Sony launches Wi-Fi personal communicator

news
Aug 8, 20061 min

Mylo will come embedded with IM, VOIP, and Internet browser with Web mail service

Sony Electronics has unveiled a wireless-enabled device aimed primarily at people who like to send text messages and make free calls over the Internet.

The new Mylo personal communicator, designed to operate on all 802.11b wireless networks, will be priced at $350 and be available in September at Sony’s retail stores and online shop at: www.sonystyle.com.

Mylo, which stands for “my life online,” will compete with a range of hybrid communication devices, including phones with cellular and Wi-Fi capabilities and a number of messaging and entertainment features.

The device features a 2.4 inch color LCD (liquid crystal display) with a slide-out Qwerty keyboard for quick thumb typing. It comes with embedded with IM (instant-message) applications from several companies, including Google, Yahoo, and Skype.

An Internet browser is also embedded, with Web mail service available through Google and Yahoo.

Also included is VOIP (voice over Internet Protocol) software from Skype.

Mylo is equipped with 1GB of flash memory to store music, photos, and video clips, and contains a directory listing more than 20,000 hotspots in the U.S.