony's locked down the firmware tight and doesn't encourage any third party app development outside of UMD games.

One day, I'd love to ditch the cell phone...

[Alex @ Aug 8th 2006 4:11AM]

I love the fact everyone is slating this;

So this is basically a music player, with video support and wi-fi. It also has mobile internet and skype and a long battery life and replacable memory (not capacity though)...

So if an iPod had come out yesterday with video support, wi-fi, mobile internet, skype a long battery life and replacable memory for $350 everyone would have been amazed and jumping for joy saying "when can I get one of these!"

[xander @ Aug 8th 2006 4:28AM]

lol at alex's post. you have a good point but apple wouldnt dare come out with something that had this little memory. i mean this thing is pretty much useless as a music/video player without substantial (20gig+) memory. im pretty disapointed in sony right now.
i also agree with pretty much everything that mark said.
why doesnt such a product exist? maybe sony once ps3 comes out sony will be able to focus more on this kind of thing and realize what people really want.

skype is great and all but its no substitute for a cell... not by a long shot.

[liam billington @ Aug 8th 2006 4:29AM]

It needs GPS and UMD. Then it could be the clie replacement.

[Gavin @ Aug 8th 2006 4:37AM]

Now as a concept it’s great. Granted I’m not going to buy one, but then I’m not in Sony’s target marketing group, that is obvious kids/students.

Now if you want a phone, camera, qwerty keyboard, bluetooth then there are lots of devices out there already. Look at the HTC Hermes. But this device is well out the price range of students.

Now as for the lack of memory, I don't know why people have the need to take ever bit of media that own every where they go. I’ve got a 2gb Nano and it has more music on there than I can listen to in a whole day. And when I’m bored of it I just change what’s on there.

[g3n3tiX @ Aug 8th 2006 4:41AM]

If you follow the link it says 802.11B !! Only 12mb/s ? Lame, I thought after the psp they would upgrade this !!
For something which main use is wifi, they could have put 802.11G .

[Paul @ Aug 8th 2006 4:55AM]

When will the stop making these things you have to carry. I want it installed right in my cranium.

[digitalistic @ Aug 8th 2006 5:06AM]

Guys, I was going to say that what you're looking at is a $200 communicator with $149 worth of iPod nano functionality in it. Then again, it's a media player with built in WiFi which lets it outclass the iPod in terms of basic functions.

For those of you moaning about all the things it isn't and how you wouldn't use it because it's a toy: Duh! It isn't meant for the over 21 market. While I'm getting the Vaio UX 90 I see no reason why I shouldn't get this for my 13 year old nephew. For this segment the Mylo rocks, and the only thing that I feel Sony could have added to it for the price is a 1.3 megapixel swivel camera that would let the user videochat or take basic pictures.

[Tari Akpodiete @ Aug 8th 2006 5:34AM]

ok, WHAT is with the STUPID companies from Sony to Danger to RIM to Nokia who refuse to make a device with built-in screen protection?

these things - be they a phone or a gaming device - either need a protective flip cover, clear or otherwise (i.e. Sony TH55, HP Jornada 56x series) or they need to be a flip device (IXI Mobile, Nintendo DS, Gameboy Advance, or the long-promised vapour hardware FlipStart - http://www.flipstartpc.com).

as someone who did a year of support on Sidekicks for T-Mobile, i cannot tell you how many thousands of people called in because they cracked their darn screens, including people who carried them in a case on their belt or put them in a case and then put them into their purse or pocket. it's a huge problem, and it is not covered by the warranty.

at one time, T-Mobile was charging U$70 to replace such broken devices, if you had an annual plan, with a refurb. they dropped that option as it was costing them huge. if you were pay-as-you-go, you were sh*t out of luck as there never was a replacement option for this problem.

we were trained to say: "yes, that sounds very frustrating" as if that is helpful to someone who has to shell out 400 smackers for a new phone, cause there are no deals when you already have service.

the BEST advice i could give to people who like to wear their devices on their hips like guns is to 1. get a hard case, and 2. put the screen facing the body.

[spage @ Aug 8th 2006 6:09AM]

there is no reason to buy it, because i have nokia e60 and ipod video, this is crap

[ASM @ Aug 8th 2006 6:28AM]

so basically this is really just a crappy psp with a keyboard? great.

its offical, if i buy this im going to need a manpurse, er, i mean european-carryall, to carry my laptop, cell, psp and mp3 player.

[TZK @ Aug 8th 2006 6:31AM]

The people who read this forum, the idiots who think everything has to be a cellphone - you are all.. idiots.

Its a WiFi SKYPE phone with multi media options, plain and simple. Get the sticks out of your asses.

[booboo @ Aug 8th 2006 6:42AM]

Does it display MySpace correctly? If it does it will sell millions.

[Aegelward @ Aug 8th 2006 7:00AM]

if there are IRC and instant messaging clients available for this thing i would so get it. i'd be able to stay in contact with my friends online when i go somewhere where i don't have the luxury of tanking my notebook with me :)

[Scoobydoo @ Aug 8th 2006 7:48AM]

Sony - to stupid to come up with a NEW name?

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_zdpcm/is_200111/ai_ziff18465

[Tsubasa Kato @ Aug 8th 2006 8:11AM]

It's a next gen PSP concept I tell yer... :)

[PS1,2,3 @ Aug 8th 2006 8:30AM]

Yes, it does appear that Sony has trouble thinking of new names.

PS
PS2
PS3
PSP

[strider_mt2k @ Aug 8th 2006 8:37AM]

Someone give Sony a hand please.
They just keep missing the mark.

[dan @ Aug 8th 2006 8:41AM]

@Alex
Except for the fact that this device has almost no storage and looks horrible.

I don't know how I'd use one of these anyways. Maybe once wifi networks cover more area, I'll pick up something like this. Not today.

[gear @ Aug 8th 2006 8:56AM]

I think if this had a USB port it would be a great device. You could keep music or videos on a portable hard drive or a flash drive and just play them from the drive. GPS would be nice too, but I guess it would drive up the price.

[Mattigan @ Aug 8th 2006 9:05AM]

At Cornell University they have an incredible piece of scientific equipment known as the Tunneling Electron Microscope. Now, this microscope is so powerful that by firing electrons you can actually see images of the atom, the infinitesimally minute building blocks of our universe. Sony, if I were using that microscope right now, I still wouldn't be able to locate my interest in this product

(Thanks Fraiser!)

[korey @ Aug 8th 2006 9:08AM]

its kool but B band wireless is horrible and does it do aim and myspace ? and full web i need just summin that has wifi so i dont lug my laptop

[A.A. Fussy @ Aug 8th 2006 9:11AM]

Hope Mylo, real name Myles MacInnes (born 1978 in Skye)-the Scottish electronic musician agreed for Sony to use his name for Mylo (stands for "My Life Online"), .

[Jay @ Aug 8th 2006 9:35AM]

"It doesn't have this, it doesn't do that - Sony have lost it!" etc etc ad infinitum ad nauseum.

Give it a rest for GOD DAMNED SAKE!

Listen to yourselves. Have we really got to a point where a product designed to do a specific task ot two absolutely MUST also be able to play video in any format, run games, do your taxes, clean your dishes, wipe your arse blah blah blah? And all for 50 quid. What are you on?

If it doesn't play video in a way that satisfies you, or do something it was never supposed or designed to do in the first place, go and buy something that does and stop whining or making completely irrelevant comments. This product has a purpose, it looks like it does it well. And it has a couple of other bonus features on the side.

After all, I don't see anyone complain that the iPod doesn't let one play TOCA Race Driver 3 or run a spreadsheet or order a takeaway.... oh, hang on, that's right, there is absolutely no reason why it should and it was never intended to, that's why.

[Jay @ Aug 8th 2006 9:45AM]

PS - Perhaps Sony should stick an Apple logo on it and make it out of cheap and flimsy materials that mark and scratch easily. The pathetic iSheep fashionistas would run out and buy it in the millions and the media would be reporting on Apple's latest "technological revolution" (cf. the video iPod, the claimed portable video - ahem - "invention" from Jobs et al).

If they did that Sony could double the price, too.

Jay (iDon't and iWouldn't if you iPayed me)

[JinKazama @ Aug 8th 2006 9:56AM]

WOW why wasn't this the PSP? you stuff a PSP into that design (which you could very easily) the PSP would have been perfect.

I use my PSP for the uses Sony lists this for but the only thing holding it back from being at my side at all times is good text entry.

[sfeng1 @ Aug 8th 2006 10:07AM]

1mb ram? i'm going to assume it also sports some shitty processor (read: shitty homebrew, if any), so the functions probably aren't going to extend outside of those it comes with ("IMing w/ friends" and not having to pay those "outrageous" fees on your cellphone).

i was expecting something more powerful and versatile, something to replace my cell, mp3, AND gp2x.

[Fabjabba @ Aug 8th 2006 10:16AM]

Talk about stupid negativity and anti-Sony bias at Engadget.

This thing is a great highly original device especially considering its also a Skype phone, keyboard, Media Player (Mpeg4 support), IM, WiFi, etc. Also, being Memory Stick Duos are ass cheap now (4GBs are going for a little more then a hundred dollars), its pretty upgradable.

[Jason T. @ Aug 8th 2006 10:22AM]

>>If you follow the link it says 802.11B !! Only 12mb/s ? Lame, I thought after the psp they would upgrade this !!
For something which main use is wifi, they could have put 802.11G .

Hey dumb-ass, most mobile devices use 802.11b for a good reason, LOWER POWER CONSUMPTION, and the fact that 12mbs is more then enough for small devices. Don't need 54mbs to send an IM.

Your just a another redneck Sony-baser who doesn't have a clue what their talking about.

[VJ @ Aug 8th 2006 10:40AM]

If it had more memory, this would have been what the PSP should have been in terms of non-game applications.

But I think the most important thing that people are missing, if you watch the video on Gizmodo, is that its HALF the size of the PSP.

With 4GB MS Duos coming out, I think I'll buy one of these bad boys. Plus I think it looks sexay!

[vaiofreak @ Aug 8th 2006 10:41AM]

Here is the Mylo site: http://www.sony.com/mylo

[Fernando @ Aug 8th 2006 11:29AM]

What OS does this run? Is it Palm OS? it's being constantly referred to as "the last member of the Clie family" and Clies ran Palm OS, you know...

Yet there's no reference as to what OS does this thing run.

If it does indeed run Palm OS, it'd be a good contender for the Palm lifedrive...

[Kristjan @ Aug 8th 2006 11:33AM]

Yeah, but can it play Doom?

[haythem @ Aug 8th 2006 11:37AM]

ummm, so why not just get an HTC Wizard that can do all this plus WAY more!

[Wry Cooter @ Aug 8th 2006 11:45AM]

Well Apparently they are tired of people trying to do the same with the PSP. Maybe they should just let people do the same, as much as possible, with the PSP. And try to get some PSP games worth buying.

This is a smaller gizmo however, if you really like to squint to watch 'media', and need that nano sized hotness for your painted on jeans. But not quite a phone, with no camera capabilities. Hmm, I just wait and see what SonyEricsson makes instead.

[Milo @ Aug 8th 2006 11:49AM]

Here's the dealbreaker and all you really need to know about this device: The resolution is 320x240.

Sorry, but I have a two year old mobile phone that has a better resolution than this :(

I mean even the PSP display has about twice as many pixels, and I'm not sure I would even settle for that for reading web pages. For web browsing at least, the N770 at 800x480 kills this device at the same price point. Skype support is a definite plus, got to give them that.

Also, what's up with no Bluetooth support?