Sony Unveils a New MID: the mylo 2

Sony has taken the wraps off an updated version of its mobile Internet device (MID), called the mylo COM-2.  Like its predecessor, this  can access the web and make Skype calls over Wi-Fi, and it also includes some additional features, like a built-in camera.

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The new mylo will be focused on teens who have to share a home computer. That's why it will include a web browser with support for sites like YouTube and Facebook, as well as Instant Messaging clients.

The new device will be somewhat larger than the original (5.2 in. by 2.5 in. by by 0.8 in), but will still use the same general shape: a tablet with a horizontally-oriented, backlit, sliding keyboard.

The bigger size will allow for a larger, higher-resolution display: 3.5-inch, 800 by 480 pixels.  In addition, this will be a touchscreen, something not in the original mylo.

Web Access at Any Open Hotspot

One of the new features in the mylo COM-2 will be the ability to view Flash video, such as what's on YouTube.

This MID will also allow users to snap a picture with its 1.3 mega pixel camera and upload it to a blog or social networking site. Built-in software will allow users to resize, write captions, or draw on photos and then post them online directly from the device.

The mylo 2 won't be a smartphone, but it will be able to connect to Wi-Fi networks using 802.11/b/g. To make this easier, users will receive free access to participating Wayport hotspots in the U.S., including more than 9,000 McDonald's locations, until the end of 2010.

Chatting and More Chatting

Although this device will not be a phone, in some ways it will act like one.  It will include software that will enable free Skype-to-Skype voice calls, or inexpensive SkypeOut calls to regular phones.

The mylo 2 will also allow users to exchange IMs with AIM, Google Talk, and Yahoo! Messenger.

Sony says this model will offer up to 6 hours web browsing or Internet calling on a single charge, up to 7 hours of video playback, or up to 20 hours of music playback.

But Wait, There's More

The next-generation mylo will function as a multimedia player.  For music,  users will be able to play MP3, AAC, ATRAC, or WMA (secure and unsecured) files. It will include 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.

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This MID will allow users to watch MPEG4 simple profile and MPEG4/AVC baseline profile video transferred to it via USB from a PC or downloaded from the Web.

For more fun, the device will support flash-based games. Sony will be offering such games as Sudoku and Solitaire as free downloads.

It will come with 1 GB of internal memory, with the option of adding up to 8 GB of additional storage with a Memory Stick Duo.

Coming Later this Month

The mylo COM-2 will go on sale this month for about $300.

It will be available from sonystyle.com, at Sony Style stores, and at authorized dealers nationwide.

More information on this device can be found at sony.com/mylo.

Related Articles:

• Sony mylo COM-1 Review